Fishing


Resources
Fishing Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of June 6, 2026
as of June 6, 2026
NOTE: Scouts should obey all local fishing regulations and
property laws.
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, and 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.
NOTE: It is not required that you eat the fish.