Fly Fishing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

Do you have a boy scout in the family? If so, you might want to help him earn the Fly Fishing Merit Badge.

This badge was created in May 2002 to give youth an opportunity to learn about fly fishing, tying flies, and about fishing conservation.

To earn the badge, scouts must demonstrate knowledge about fly fishing, safety, and respect for the environment and fish. After demonstrating how to tie fly fishing knots, they'll also have to rig a fly rod, demonstrate casting techniques and catch two fish!

The actual list of requirements for the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge are:

1. Explain to his counselor the injuries that could occur while fly-fishing and the proper treatment, including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, and heat reactions. Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm. Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fly-fishing.


2. Discuss how to match a fly rod, line, and leader to get 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.


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

• Tie a backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot.
• Attach backing to fly line using the nail knot.
• Attach a leader to fly line using the needle knot, nail knot, or loop-to-loop connection.
• Add a tippet to a leader using a double surgeon’s loop or blood knot.
• Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot.
  

4. Explain how each of the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, and poppers. What does each imitate? Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement.


5. Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly consistently and accurately using overhead and roll cast techniques.


6. Go to a suitable fishing location and make observations on the types of insects fish may be eating. Look for flying insects and some that may be on or beneath the water’s surface. Look under rocks. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.


7. Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace and how it positively affects fly-fishing resources.


8. Obtain a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what you accomplish by following them.


9. Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to fishermen. Tell how the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a fishing enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.


10. Using the fly-fishing techniques he has learned, catch two different kinds of fish and identify them. Release at least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook another fish.

You can download printable version of the Fly Fishing Merit Badge requirements along with a worksheet by clicking here.

The Boy Scouts also have a regular Fishing Merit Badge. To learn more about it click here.