Scouting/BSA/Fly Fishing Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Requirement 1

Explain to your counselor the injuries that could occur while fly-fishing and the proper treatment, including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, 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.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 3

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

A. Tie a backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot

B. Attach backing to fly line using the nail knot

C. Attach a leader to fly line using the needle knot, nail knot or loop-to-loop connection

D. Add tippet to a leader using a double surgeon’s loop or blood knot

E. Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot

Requirement 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.

Requirement 5

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

Requirement 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.

Requirement 7

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

Requirement 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.

Requirement 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.

Requirement 10

Catch at least one fish. If regulations and health concerns permit, clean and cook a fish you have caught. Otherwise, acquire a fish and cook it.

External links

• Fly Fishing Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• How to Cast a Fly Rod and Fly Fish on YouTube.com
• How to Tie Fishing Knots Videos by Berkley-Fishing.com
• Fishing Knot Instruction Library from NetKnots.com
• Fish Identification Database from FishBase.org