1. Do the following:

3. Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a fly rod for fishing:

7. Do the following:

10. Catch one fish on a fly and identify it.
Resources: Fish Identification Apps (app)
How To Identify Common Freshwater Fish (video)

11. 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, Descale, and Gut a Fresh Fish (video)
How To Clean and Care for Your Catch (video)
How To Fillet a Fish (video)
How To Clean a Fish Before Cooking (video)
How To Cook a Fish (video)
5 Easy Ways To Cook Fish (video)

2. Demonstrate how to match a fly rod, line, and leader to achieve a balanced system. Discuss several types of fly lines, and explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
Resources: How To Set Up a Fly Rod and Reel (video)
How To Set Up Your Fly Line, Leader, Tippet, & Flies (video)
Understanding Fly Line Tapers (video)
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Fly Fishing Gear (video)

4. Explain how and when each of the following types of flies is used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, poppers, and saltwater flies. Tell what each one imitates. Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement.
Resources: Fly Fishing Flies Explained (Streamers, Nymphs, Dry Flies & More) (video)
Bass Popper Fly—Bass Series:McFly Angler fly Tying Tutorial (video)
Saltwater Flys (video)

5. Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly 30 feet consistently and accurately using both overhead and roll cast techniques.
Resource: Overhead Cast and Roll Cast (video)

6. Go to a suitable fishing location and observe what fish may be eating both above and beneath the water's surface. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.
Resource: Match the Hatch Fly Fishing (video)

8. Obtain and review a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live or where you plan to fish. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
Resource: Fishing Licenses, Rules, Regulations (web)

9. 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.
Resources: Understanding Basic Fishing Rules and Etiquette (video)
Fly Fishing Guidelines with Leave No Trace (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.