The Scouting America Complete Angler Award honors Scouts who earn all three fishing-related merit badges: Fishing, Fly-Fishing, and Fish & Wildlife Management.
Fishing Merit Badge was one of the original merit badges and over two million have earned it. In a recent Boys’ Life survey, fishing placed 4th overall as the preferred outdoor activity, surpassed only by camping, swimming and bicycling. What better way to keep older Scouts involved than by expanding on this trend.
After completing the Complete Angler Recognition, these older Scouts can become mentors for younger Scouts, sharing their knowledge and helping others to enjoy a positive fishing experience.
The Complete Angler patch is available as a patch which may be worn as a temproary patch on the right pocket of any Scouting uniform.
Earn the three Fishing related merit badges - Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Fish & Wildlife Management.
a.
Fishing Merit Badge – Date earned
Fishing merit badge was one of the original merit badges and by 2015 TWO MILLION SCOUTS have earned the Fishing MB.
In a recent Boys’ Life survey, Fishing placed 4th overall as the preferred outdoor activity, surpassed only by camping, swimming and bicycling.
b.
Fly Fishing Merit Badge - Date earned
This the newest angling merit badge and was introduced in 2002 and has had special interest and attention in recent years.
The last three National Jamborees featured fly fishing with great success.
The Fly Fishing Merit badge have had a recent 48% increase in completions.
c.
Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge - Date earned
This merit badge was introduced in 1972 and was originally called Wildlife Management.
Scouts earning Fish & Wildlife Management Merit Badge will be encouraged to help develop healthy fish and wildlife populations and to become better aware of how to protect our wildlife for generations.
2.
Your last step is to successfully complete one or more of the following projects:
a.
Teach a Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge skill to your troop, crew or team as part of a unit program activity.
b.
Help instruct Cub Scouts on fishing skills or fishery management as part of a Cub Scout meeting or outing.
c.
Participate in a local fishing derby or tournament, either a Scouting or Community event.
d.
Complete a conservation project that will benefit a local fishery. Explain how regular exercise contributes to good health and why swimming is one of the best forms of exercise.
