Pathways to Eagle - Display Merit Badge Requirement Information

The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Fly Fishing merit badge are: 6, 8, 10

1.	Do the following:

a.	Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the following health concerns that could occur while fly-fishing, including cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn.

b.	Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm.

c.	Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fly-fishing.

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.

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 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 loop-to-loop connection or blood knot.

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

4.	Explain how and when each of the following types of flies are 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.

5.	Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly 30 feet consistently and accurately using both overhead and roll cast techniques.

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.

7.	Do the following:

a.	Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace techniques. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace on fly-fishing resources.

b.	Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how to properly release a fish safely to the water.

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.

9.	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 enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.

10.

Catch at least one fish and identify it. If local fishing and health regulations allow, clean and cook a fish you have caught. Otherwise, acquire a fish and cook it.

The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2010"

Download the workbook for the Fly Fishing Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from ,The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.

The availability of a Merit Badge session will be based on the actual availability of Merit Badge counselors on the day of the event.

To be able to complete a merit badge during Pathways to Eagle the preparation work indicated on the web site MUST be completed BEFORE and turned in at the START of the merit badge session and you MUST bring proof of completion. You must also be able to demonstrate the necessary knowledge for ALL of the requirements. Scouts not completing the merit badge will receive credit for the work they have done and will have to make arrangements with a counselor to complete any remaining requirements at a later date.

Note: The preparation work listed is subject to change at any time. It is based on what the counselor believes needs to be completed before the session starts.

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