1. Do the following:

6. Do the following:

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.
Resources: How To Clean and Care for Your Catch (video)
How To Fillet a Fish (video)
How To Cook a Fish (video)
5 Easy Ways To Cook Fish (video)

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.
Resources: Types of Fishing Reels and How to Use Them for Beginners - Spinning vs. Spincast vs. Baitcasting (video)
Cane Pole Fishing (video)

3. Demonstrate the proper use of two different types of fishing equipment.
Resources: How to Cast and Use a Spincast Push Button Rod and Reel - Fishing Reels for Beginners (video)
Fishing 101 Made Easy with Simple Spinning Reel Casting (video)
How to Use a Baitcaster For Beginners! (video)

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.
Resources: Improved Clinch Knot (website)
Palomar Knot (website)
Uni Knot (website)
Uni-to-Uni / Double Uni Knot (website)
Arbor Knot (website)
Animated Knots (website)

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.
Resources: Most Common Types of Fishing Lures (website)
Fishing Lures for Beginners (video)
What Are the Different Types Of Fishing Lures? (website)
Motivations and Risks of Illegal Baitfish Release (video)

7. Obtain and review the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
Resource: Fishing Licenses, Rules, Regulations (website)

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.
Resource: Understanding Basic Fishing Rules and Etiquette (video)

9. Catch one fish and identify it.
Resources: Fish Identification Apps (app)
FishBase Identification (website)
How to Identify Common Freshwater Fish (video)

NOTE: Scouts should obey all local fishing regulations and property laws.

NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.