 Fishing
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Fishing merit badge are: 9, 10
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Fishing Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
| 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, including cuts and scratches, puncture
wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration,
heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. |
| c. |
Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your
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. |
| a. |
Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace techniques. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace 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 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. |
9. |
Catch at least 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.) |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2024"
Download the workbook for the
Fishing Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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