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Fly Fishing Merit Badge
 
BOY SCOUT MERIT BADGE IN FLY FISHING

The Boy Scout Merit Badge in Fly Fishing is now available. The FFF hopes some of you will become merit badge counselors. Check the Boy Scout website for counselor forms and click on the "local council" to find a troop near you. The Meritbadge.com website is another excellent tool for finding Scout information

This merit badge can be taught in about 18 to 20 hours plus a ½ to 1 day on-the-stream fishing experience. Schedule a weekend 1 to 3 day course or 2 to 3 hours in the evening each week at the scout meeting to teach this badge. Tailor your schedule to the scouts and volunteers.

Some requirements can be met by including the scouts in your club's current fly tying, fly fishing or casting classes. This would lower your volunteers' commitments. Be sure to have a "merit badge counselor" sign off on each scout for each requirement met.

This program covers all but stream insect exploration and catching and releasing or cooking a fish. Plan a ½ to 1 day fishing trip to finish the on-stream requirements. Make insect observations, look for flying insects, roll rocks, and "Match the Hatch" with flies your scouts have tied. Assist the scouts in catching 2 fish. If you fish in "catch and release only" waters - release both fish. If you fish on a "put and take" stream discuss cleaning and cooking the fish or schedule a separate time for the scouts to get together and cook fish using "put and take" fish or market fish. **Note: All links on this page except Contents will open a NEW browser window, close the new window to return to this page.

Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

  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, dehydration, and heat reactions. Explain how to remove a hook 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: 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 leader to fly line using the needle knot, nail knot or a loop to loop connection. d) Add tippet to 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.

  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 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 fisherman. 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 you have learned, catch two different fish and identify them. Released at least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook another fish.

 Example Agenda

This agenda was originally set up for a Saturday and Sunday class but has been increased to about 18 to 20 hours to cover all needed requirements. Schedule 2 weekends or 3 days for the classes.

Day 1

8:30-9:00 a.m. Class setup, registration, etc.

9:00 a.m. Introduction, overview

9:10 a.m. "Fish we fly fish for..."

9:15 a.m. Consider a Fly Fishing Outfit and its Components - Rods, Reels, Lines, Leaders

10:10 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. Introduction to Casting

11:15 a.m. Stewardship/Ethics of the Sport, lunch, Q&A

12:00 noon Split into 2 groups

12:15 p.m. 2 Group Activities - Casting & Knot Tying. Half of the class in each group.

1:30 p.m. Switch groups

3:00 p.m. Break

3:15 p.m. Tackle Talk

3:45 p.m. Questions, comments, wrap-up

 Day 2

9:00 a.m. Video

9:30 a.m. Reconvene class

9:40 a.m. Slide show - Introduction to Flies

11:00 a.m. Break

11:15 a.m. Safety - Wading, Hook removal, etc.

11:45 a.m. Lunch / Clean Up Classroom / Knot Review /Q & A

12:45 p.m. 2nd Casting Session & Moving Water Tactics

1:45 p.m. Switch Groups

2:45 p.m. Break - reconvene in one group

3:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, Questions, Clarifications, etc.

Day 3

9:00 a.m. Fly Tying Equipment

9:30 a.m. Materials and Hooks

10:00 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. Beginning Techniques

11:00 a.m. Wooly Bugger

12:00 a.m. Lunch / Q & A

1:00 p.m. Mickey Finn

2:00 p.m. Review or another fly

3:00 p.m. Close

 PREPARING FOR THIS PROGRAM

  1. Put one person in charge to contact local scout troops, coordinate your program, and get volunteers to teach different parts of the program.

  2. Pick the site as early as possible. The ideal site is a classroom or community center with a large lawn for casting. Water is nice but not required. Tables and chairs and audio-visual equipment to accompany your program should also be rented ahead of time.

  3. Plan food and drinks to compliment your scout's tastes. Scouts may also bring their own food and your group provides only coffee and pop.

  4. Costs of your program depend on you. You should cover expenses but may wish to give the classes free or have the scouts purchase the supplies they need.

  5. Prepackage handouts, support materials, FFF and club materials and 2 colors of fly line or rope to use in the knot lab with badges in an envelope for easy distribution at the first class.

  6. Use 2 colors of badges to distinguish instructors from students as not all instructors will be presenters and so they can be more easily found during breaks.

  7. If possible have a "give away" table of catalogs, old fly fishing magazines and other free things for the students. Allow anyone to read what is on the table the first day and take home what they want on the last day.

  8. Have students bring equipment if they have it and gather other loaner equipment from the club, shop owners or instructors who have extra so everyone has some different outfits to try. Fly tying equipment and rods and reels are also available from the Federation. Check the FFF website at www.fedflyfishers.org or call the IFFC at 406-222-9369.

  9. Put one person in charge of the loaner equipment when moving from one area to another to avoid loosing equipment or breaking it on low ceilings and doorways.

NEEDS FOR THIS PROGRAM

VIDEOS - Videos appropriate to your area fishing and waters, videos to emphasize personal involvement in conservation issues. These videos and others are available from the FFF Video loaner program. Check the FFF website.

  • "Where the Trout Are" by Gary Borger, with teaching guide, available fromthe FFF website.

  • "Anatomy of a Trout Stream" by Rick Hefele.

  • "All New Casting Techniques" by Lefty Kreh.

  • "Three Men Three Rivers" available from Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, PO Box 9211, Helena, MT 59604.

  • "Essences of Flycasting" I and II by Mel Kreiger.

  • "Fly Tying Basics" by Al Beatty.

PAPER - Your club brochures, FFF membership and Catch & Release brochures "Fly Fishing" merit badge book - #33283 (supply division catalog) available from www.scouting.org or your local scout council.

  • Resource Articles to promote individual participation in conservation issues and fly fishing etiquette. Request from Susan Halblom, VP Education.

  • Catalogs or copies of pages showing beginners kits available for fly fishing and fly tying.

  • Fish photos and/or slides for the "Fish We Fish For . ." section.

  • List of books, videos and periodicals from the Minnesota Fly Fishers or your own favorites list. (See attached)

  • FFF booklet "Introduction to Fly Tying" available from the FFF website at www.fedflyfishers.org. or national office at 406-585-7592.

  • FFF booklet "Introduction to Aquatic Insects" available from the FFF website or national office.

  • FFF booklet "Introduction to Fly Fishing" available from the FFF website or the national office.

EQUIPMENT - "Complete Outfits" in many sizes and uses. These can be taken apart to demonstrate different areas of your program.

  • Rods, reels, lines, backing, rod cases and socks.

  • Lines in double taper, weight forward, floating, sink tip, level taper.

  • Rope or old fly line for knot tying labs.

  • Wood block with screw eye to be a "hook" for the Knot Lab.

  • Leader material - knotted tapered and machine tapered.

  • FLY-O rods if available.

  • Flies used in your area for the various types of fishing available. You may also want to do a slide show or enlarge photographs of these flies.

  • Fly tying kits with basic tools.

  • Fly tying materials appropriate to the flies taught.

  • Float tubes if you plan to discuss this type of fishing.

  • Glasses, hats, vests, "gadgets" and anything else attached you plan to discuss.

  • Waders - chest and hip, boat foot and sock foot, wading boots and wading belts if you plan to talk about this type of fishing.

  • Equipment for classes can also be borrowed from the FFF or your local Council. Check the FFF website www.fedflyfishers.org or your local council site.

 Sample Program Outline This outline is a checklist of subject areas that you may want to cover in the workshop. Modify it as you wish. Suggestions can easily be incorporated into future courses.

Day 1

8:30 Registration - Video - Choose any of your favorite videos or one about your club or the FFF. It gets people settled.

9:00 Introduction Welcome, pass out the Boy Scout Fly-Fishing Merit Badge handbooks, handouts, state fishing regulations and rope or line for knot lab, and food and beverages Introduction of staff (encourage scouts to talk to the instructors on breaks, etc.) Introduction of the sponsoring club - pass out club brochures and FFF promotional materials and "Catch and Release" and/or "Salt Water Catch & Release" pamphlets Review schedule & outline of course Introduction of Boy Scout Fly-Fishing Merit Badge handbooks. Be sure to point out the other resources added to the students packets. Answer questions.

9:10 "Fish We Fly Fish For" - overview/scope/application of the fly fishing method to fish in your area. The Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook has information on bass, panfish, trout and saltwater. Add other sources that will apply to the fish in your area. Be sure to discuss the fishing available in your area and how to fish each type of fish.

9:15 Assemble an Outfit and Talk About its Components - start with a description of a "complete" outfit to provide context. Have examples available of several "complete outfits." See the section on "The Basic Equipment" in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook.

Lines - max 10 minutes - Have examples available. See the section on Lines in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on page 11 to 12. - construction, materials - weight - balance. Page 9 - parts - functions - floating - sinking/sink tip - taper - level - double taper - weight forward - bass bug/salt water - backing. Page 15 - care (remind about damage from insect repellent). Page 13

9:30 Rods - max 10 minutes - Have examples available. See the section on Rods in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on page 9 to 11. - materials - quality materials: $, lay up, engineering, etc. - balance with lines and intended fishing. Page 9 - action: slow, medium, fast - special purpose rods - the "all purpose rod"

9:40 Reels - max 10 minutes - Have examples available. See page 14 to 15 of the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. - function: casting, playing fish, drag, balance - parts: frame, spool, handle, drag adjustment - types: versatility, spools - construction: finesse, ruggedness - care: lubrication, grit, salt - backing

9:50 Leaders & Tippits- max 10 minutes - Have examples available. See the section on Leaders in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on pages 15 to 17. - function - "invisible" link - safety valve - balance - material & care - materials: stiffness / suppleness - straightening the leader and tippet - parts: butt, midsection, tippet - types - machine tapered - knotted tapered - braided - diameter code (explaining the X rating) See table in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on page 16. - balancing - with line: weight & function - with type of fishing - with type of fish - the general purpose leader - care: heat, insect repellent, wind knots, nicks - strike indicators: function, types

10:00 Assembly/Disassembly of Tackle (if time permits) - max 10 min. See the section on The Basic Equipment in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge hand book on pages 9 to 24. - rod tube / sock. - ferrules - guides, threading the line. - straightening line & leader. - storing the line & hook. - stuck ferrule: 2 person; 1 person. - storing the rod.

10:10 Break

10:30 Introduction to Casting - Live demonstrations are always preferable. See the section on Learning to Cast in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on page 25 to 29. - video excerpts - Lefty Kreh's "All New Fly Casting Techniques" or Mel Kreiger's "Essence of Fly Casting", or any video you may prefer. Check the FFF video loaner library on the web. - demonstration of overhead cast with Fly-O in the room or on the grass. Page 26 to 29. - proper grip - parts of the cast: pickup, backcast, forward cast - transferring energy: loading & unloading - loop control: timing & the clock - directing the cast: casting plane - scouts to try Fly-O or video if available

11:15 Stewardship & Lunch - Keep the message low key but put it in front of your students. They should come to the sport with a stewardship ethic not just one of mechanics and extraction. - Review the Boy Scout Outdoor Code and the 7 "Leave No Trace": principles on page 63 to 69 of the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. and how they apply to fly fishing. - Ethics and Etiquette should also be discussed in every fly fishing program. - The articles "Seven Days in June, Seven Men from Chicago" and "Thieves of a Stream" and others on Ethic and Etiquette are available from Susan Halblom VP Education FFF or use some article from your own area. - "Three Men Three Rivers" Video available from the Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana State Parks and Wildlife Interpretive Assoc., PO Box 9211, Helena, MT 59604. - any videos that may be available that will help emphasize personal involvement in stewardship. Check the FFF Video loaner library on the web or your local fly shop. - Questions and answers handled over lunch.

 12:00 Gather & Split Group

12:15 Casting Group - - instructors assist in rigging outfits - demonstration/narration - See Learn to Cast in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook on page 25 to 29. - safety, backcast, hat & sunglasses. - starting out. Page 26. - stance - grip - working out the line - begin cast - tip down (emphasize) - pickup: smooth lift, energize & load the rod - backcast - energizing, stopping, smooth transition - forward cast, stopping - presentation to targets - controlling loops - wide loops - closed loops - proper loop - roll cast. Page 28 to 29. - clock, energize, casting plane, loop control - 1 to 1 or small group practice with students on the grass or on a pond with yarn instead of hooks.

12:15 Knot Lab Group - Have a fully rigged outfit available to show where the knots will be used. The need for knots is more easily explained. See the section on page 17 to 22 of the Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. Use the large size fly line or rope to demonstrate and for Boy Scouts to practice. Use a block of wood with a screw eye attached to represent the fly. It is easier to tie a knot with the large fly line or rope. While the knots the instructors prefer may vary from those listed below, #1 to 5 are required by the badge requirements. - knots in nylon - strength, weakness, reliability, simplicity - heat - demo to show how heat destroys nylon - wind knots - demo with wind knot - describe outfit, where knot used - set context for understanding knots - 1 - Arbor knot - backing to rod, page 20 - 2 - Nail knot or Needle knot - leader/permanent butt to line, page 18 - 3 - Perfection loop: & loop to loop connections, page 21to 22 - 4 - Double surgeon's knot - tippet, leader repair, page 17 - 5 - Improved clinch knot - attaching the fly, page 19 - Blood knot or Barrel knot, attach leader to tippet - Turle knot or Turtle knot, attach fly to leader, page 19 - Duncan loop - page 39 - Practice each knot with larger diameter fly line or "rope" before trying to tie leader material. Include this rope as part of your handouts.

1:30 Switch Groups

3:00 Break

3:15 Tackle Talk - Shopping for Equipment - general statements / recommendations about tackle for various fish/situations. Be sure to discuss fish and fishing conditions in your area. - starter kits - have catalogs available or copy pages showing examples of low cost starter kits. - float tubes - show examples if possible - useful gadgets- show examples

3:45 Close - questions, comments, depart by 4:00 p.m.

 Day 2

9:00 Video - for anyone arriving early. Pick something appropriate for your area and fishing opportunities. "Anatomy of a Trout Stream" by Rick Hafele, or "Where the Trout Are" by Gary Borger. Check the FFF video loaner library on the web or your local fly shops video library.

9:30 Reconvene Class - - food and drinks - review schedule for the day - answer questions

9:40 Introduction of Flies - This section is used to discuss what type of flies are appropriate to the fishing opportunities in your area. Do a slide show of your own or show the flies or photos of them - whatever best fills your needs. See All About Flies in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. This section should represent the basic types of flies - dry, wet, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs and poppers,and saltwater flies used in your area. Discuss how and where to fish each of them in your area, page 34 to 35 and 43 to 49. Discuss "Matching the Hatch," page 34

11:00 Break - ten minutes

11:15 Safety - List "5 Safety Principles" for fly fishing. - Treating Injuries. Discuss the following for the merit badge requirements. - Cuts and scratches, page 57 - Puncture wounds, page 58 - Insect bites, page 59 - Hypothermia, page 61 - Dehydration, page 60 - hook removal, page 58 - how to do it, buried point, protruding point - barbless hooks - penetration, removal, catch & release - First aide kit for fly fishing should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, and sunscreen, and other items for your area - Waders & wading. This is not a badge requirement but may be needed if fishing in a boat or from shore is not an option for Requirement #10. - taking a swim - hip boots - chest waders, importance of a wader belt - different soles/different conditions - polarized sunglasses/hat - life jackets for early spring wading & boats

11:45 Lunch/Clean Up Classroom

12:45 Gather & Split Group

1:00 2nd Casting Session

1:00 Fly Fishing Tactics - See the sections on Where to Fish on page 31 to 49, Fly Selection on page 39 to 40 and Hooking, Playing and Releasing a Fish on pages 51 to 52 of the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. Discuss tactics mosteffective in your area.

2:00 Switch Groups

2:45 Break - 15 minutes, reconvene near parking lot

3:00 General Questions & Answers, Scout Feedback, Clarification, Closing Remarks & Thanks Remind the scouts of the resources pages attached to the student packet. These will provide the scouts with good sources for mail order catalogues, books, videos and periodicals on fly fishing.

Fly tying has not been covered adequately in the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook. Scouts should be able to tie 2 different flies to meet the badge requirements. Only 1 fly - the Mickey Finn streamer pattern - has been included. More instruction will be needed. Use the FFF "Introduction to Fly Tying" booklet as a source. Consider scheduling another 4 to 6 hour weekend session or 2 to 3 two hour evening sessions to give the scouts some fly tying basic skills.

 Day 3

8:00 Flytying equipment - have many examples of each available and discuss uses. See the FFF "Introduction to Fly Tying" booklet pages 1 to 5. - vises - scissors - bobbins and bobbin threader - bodkin - hackle pliers - hairstackers - whipfinishers - extra gadgets

8:30 Materials and Hooks. See the FFF "Introduction to Fly Tying" booklet pages 5 to 8. - hooks - types, parts and sizes - thread - types and sizes - materials - fur, feathers, manmade fibers, etc.

9:00 Beginning Techniques See the FFF "Introduction to Fly Tying" booklet pages 8 to 13. - basic wrap - thread torque - material roll - finger-thumb tuck - dubbing - half hitch - whip finish - gaging hackle size

9:45 Break

10:00 Since the scouts need to demonstrate tying 2 flies only, pick basics that fit your fishing situations. The Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge handbook has the "recipe" and diagraming of a Mickey Finn. This can be adapted to fit warm, cold, and saltwater fishing and can be taught after a wooly bugger or one of its variations. See page 14 to 15 for the recipes and materials list.

12:00 Close or lunch and add an afternoon of tying.

If there is an interest for more instruction in fly tying, invite the scouts to join your clubs beginner fly tying classes or arrange for an extended course of 4 to 6 additional lessons of 2 to 3 hours each on evenings or Saturdays. The FFF "Introduction to Fly Tying" booklet includes lessons on the Grey Hackle Yellow, Montana nymph, Postwing dry fly, Elkhair caddis, and Marabou streamer. Each pattern builds on the skills learned with the previous pattern. Adjust these patterns to reflect the flies used in your area.

Also included in the student packet is a list of local fly shops, mail order fly fishing outlets, books, videos and periodicals that students can use to learn more about fly fishing. See the attached Minnesota Fly Fishers list. This can be adapted to your local shops and favorite books, etc.

 LOCAL SHOPS

This handout for your students should include your local shops. Add them here. They have earned your support. See a list of our member shops

FLY FISHING - MAIL ORDER SOURCES

There are many first rate mail order sources of fly tackle. You will find them listed in the various fly fishing magazines & publications and increasingly on the Internet. Here are some to start with, but they are simply representative and not recommended above the others. The catalogs are free. See our Retail Members for a shop near you!

FURTHER READING, SOME SUGGESTIONS

BASICS

GENERAL

ADVANCED

BUGS An Introduction to Aquatic Insects; Federation of Fly Fishers

FLY TYING Introduction to Fly Tying; Federation of Fly Fishers

LITERATURE

 PERIODICALS

  • American Angler, PO Box 4100, 160 Benmont Ave., Bennington, VT. 50201

  • Fly Fisherman, 6405 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112

  • The Flyfisher (Federation of Fly Fishers), PO Box 82112, Portland, OR 97282

  • Fly Rod & Reel, PO Box 370, Camden, ME 04843

  • Midwest Fly Fishing, 4030 Zenith Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55410

VIDEOS There are a wide variety of videos available to further your fly fishing knowledge - some basic, some fairly specialized. The 3M/Scientific Angler company has quite a few good ones, especially the Mastery series. Most any programs from Gary Borger (fishing dry flies, fishing nymphs), Doug Swisher (casting, strategy), Mel Krieger (fly casting) or Lefty Kreh are well presented and worth your time. There are also many programs of fly tying instruction and at least one on rod building. Some especially recommended tapes are:

Anatomy of a Trout Stream, by Rick Hafele (3M) - basic understanding of a trout stream and how to fish the various areas. Fly Fishing for Bass, by Dave Whitlock Fly Tying Basics, by Al Beatty The Way of the Trout, by Jim Wilkie & TU Where The Trout Are, by Gary Borger & FFF

Many videos are available for rent from fly fishing shops or on the FFF Web site at www.fedflyfishers.org.

Roll Casting the Web...Fly Fishing Web Sites

If you have access to the World Wide Web there are some interesting sites to serve your new found interest in fly fishing. You can find information on products, guide services, classified ads for locating used equipment and especially information exchanges. No guarantees come with these sites, but you'll find listed below some suggestions for places to start. *note: all links will open in a new window

There are others, but we'll leave them to you to discover. The process of discovery is half the fun.

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES & THANKS

Lew Beccone and the Minnesota Fly Fishers have several articles and other resources they use in the packet for students along with the book "Fly Fishing Tactics." We would like to acknowledge the authors for their contribution to teaching conservation and fly fishing safety and etiquette to the students. These articles are available from Susan Halblom, VP Education FFF or in the FFF Resources Handbook.

  • "Seven Days in June Seven Men From Chicago" by Kurt Sleighter, from Smallmouth Alliance Newsletter, August-September 1992. The over fishing of a lake.

  • "Thieves of a Stream" by Greg Breining, from the magazine "Imprint," Spring 1989. An article on conservation.

  • "Fly Fishing Etiquette" by Tom & Krys Travis, an article on stream etiquette.

  • "Rules of the River" by Agust Kr. Gudmundsson, from the web site . Stream etiquette.

  • "Fly Fishing Etiquette" from REI the website

  • "Wading Safety" from REI the website

  • "Basic Flyrod Bassing" by Brian McKinley, all about bass fishing with a fly rod.
 
 
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