Fishing
Resources
- Fishing Class Preparation Page
- Fishing Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Fishing Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Do the following:
a.
Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter
while participating in fishing activities, and what you should do to
anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
b.
Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the following health
concerns that could occur while fishing: cuts and scratches, puncture
wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, heat exhaustion,
heatstroke, sunburn.
c.
Explain how to remove a barbed hook that is lodged in someone's arm.
d.
Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while
fishing.
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.
3.
Demonstrate the proper use of two different types of fishing equipment.
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.
5.
Name and identify five basic artificial lures and five natural baits and
explain how to fish with them. Explain why baitfish are not to be released.
6.
Do the following:
a.
Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace Seven Principles
and the Outdoor Code. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace
Seven Principle and the Outdoor Code on fishing resources.
b.
Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how
to properly release a fish safely to the water.
7.
Obtain and review the regulations affecting game fishing where you live.
Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
8.
Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to
anglers. Tell how the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code
relate to a fishing sports enthusiast, including the aspects of littering,
trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
9.
Catch one fish and identify it.
10.
If regulations and health concerns permit, clean and cook a fish you have
caught. If you are unable to catch a fish for eating, acquire a fish, clean
the fish you acquired, and cook the fish you acquired. (It is not required
that you eat the fish.)
