Fishing Merit Badge | The Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouts America, Fishing Merit Badge offers Scouts an exciting way to discover the world of fishing, introducing them to a rewarding, skillful, and incredibly fun outdoor activity. Fishing is much more than just catching fish—it’s about patience, adventure, and connecting with nature. With every cast, a Scout learns new skills, like reading water conditions, tying specialized knots, selecting the right bait, and even understanding fish habitats and behavior.

Click here to download the Fishing Merit Badge book.

The thrill of fishing comes from the journey as much as the catch; standing by the water, waiting for the bite, and the moment of reeling in a fish all bring an unparalleled sense of excitement and accomplishment. For Scouts, this badge is a gateway to gaining confidence and independence while learning valuable outdoor survival skills that will stay with them for life. The badge also encourages responsibility and conservation by teaching the importance of ethical fishing practices, respect for wildlife, and the preservation of natural habitats.

Scouts who pursue the Fishing Merit Badge will find it’s a fantastic way to bond with friends and family, especially during outdoor adventures and camping trips. Every trip out to fish offers a chance to enjoy peaceful time in nature, sharpen focus, and celebrate the thrill of discovery. This badge is an ideal fit for any Scout eager to develop skills in one of the most enjoyable and accessible outdoor sports—and it might just inspire a lifelong passion for the great outdoors!

The requirements for the Fishing Merit Badge are as follows:

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, 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.

6. Do the following:

(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.)

Note: My name is Rick and I'm the founder or MONSTERBASS and I'm also a Scoutmaster. I'm happy to extend a 20% discount to Scouts who're interested in fishing. One of the best ways to learn about the sport & to become better at fishing is through a subscription to MONSTERBASS.

Each month you'll receive hand-picked baits, a 20 page guidebook detailing how to fish each bait, along with access to over 400+ instructional videos. You can cancel at any time too! To learn more about our plans click here.

Don't forget to use discount code: SCOUTS20 to save 20% off your order.

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