Fishing
Merit Badge Workbook
This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements.
Type your work on this page or download the Fishing
Workbook PDF.
Consider also using the Fishing merit badge class preparation page for clarification and expections when participating in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge opportunity (online or in-person).
Scout's Name:
Requirement 1: Do the following:
Requirement 1a: Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in fishing activities, and what you should to do anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
Requirement 1b: Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the following health concerns that could occur while fishing, including cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn.
Requirement 1c: Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm.
Requirement 1d: Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fishing.
Requirement 2: Discuss the differences between two types of fishing outfits. Point out and identify the parts of several types of rods and reels. Explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
Requirement 3: Demonstrate the proper use of two different types of fishing equipment.
Requirement 4: Demonstrate how to tie the following knots: improved clinch knot, Palomar knot, uni knot, uni to uni knot, and arbor knot. Explain how and when each knot is used.
Requirement 5: Name and identify five basic artificial lures and five natural baits and explain how to fish with them. Explain why bait fish are not to be released.
Requirement 6: Do the following:
Requirement 6a: Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace techniques. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace on fishing resources.
Requirement 6b: Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how to properly release a fish safely to the water.
Requirement 7: Obtain and review the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
Scouts should obey all local fishing regulations and property laws.
Requirement 8: Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to anglers. Tell how the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a fishing sports enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
Requirement 9: Catch at least one fish and identify it.
Requirement 10: If regulations and health concerns permit, clean and cook a fish you have caught. Otherwise, acquire a fish and cook it. (You do not need to eat your fish.)
