FISHING

Fishing

BOY sCOUTs OF AMERiCAMERiT BADgE sERiEs

Requirements1. Dothefollowing:

a.Discussthepreventionofandtreatmentforthefollowinghealthconcernsthatcouldoccurwhilefishing,includingcutsandscratches,puncturewounds,insectbites,hypothermia,dehydration,heatexhaustion,heatstroke,andsunburn.

b.Explainhowtoremoveahookthathaslodgedinyourarm.

c.Nameandexplainfivesafetypracticesyoushouldalwaysfollowwhilefishing.

2. Discussthedifferencesbetweentwotypesoffishingoutfits.Pointoutandidentifythepartsofseveraltypesofrodsandreels.Explainhowandwheneachwouldbeused.Reviewwithyourcounselorhowtocareforthisequipment.

35899ISBN 978-0-8395-3231-6©2009 Boy Scouts of America 2009 Edition

BANG/Brainerd, MN10-2009/050876

fishing        3

3. Demonstratetheproperuseoftwodifferenttypesoffishingequipment.

4. Demonstratehowtotiethefollowingknots:clinch,Palomar,turle,bloodloop(barrelknot),anddoublesurgeon’sloop.Explainhowandwheneachknotisused.

5. Nameandidentifyfivebasicartificialluresandfivenaturalbaitsandexplainhowtofishwiththem.Explainwhybaitfisharenottobereleased.

6. Dothefollowing:

a.ExplaintheimportanceofpracticingLeaveNoTracetechniques.DiscussthepositiveeffectsofLeaveNoTraceonfishingresources.

b.Discussthemeaningandimportanceofcatchandrelease.Describehowtoproperlyreleaseafishsafelytothewater.

7. Obtainandreviewtheregulationsaffectinggamefishingwhereyoulive.Explainwhytheywereadoptedandwhatisaccomplishedbyfollowingthem.

8. Explainwhatgoodoutdoorsportsmanlikebehaviorisandhowitrelatestoanglers.TellhowtheOutdoorCodeoftheBoyScoutsofAmericarelatestoafishingsportsenthusiast,includingtheaspectsoflittering,trespassing,courteousbehavior,andobeyingfishingregulations.

9. Catchatleastonefish.Ifregulationsandhealthconcernspermit,cleanandcookafishyouhavecaught.Otherwise,acquireafishandcookit.

fishing        5

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

TheNatureofFish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

FreshwaterFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

SaltwaterFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

BalancedTackle..................................39

FishingGearandCraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

SafetyPractices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Cleaning,Filleting,andCookingFish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

ProtectingGameFishResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

FishingResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

6        fishing

introduction.

IntroductionThispamphletwilltellyoualotaboutfishandhowtocatchthem.Youmightcatchthemforfunand“sport,”ortoeat.Fishingcanbecomealifetimepursuit,likegolfortennis.Manykindsoffisharedescribedhere,alongwithmanyways

tocatchthem—therearealwaysnewchallengesinfishing,andalwaysmoretolearn.Thisisonemeritbadgeyouare

suretoenjoyearningfromtheverystart.Asforbeginnings,fishinghasalongandinteresting

history.Assoonasearlyhumansdiscoveredthattherewerefishinthewatersandthatthefishweregoodtoeat,theybegantodevisemethodsforcatchingthosefish.Theyquicklyfoundthatitwaseasiertospearfishthantograbthemwiththeirhands.Later,

theydiscoveredthattheycouldcatchevenmorefishbyusingwovennets.

Afterobservingfishwhiletheywerefeeding,theseearlypeoplesbeganmakingsportofcatchingfishbyputtingasliver

ofboneinsideabaitwithathongfastenedtothemiddleofthebone.Whenthefishgrabbedthebaitandswallowedit,thepieceofbonecaughtcrosswiseinsidethefish,allowingittobepulledin.Thisbirthofangling,longbeforehumansbeganrecordinghistory,ledtotheinventionoffishhooks,madefirstofboneandlaterofmetal.

Theinitialintentofcatchingfishwastogetfood.However,evenearlyhumansfoundthattryingtooutwitafishwithalineandbaitwasanintriguingpursuitwithconsiderableexcitementwhenabigfishlatchedontothehook.Eventually,fishingevolvedintoasport,andanglersdevisedfiner,lightertackle,makingitmorechallengingtohookafishandgivingthefishanopportunitytobeatanglersattheirowngame.Thuswasbornthesportoffishing,distinctfromcommercialfishingorfishingforfood.

fishing        7

.introduction

Baden-Powell’s Love of fishingRobertS.S.Baden-Powell,thefounderoftheScoutingmovement,claimedfishingasoneofhisfavoritepastimes.AstheChiefScoutofthegrowingScoutingmovementduringtheearly20thcentury,LordBaden-Powelltraveledtheworldtoattendjamboreesandprovideleadershipandinspiration.Everywherehewent,hisfishingrods,reels,andfishingkitwentwithhim.Baden-Powell’sbiographerE.E.Reynoldswrote,“Whenheneededtogetrightawayfromeverythingandeverybody,hewouldgooffforafewdays’fishing.”

InScouting for Boys,Baden-Powelloffersthisadvicetotheyoungfisherman:“EveryScoutoughttobeabletofishinordertogetfoodforhimself.Atenderfoot[beginner]whostarvedonthebankofariverfulloffishwouldlookverysilly,yetitmighthappentoonewhohadneverlearnedtocatchfish.”

It’snosurprisethatfishingremainsafavoritepastimeonScoutoutings.

In his book

Lessons From

the Varsity of Life,

Baden-Powell

declares, “Trout

fishing is the best

rest-cure in

the world.”

fishing        9

.The nature of Fish

TheNatureofFishFisharehighlyspecializedaquaticcreatures,amazinglyconstructedforlivinginwater.Herearesomeinterestingfactsaboutfish.

• Theyarecold-blooded—theirbodytemperatureisaboutthesameasthewateraroundthem.

• Notallfishhavescales,butallfisharecoveredwithathinskin.

• Scalesareprotectiveplatesthatarecoveredbytheskin.Whenascaleislost,its“pocket”canbecomeinfectedbeforetheskinhealsoverandanewscaledevelops.

• Scalesdevelopannualringsmuchlikethoseofatree.Afish’sscalescanhelpdetermineitsage.

• Themusclesandfinsoffisharedesignedtopropelthemthroughthewaterinsearchoffoodandtohelpthemescapefromenemies.

• Fishbreathemainlythroughgillsthattakeoxygenfromthewaterandsenditintothebloodstreamwhilesimultaneouslyremovingcarbondioxidefromthefish.

Mostfishreproducebythefemalelayingeggsthatthemalefertilizesinthewater.Thefemalesofsomespeciesmaylaymillionsofeggs,whilesomeotherspecieslayonlyafewhundred.Fishhavethesensesofsight,taste,smell,hearing,andtouch,aswellasotherspecialsensestohelpthemsurvive.

Some fish

species are

especially smart.

Any experienced

angler who has

tried to catch

the “old lunker”

that has lived in

the same pool

for years will

swear to that.

10        fishing

The nature of Fish.

Anal fin. Used for balance and swimming.

Caudal fin. Used in swimming, particularly when a fish needs a quick thrust of speed.

Eye. Most fish have monocular vision—each eye sees separately, offering a wide field of view.

gills. Respiratory organs used for breathing.

Jaws. Bony appendages that form a fish’s mouth. They may be equipped with teeth so that a fish can grip its prey while feeding.

Lateral line. A sensory organ that detects sound and movement.

Pectoral fin. Used for stability, locomotion, and steering.

Pelvic fin. Used for steering and stability.

scales. Transparent protective plates growing from the skin  that can be replaced if lost.

soft dorsal fin. Used for balance and forward movement.

spiny dorsal fin. The forward fin, supported by sharp spines, is used for balance. The spines also protect the fish from its enemies.

Parts of a Fish

Gills (underneath)

Jaws

eye

spiny dorsal fin

soft dorsal fin

scales

caudal fin

anal fin

lateral line

pelvic fin

pectoral fin

scale

fishing        11

Toothy Fish Beware! Some common fish that you may catch, like the pike and  pickerel in ponds, or bluefish in salt water, have very sharp teeth.  Do not “land” them by grasping their mouth. Their teeth are there  for snatching their prey—not your fingers.

The food ChainAsyoupracticethesportoffishing,youwilllearnaboutthewateryworldoffish,acomplexenvironmentthatprovidesthefoodfisheat.Atthebottomofthechainareplankton—minutecreaturesthatareeatenbyotherformsofaquaticlife,includingsomeofthefish.Infreshwater,therearecountlessinsectsthatcreep,crawl,andliveinthewater,eventu-allyclimbingorflyingoutofthewatertomate,droptheireggs,andstartanothercycleoflife.Fishandothercreaturesfeedontheseinsects.

12        fishing

The nature of Fish.

Crayfishhideunderrocksandeatanythingaliveordeadtheycomeacross.Tadpolesswimintheshallows,developingintofrogsthatliveontheshorelines.Smallfish,includingminnows,eatsmallerformsofaquaticlifeandinturnareeatenbylargerforms.Theluresyouusewillimitatetheseformsoffood.

Thefoodchainstartswiththesmallestbeingeatenbylargercreatures.Inturn,thosecrittersareeatenbysomethingelse.Atthetopofthechainarefishandthecreaturesthatfeeduponfish,includingeagles,ospreys,mink,otters,bears,and,ofcourse,humans.

Large predator

fish may eat

insects, frogs,

crayfish, and

other fish—even

members of their

own families.

fishing        13

.The nature of Fish

Reading nature’s signsLocatinglakesandstreamswheretherearefishiseasy.Everystateconservationdepartmenthaslistsormapsshowingallthefishingwatersandwhichtypesoffishareinthem.Tackleshops,sportingmagazines,andfriendlyanglersareyourmostconvenientsourcesofinformationonwheretofish.Don’tbeshyinaskingforinformationaboutlocalfishingspots.Butonceonthewater,wherearethefish?

fish MovementGamefishoftencometothesurface,sometimesleapingclearoutofthewaterforfood.Theexperiencedanglersearchesforsignsastohowafishisfeeding—whetherafishissurfacingorseekingfoodjustbeneaththesurface.Theanglerisalerttotheflashofsunonscalesunderwaterortothemovementofafish’sshadow.

insect ActivityInsectlifehatchescontinuallyyear-round.Theappearanceofinsectssuchasmayfliesandcaddisfliesindicatesthatanabundanceoflarvaeiscrawlingandswimmingbelow,whichmeansthatfishareprobablyfeedingonthem.

Fish feed on

insect larvae

year-round.

Larvae are the

mainstay of

their diet.

14        fishing

The nature of Fish.

Where to find fishFishcanbefoundjustaboutanywherethereiscleanwater.Fishliveinbodiesofwaterassmallasapondoraslargeastheocean.

PondsProperlymanagedpondscanbehighproducersoffish,providingexcellentangling.Mostpondscontaingamefishsuchasbluegillsandlargemouthbassalongtheshoreline,adjacenttoweedcover,orinthecolderdeepwaters.Pondsarerelativelyeasytofishbecausetheyaresmall.

Inhotweather,gamefishmayseekthedeeperareas.Fishingatvarieddepthsisonewaytolocateschoolsoffish.Manypondshavebullheadsorcatfishlivingatthebottom.Thesefisharerelativelyeasytocatchonlivebaitfisheddowntowheretheylive.

A pond can have many species of fish at all depths.

Some pond

owners plant lily

pads or other

vegetation to

provide shade,

cover, and places

for fish to

congregate so

they will be

easier to catch.

fishing        15

.The nature of Fish

LakesLakesarelargerbodiesofwaterandapopularplaceforsportfishing.Mostanglerscanfindseverallakeswithineasydrivingdistancethatprovideavarietyofenvironmentsforfish.

shallows.Mostofthefoodandmostofthecover,suchasweedsandsunkentrees,arefoundnearshore.Thus,mostfishattimeswillbefoundneartheshallows,movinginandouttofeed.Somespecies,suchaspanfishesandpike,tendtospendmostoftheirtimeinshallowwater.Others,suchasthebassandwalleye,moveinandoutatdifferenttimesofdayandunderdifferentconditionsofweatherandtemperature.

Breakline. Thebreaklineiswheretheshallowwatersdropofftowardthedeepwater.Itisaplacewheremanyspeciesoffishtendtocongregate,waitingfortheopportunitytofeed.

structure. Rocks,ledges,reefs,bars,andsunkenobstructions,foundinorneardeepwater,canbeholdingspotsforschoolsoffish.Thesehangoutsareusedbyvariousspeciesbetweentimeswhentheymoveuptothebreaklineorintotheshallowstofeed.

Rock bass

16        fishing

The nature of Fish.

streamsStreamfishingfortroutandsalmonhasaspecialattractiontoanglerswholearntofishmovingwaters.Theconstantmove-mentofastreampresentsanaturalchallengeforanangler.Dependingonthetimeofyear,streamscanbefulloftroutorsalmonreturningfromsaltwatertospawn.Thesefishdrawanglersfrommilesaroundtotrytheirluck.

Rapids. Wherewaterrushesintoapool,crashingdownoverthebouldersorthunderinginfromawaterfall,fishtendtogather.Theseareplaceswherefoodcollectsandcaneasilybecapturedbythefish.Rushingwaterishighlyaerated,whichcreatesacool,oxygen-filledenvironment.Somefishsuchastroutregularlyliveinsuchplaces,whicharehatchingsitesforavarietyofinsectsthattroutpreferforfood.

Cutaway Banks. Fishtendtohidewherestreamcurrentshavecarvedholesunderabendintheshore,particularlywheretherearetreesandexposedroots.Deep,quietchannelsalsoaregoodspotstolocatefishinstreams.

fishing        17

.The nature of Fish

Big WaterWithanenvironmentasbigastheocean,youcanexpecttofindbiggerfish.Deep-seafishingforsomeoftheworld’slargestspecieshasbecomeapopularsportingpastime.

surf.Somespectacularanglingisavailableontheedgeofthenation’stwooceansandalongthecoastoftheGreatLakes.Longcastsrequirespecializedtackle.

Surffishingtodayismostoftendonewithheavy-dutyspinningtackle,althoughsomesaltwatercastingisdonewithbait-castingoutfits.Luresorbaitsrequirealongrodwithplentyofbackbonetogetoutbeyondtheshallowstowherethefishlie.Surfrodsarebuiltwithlonghandlesforcastingwithtwohands,usingasweepingmotion,overheadandtotheside.

Hundredsofluresaredesignedtotakethevarietyofsportfishfoundinsaltwater.Varioustypesoflivebaitandcut-upbaitalsocanbebottom-fishedforsaltwaterspecies.IntheGreatLakes,surfanglingishighlyeffectiveforsalmonandtrout.Chest-highwadersorhipbootsmaybenecessarytogetintotheedgeofthesurf.

Extreme care

must be taken

when waves get

big, during tidal

movements

causing undertow,

or when slippery

rocks are present.

18        fishing

The nature of Fish.

Mostsaltwateranglersbeachsmallfishanduseanettolandthelargeronessothefishcanbereleasedalive.GreatLakesanglersmostoftenuselargelandingnets,preferablywithacompanionhandlingthenetwhiletheanglerconcentratesonthefish.

Offshore. Trollingandstill-fishingordriftingaretheusualusesofboatsinsaltwater,theGreatLakes,andthenation’sbigimpoundments.Offshoresaltwatertrollingforswordfish,tuna,sailfish,shark,andotherbigspeciesrequireslargefishingcraftandheavytackle.Mostofthistypeoffishingisoncharterboatswithexperiencedguides.

Avarietyofsaltwaterfishingcanbedonewithoutboardcraftandmedium-weighttackleforanglerswhomaytroll,cast,orbottom-fish.Partyboatswithexperiencedcaptainstakelargenumbersofanglerstoreefswheregamefisharetakenonbaitedhooksdroppedovertheside.

GreatLakestrollershavespecializedequipment—planingboardsandlead-weighteddownriggers—designedtogetluresouttothesidesoftheboatsordeepdown.Sometimestheboatsareallowedtodrift,withtheanglerssimplyjiggingluresupanddownorsendinglivebaittoswimaroundbelow.

fishing        19

.The nature of Fish

Where fish hideFishhidefortwoprincipalreasons:toconcealthemselvesfromenemiesandtoambushunwarypreyswimmingpast.Intheshallows,fisharefoundaroundweedbeds,underneathoverhangingtreesandbrush,neardocks,andwhererocksjutoutfromtheshore.Indeepwater,fisharequiteoftenfoundaroundclustersofbigboulderswheretheyconcealthemselvesintheshadows.

factors Affecting fish BehaviorSincebeforerecordedhistory,fishermenhavestudiedfish,tryingtodeterminewhatconditionscausefishtobitemorereadily.Thereisadefinitecorrelationbetweenweatherandfishaction,usuallywithaspurtoffeedingjustbeforeaweatherfrontarrives.Frontscanbeanticipatedbyadropinatmosphericpressure,measuredonabarometer.Normalbarometricpressureis30atsealevel.Lowisbelow30andhighisabove30.Anapproachinglow,withthebarometerdeclining,oftenindicatesanapproachingstorm.Similarly,arisingbarometeroftenindicatesclearingweather.

Watertemperaturehasadefiniteeffectonfish.Forinstance,troutcannotendurewatertemperaturesgreaterthan70degrees.Asuddendropintemperatureoftenwillcausefishtostopbiting.Thisisquitecommonafterastormpasses.Risingtemperatureoftencausesfishtobite.Incoastalareas,thetideshaveastronginfluenceonfishbehavior.

sunken trees that have fallen into the water are sure hangouts for almost all species of game fish.

20        fishing

The nature of Fish.

seasonsSpringusuallyfindsthewatercoldbutwarming,withthebestfishingonthewarmerdays.Springiswhenmanyspeciesarespawning,atimewhentheytendtostrikeluresquitereadily.

Morefisharecaughtinsummerthaninanyotherseason.Itisatimewhenmoreanglersarefishingandalsowhenthewatertemperatureisrising,speedingupthemetabolismoffishandcausingthemtofeedmore.

Fallcanprovidesomeexcellentfishing,particularlywhentherearewarmdaysandcoolnights.Coldfalldaysoftenarenotproductive.

Winterusuallyisassociatedwithicefishing.Watertemperatureundertheiceislowbutusuallystable.Somespeciesoffish—trout,pike,perch,walleye,andpanfish—bitereadilyinwinter.

fishing        21

.The nature of Fish

Why Fish BiteFish react to various stimuli, not all of which have been determined. But when a bait or lure sets off the “trigger,”  the fish strikes. 

All species of fish have certain times of the day when they feed. Some of the periods seem to coincide with phases of the moon and tides, some with weather, some with time of day. Early morning and late evening are usually times when fish are active, but there are other times, even after dark. 

In most instances fish bite because they are hungry. As an angler, you will  imitate the kind of food you believe will attract a feeding fish. Your lure may imitate a minnow or a mayfly; your style of fishing may be with a spinning rod, casting reel and rod, or fly-fishing.

School fish, such as white bass, go on feeding frenzies,  chasing swarms of bait fish and gulping down as many as they can. Then they stop abruptly and cruise along ignoring the same bait fish they were chasing a few moments before.

Fish can be “spooked” or turned off by the intrusion of  a noisy boat or a noisy wader, by a badly presented bait  or lure, by too big a hook,  by a heavy line or leader that may be visible, or by a shadow falling on the water. There is an old saying: “If you can see the fish, they can see you.” And sometimes they just won’t bite, period.

Rainbow trout

Arctic grayline

With experience,

the angler learns

when and where

each species is

more apt to take

a bait or lure.

fishing        23

.Freshwater Fish

FreshwaterFishLakes,ponds,rivers,andstreamsarehometomanyhard-fightingspecies.Fishingcanbedonefromtheshore,dock,whilewading,orbywatercraftsuchasamotorboatorcanoe.

Walleye and PerchWalleyeandperchareamongthefinestgamefishinNorthAmerica.Thewalleyeisparticularlyprizedbecauseitgrowstoalargesizeandisverytasty.Manyanglerstrollforwalleye,usingminnowlikeluresweighteddowndeep,jigstippedwithlivebait,spinner-and-baitcombinations,orjustlivebaitwithaslipsinker.Slowlytrollingoversunkenbars,alongsideledgesandweedbeds,andoversandflats(particularlythoseparalleltothebreakline)canbeeffective.

In early morning and evening,  walleye may be taken by cast-ing lures; excellent catches of  walleye can sometimes be made late at night on slowly retrieved floating-diving lures. Numerous walleye are caught every year by still-fishing live  bait either on the bottom or with  a slip bobber.

Walleye

24        fishing

Freshwater Fish.

Yellowperchareabundantandwillingtobitealmostanytime.Thesefishprovidealotofactionwhenaschool

islocated.Themostpopularmethodofperchfishingiswith

minnows,worms,orleechesonasmallhookbelowabobber.Tiny

jigs,1⁄8to1⁄16ounce,withapieceofwormonthehook,oftendothe

trick.Inthespring,perchgatherwherestreamsenterlakes

andwheretherearedamsinrivers.Theymaybetakeninlargenumberswithastreamerflyorasmallspinnerfishedonaflyrod.

Largemouth BassNofishwasmoreaptlynamedthanthelargemouthbass.Itsjawextendswellbackpastitseye,andwhenitopensitsmouthtoswallowsomething,itseldommisses.Becauseofitsabilitytotakeawidevarietyofluresandbecauseitoftenstrikesexplosivelyonthesurface,thelargemouthisoneofthemostprizedandhighlysoughtgamefishinNorthAmerica.ThefirstreelsandcastingrodsmadeintheUnitedStatesweretailoredtobassfishing.

While perch will never take any trophies as fighters, they are fun to catch in large numbers and they make  a tasty fish fry. 

White perch

Yellow perch

Largemouth bass

fishing        25

.Freshwater Fish

Largemouthcanbecaughtonbait-casting,spin-casting,spinning,andflytackle.Theywillhitfloatinglures,floating-divinglures,andbottom-bumpingjigs.Weedlessspoonsandspinnerbaitsthatwillnotsnagonvegetationwhenfishedthroughthelilypads,oftenareproductive.Porkrindlures,pork“eels,”andplasticwormsalsoareeffective.Largemouthalsowillhitbaitofliveminnows,frogs,leeches,andcrayfish,whicharelife-formsthatarenaturallyfoundintheirhabitatandarepartoftheiraccustomeddiet.

IntheSouth,largemouthgrowto20poundsormore.IntheNorth,10poundsisarecord-breaker.Largemoutharestructurefish,meaningtheyhangaroundbrush,fallentrees,weedbeds,andledges,usuallyinfairlyshallowwater.Wheretheyareheavilyfished,theybecomecagey,andtheanglermustbecareful,quiet,andskillfultobesuccessful.

smallmouth BassAveragingbetween4and6pounds,thesmallmouthbasshasbeendescribedas“poundforpound,thegamestfishthatswims.”Manyanglerswillargueforotherspecies,butthereisnoquestionthatthissnub-nosed,jut-jawedwarriorofthecoldwaterisafoetotestthetackleofanyangler.

The easiest way to distinguish the smallmouth from  its largemouth cousin is by the upper jaw. In the  smallmouth bass the jaw comes to a point just to  the eye. In the largemouth, the upper jaw ends behind the eye. Also, smallmouth are yellow or tan with brown markings. The largemouth is a greenish-gray color with black markings. Both fish are known as black bass.

smallmouth bass

In areas where

fishing pressure

is heavy, many

anglers release

the bass they

catch, perhaps

keeping one or

two small ones

for supper. Small

bass are excellent

eating; big bass

are not as good.

26        fishing

Freshwater Fish.

SmallmouthoncewereconfinedtotheeasternUnitedStatesbuthavebeenstockedoverallofthenorthernstates,muchofCanada,andpartsofthesouthernUnitedStates.Nightcrawlers,leeches,minnows,frogs,andhellgrammites(atypeofaquaticinsectlarvae)areallnaturalfoodforthisfish.Italsowillhitawidevarietyofspinners,floating-divinglures,surfacelures,flies,plasticwormsandbugs,andjigs.

However,unlikethelargemouth,whichoftenwillhitafast-movinglure,thesmallmouthlikesitsbaitmovingslowly,withfrequentpausesandtwitches.Whenitdoesstrike,how-ever,itstrikeslikelightning.Thebattleisspectacular,playingoutasmuchabovethesurfaceasinthewater.Itspreferredhangoutsarefallentrees,underwatercabbagebeds,rockledges,anddeepboulderpiles.Inthespringthesmallmouthisupintheshallows,butinthesummer,itmaybedown10to30feet.Inthelatefall,thesmallmouthschoolsat40feet.

striped BassInsaltwater,stripedbassrangealongtheEastCoastfromMainetoNorthCarolina,andareafavoriteofanglerswhofishinthesurf.Originallyasaltwaterspecies,severalhundredsofthesefishweretrappedwhilespawningintheSanteeRiverwhenthedamwasbuiltforSouthCarolina’sSantee-Cooperhydroelectricprojectin1938.Surprisingly,thestripersadaptedtofreshwater,spreadoverthereservoir,andgrewrapidly,sometomorethan40pounds.

Sincethen,theyhavebeensuccessfullystockedinanumberofreservoirs,creatinganewinlandgamefishsport.Stripedbassarestrongfightersandusuallyaretakenonlightsaltwatertackle.Moststripersarecaughtonliveshadminnows,although

castingheavyjigsandspoonscanworkwellwhenthefisharefeeding.

Anglerslocateschoolsofstripersbywatchingthe

seagullscirclingswarmsofbaitfishchased

tothesurfacebyfeedingbass.

striped bass

fishing        27

.Freshwater Fish

PanfishThisyear,amillionAmericanyoungpeoplewillbeintroducedtothesportoffishing,andmostofthemwillcatchaspeciesofpanfish.Aptlynamed,themanyspeciesthatmakeupthiscategoryaresomeofthetastiestinthefryingpan.Theyalsoarefuntocatch,andsomeareferociousbattlers,despitetheirrelativelysmallsize.

Rock Bass and Bluegill.Therockbass,amemberofthesunfishfamily,isabrassy-coloredfishwithrowsofblackscalesanddistinctiveredeyes.Astubbyfightergrowingto2poundsthatwillstrikealmostanykindoflivebaitorartificiallure,itlikestohangoutaroundoldbridgepiers,docks,boulders,andweedbeds.Exceptinthelatefallwhenitgoesdeep,therockbassisashallow-waterfeederthatlikestotakeminnowsandbugsnearthesurface.

Thebluegill,likemanyofthesunfishes,hasashiny,darkbluepatchontheedgeofthegillcover.Also,likeitssunfishcousins,itisbrightlycolored.Thebluegillhaspurplishsideswithblackbandsandabrightyellowororangethroat.Ithasasmallmouth,andsmallhooksarerequiredtocatchit.BluegillarefoundjustaboutallovertheUnitedStatesandgrowto2pounds,although1-poundersareconsideredgoodcatches.Theyareoneofthetoughestfightersamongthesunfishclan.

While panfish may be taken on almost any kind of pole, line, rod, and reel, catching these bantamweight warriors on a fly rod or ultralight spinning tackle is great sport. Panfish are highly susceptible to flies and tiny jigs. They also bite small panfish popping bugs, size 10 or 12, during the warm months when insects are hatching.

Rock bass

Bluegill

28        fishing

Freshwater Fish.

Crappie. Silverandblack,thecrappiegrowsto4pounds,althougha2-pounderisconsideredatrophyinmostareas.Itfeedsmainlyonsmallminnowsandinsectsandwilltakesmallspinnersandlureswithouthesitation.Thecrappieisoftenfoundclosetostructure.Beawarethatthecrappiehasapaperlikemouthandmustbecarefullyhandledsothatthehookdoesnotpullloose.Itisexcellenteating.

CatfishSmooth-skinnedandscaleless,long,lean,andbuilt

forpower,thecatfishfamilyiswidespreadinNorthAmerica.Catfisharefoundinclear,icywatersoftheNorthaswellasthewarm,muddystreamsandbayousoftheSouth.Theyarehighlytolerantofwatertemperaturefluctuationsandcanwithstandturbidwater,evensomepollution.Theyarerelativelyeasytocatch,arefiercefighters,andmakeforfine

eatingwhenproperlyprepared.Becareful:Allcatfishhavesharpspinesinthepectoral

anddorsalfinsthatcancauseapainfulwoundtotheunwaryorcarelessangler.

Channelcatfisharesleekandhighlyprized.Theycangrowto30poundsormore,buttheaverageis2or3pounds.Flatheadcatfishandbluecatfishregularlygrowtomorethan40pounds,somereaching100pounds.Themostcommoncat-fishisthemuchsmallerbullhead—adwellerofsmallstreams,ponds,andsloughs.Thousandsofbullheadsarecaughteachyearbyanglerswithnomorethanahook,line,andbait.Largercatfisharefoundbelowdams,inriffles,beneathundercutbanksandlogjams,andindeepholesandchannels.Thebestwaytocatchthemistofishthebaitonbottom.

Catfish

fishing        29

.Freshwater Fish

Pikes must be

carefully handled

to avoid contact

with their teeth.

The Pike familyBig,sharp-toothed,andmean-tempered,thefishthatmakeupthepikefamilyhaveacommontrait:Theystrikefirstandaskquestionslater.

Catfish BaitNearly any bait, alive or dead, will take a catfish. Channel cats, at times, will strike a lure as savagely as a walleye. Some favorite catfish baits are cut-up smelts or other small fish, worms bunched up on a hook, clam meat that has been allowed to mellow in the sun, and crayfish tails. Catfish also like liver, chicken entrails, and cheese. Commercial “stink baits,” which have a strong odor, also are good.

cut-up smelts clam meat crayfish tailsworms

30        fishing

Freshwater Fish.

northern Pike. Mostcommonisthenorthernpike,foundoveralargepartofNorthAmerica.Theymaygrowto50pounds.Allofthepikespreferlarge,flashyluressuchasspinners,spoons,silveryfloating-divingplugs,andnoisysurfacebaits.Theystrikebigminnowsandwillreadilytakestripsofsuckermeatorfrozensmelts.

Muskellunge (Muskies). Biggestofthepikefamily,thesefishgrowtomorethan60pounds.Thetruemuskieislightolivewithbrownspots.Hybridmuskiesarelightolivewithbrownishstripes.Thehybridsaremuskie–northernpikecrosses.Muskiesarenotnearlyascommonasnorthernpikeandarenotaseasytocatch,sotheyaremuchsoughtafterastrophies.

Members of the

pike family are

excellent eating

but are bony.

northern pike

Muskellunge

fishing        31

.Freshwater Fish

stream TroutTroutareacold-waterfish,needingwateroflessthan70degrees.Forsheerbeauty,themembersofthetroutfamilyarehardtobeat.Theyaresleek,withoutlargescales,colorful,anddesignedtoswiminmovingstreamwaters.

Brook Trout (Char).Adark-greenbackwithyellowishtracks,spottedsideswithbright-redspots,redfins,andawhiteundersidemarkthisall-Americanwarrior.BrooktroutarefoundanywherefromtinybeaverbrookstothegreatriversoftheNorth.Inlakesitgrowsto7or8pounds,buttheaveragebrookieweighslessthanapound.

Rainbow Trout.Aptlynamedforthebrightredstreakdownitssilverysideanditsbluish-greenback,therainbowtroutisnotonlyahandsomefishbutalsooneofthemostspectacularleapersamongfreshwaterspecies.Therearemanyvarietiesofrainbowtrout,somegrowingtomorethan20pounds.Themigratorysteelhead,afishthatspawnsinstreamsbutspendsmostofitslifeinsaltwaterortheGreatLakes,isacousin.

Brown Trout.ThisEuropeanimporthastakenholdinmanyofthewarmerstreamsthatwillnotsupportnativeAmericanspecies.Itisstubbierthanmosttrout,yellowish-tanwithbrownandredspots,shy,andsometimesdifficulttocatch.PlantedintheGreatLakes,itcangrowtomorethan20pounds.

All types of flies, small spoons, and spinners are effective for trout fishing. Where regulations permit, live bait for trout includes worms, minnows, and insects. Salmon eggs also can be good bait. When caught, trout should be either released or killed and kept in a creel (a special bag or basket), not in warm water where they will turn soft and deteriorate quickly.

Brook trout

Rainbow trout

32        fishing

Freshwater Fish.

Lake Trout and salmonWhilesalmonalwayshavebeenapopularsportfishinsaltwaterandinthecoastalrivers,newfisheriesoccurredintheGreatLakeswhencohosalmonwerefirststockedinLakeMichigan.TherearenowchinookandpinksalmontocatchinthisGreatLake,alongwithnativelaketrout.

TrollingThisisthemostpopularmethodoftakingbothlaketroutandsalmon.Heavy-dutyspinningtackleismostoftenusedwithlurespulledbehindtheboatnearthesurfaceordowndeep,dependingonwherethefishare.Spoonsandlarge,minnowlikeluresinavarietyofcolors—fromblazeorangetofluorescentgreen—arepopular.Downriggers,wirelineswithheavyleadweights,are

usedtogettheluresdeep.Planingboardsthatfloatandrunparalleltotheboatoftenareeffectiveingettinglures

outtotheside.Troutandsalmonalsomaybetakenbydriftingwhilejiggingheavyjigsbelowtheboat.

CastingAnglerswithoutboatstakelargenumbersofsalmonandlaketroutby

castingoffshoreonpointsandatthemouthsofrivers.Inlatesummer,the

salmonbegintheirfallspawningrun.Laketroutfollowashort

timelater.Longrods,9to10feet,areusedwithlight

saltwaterreelstocasttheluresfarfromshore.

fishing        33

.Freshwater Fish

Thin ice can

be dangerous.

Your merit badge

counselor can

tell you more

about the hazards

associated with

ice fishing. Before

you go ice fishing,

check with

local conservation

officers for ice

conditions if

there is doubt

about safety.

Ice FishingWhen winter comes and the lakes freeze over, a different type of fishing begins. Some species of fish—bluegill, crappie, perch, pike, walleye, and trout—may be caught readily through the ice.

The bulk of ice fishing is for species of panfish and is done with lures. The lures are bits of chromed metal, painted lead, or plastic designed to look like flickering minnows or struggling insect larvae in the water. They are used in conjunction with real insect larvae or tiny minnows and are jigged near the bottom.

Pike, walleye, and trout usually are taken on larger metal spoons, lures, and jigs baited with live or dead minnows. Most anglers use regular spin- or bait-casting reels on special, short ice rods. The drag is usually set on the light side so that a large fish can be played with-out the line snapping. Fish caught through the ice in the winter can be put in the bucket or box seat to take home. No fish, bait, or other trash should ever be left on the ice.

The standard outfit for an ice fisherman includes short rods; monofilament line; ice flies; spoons, lures, jigs, and bait; an ice auger to drill holes; a skimmer to dip the slush and ice chips out of the fishing hole; a bucket or box to sit on; and plenty of warm clothing.

fishing        35

.saltwater Fish

SaltwaterFishTheoceancoastline,includingtheestuariesofriversflowingin,offersavarietyofsportfishingfrompiers,wadingthesurf,castingfromoutboardskiffs,andtrollingorbaitfishingfrombigwatercruisers.Someofthelargertrophyfish,suchasthetarpon,arewildacrobatsandfuntocatchbutshouldbereleasedbecausetheyarenotparticularlygoodtoeat.

shallow-Water speciesThepompanoandspottedseatroutaretwoshallow-waterspeciespopularwithanglers.Pompanoareamongthetastiestsaltwaterfish.Theyalsoarefranticbattlersandmaybetakenbycastingortrollingsmalljigs,eitherplainorbaitedwithsandbugs.Spottedseatrout(sometimescalledweakfish)areabundantandeasilycaughtwheretheyswarmincoastalbaysandlagoonsandatrivermouths.Usingdriftingorcastingjigsbaitedwithfreshshrimpisasurefiremethod.Troutalsowillhitspoons,surfacelures,andflyrodstreamerflies.

Tarpon

Pompano

spotted sea trout

36        fishing

saltwater Fish.

California YellowtailThisexcitingfish,alsocalledtheamberjack,maygrowtomorethan60pounds,buttheaverageis10to20pounds.Livesardines,castortrolled,arethemostpopularbaits,althoughyellowtailsometimeswillhittrolledlures.Theyareconsideredafairlygoodtablefish.

snapperAshallow-waterfishthathangsaroundcoralstructuresandofteninvadessoutherncoastalstreams,themuttonsnapperrunsfrom5to20poundsandisratedhighlyforfoodqualities.Goodfightersonlighttackle,theystrikejigs,floating-divingplugs,andsurfacelures,alongwithshrimpandotherlivebait.Theyhavesharpteeth,andmostanglersusewireleadersforthesefish.Theredsnapper,adeep-watercousin,livesfarthernorthandusuallyiscaughtonstill-fishedcutbait.Itissuperbeating.

fishing        37

.saltwater Fish

Catch and Release—With CareWhy catch and release a fish unharmed? There are many reasons, one of which is to prevent overfishing. Catch and release also helps lengthen the fishing  season and with conservation of the fish. Here are tips on how to catch and release the right way.

•  Use artificial lures with barbless single hooks. Fish tend to swallow live bait more deeply, and barbless hooks are easier to remove and do less damage than barbed hooks.

•  Play the fish, then release it as gently and quickly  as possible. Do not play the fish to exhaustion,  or it may not recover.

•  If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut off the  line as close to the hook as possible. Never try  to remove a deeply embedded hook because you may damage the fish beyond recovery or make  it a more vulnerable prey.

•  Avoid stainless steel hooks. If swallowed, they will not dissolve over time.

•  Whenever possible, avoid removing the fish from  the water. Prepare your camera for pictures first;  hold up the fish for a quick photo, and release  it immediately.

•  If you must use a landing net, make sure it is made of soft nylon and not hard mesh, which can damage the slime that covers the fish and helps protect it from disease. 

•  If you must handle the fish, wet your hands first. Support the fish horizontally—never vertically—in  the water across the back and head, avoiding the eyes and gills. Before releasing, revive the fish  gently by moving it back and forth in the water  until it swims away.

fishing        39

.Balanced Tackle

BalancedTackleWhentherod,reel,andlinearecorrectlymatchedtohandlelureorbaitofagivenweight,theyareconsideredtobeinbalance.Wheninproperbalance,theyallowthefishermantodeliverthelureorbaitwithaccuracywithinthedesireddistance.Moderntacklemanufacturersarecontinuallyexperimentingandupgradingtheirrods,reels,andlinestocreatemoreefficienttackleforeasiercasting.

Fly-fishingrequiresthattherodbeequippedwithproperline,thereelmainlyhavingthefunctionoflinestorage.Flyrodsareusuallymarkedwithnumbersindicatingwhichlineworksbestonthatparticularmodel.

hand Grip

reel seat

ferrule

rod tip

Butt Guide

tip top Guide

Butt cap

reel screw and clamp

forward Grip

Guide

extra fast

fast

moderate

slow

40        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Equipmentusedinsaltwaterfishingismuchthesameastheequipmentusedinfreshwaterfishingexceptthateverypieceoftackledesignedforsaltwaterfishingismoreresistanttocorrosionandisusuallybuiltonalargerscale:reelsarehuskier;rodscanmeasurefrom8to11feetlong;andlinesandluresareheavier.

Tacklecatalogslistrodsandreelsbyweightandfunction,allowingtheanglertomakeinformedchoices.Tackledealers,tacklerepresentativesatsportshowsanddemonstrations,andexperiencedanglersareallgoodsourcesofinformationonsuitabletackleforthefishingofyourchoice.

Thefourgeneraltypesofreelscommonlyusedbyfishermenarethebait-castingreel,closed-facespin-castingreel,open-facespinningreel,and,forfly-fishing,theflyreel.

Bait-casting reel

reel pillars

free spool lever

riGht side plateleft side plate

reel spool

level wind

reel footstar draG

Quick takedown screws

Closed-face spin-casting reel

reel housinG

triGGer

star draG

reel handle

reel foot

orifice

nose cone

fishing        41

.Balanced Tackle

Before casting,

always check

behind you—

you want to

catch a fish, not

another angler!

Bait-Casting and spin-CastingBait-castingandspin-castingaresimilarinthatthelureisflippedfromthetipoftherod,pullingthelinefromthereel.Castsof60and70feetareeasilymade.Thelureisthencrankedinbyturningthereel’shandle.Thereelisontopoftherodandcontrolofthecastisthroughuseofthethumbonthecastinghand.

However,bait-castingreelshavearevolvinglinespoolthatmustbe“thumbed”lightlyduringthecasttopreventthelinefromoverrunningandcreatingabacklash.Spin-castingreelshavefixedspoolsmountedsideways.Thelinecomesofftheendofthespool.Duringtheretrieve,apincausesthelinetowindbackontothespool.Withabait-castingreel,thelinewindsdirectlyonthespoolwhenthereelhandleisturned.

Allspin-castingandmanybait-castingreelshaveadjustabledragsthatallowahookedfishtotakelineoutunderpresetpressuresothatquickrusheswillnotbreaktheline.Thesereelsareextremelyaccurateandusefulinhittingsmallopen-ingsinweedbedsoraroundsnags.However,learninghowtomastertheseskillstakespreactice.

Bait-castingisdonewithawristandforearmmotion.Therodisheldsothatthereelhandleisup,withthethumbholdingthelinesecure.Therodisbroughtupsharplyuntilvertical,theweightofthelurebringingthetipbacktoaoneo’clockposition.Withanalmostcontinualmotion,therodiswhippedforwardandthethumbreleasestheline,allowingtheluretoshootforward.

Bait-casting

42        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Spinning outfits

also may be

used for trolling.

The preset drag

holds the line at

a tension that will

release on a strike

from a heavy fish

but will not

release because

of the motion of

the boat or the

pull of the current.

spinningAlthoughalmostnonexistentintheUnitedStatesbefore1940,spinninghasbecomeapopularformofcasting.Thefixed-spoolreelismountedundertherod.Thelineiscontrolledwiththeindexfingerofthecastinghand.Thefingertippicksupthelineasthefreehandmovesthespring-operatedpickuparmtooneside.Therodtipisraisedtohorizontalthensweptforward,theindexfingerpreciselyreleasingthelineasthelureshootsout.

Tostopthelure,thetipoftheindexfingertouchesthelineandthefreehandbeginsturningthereelhandleforward,engagingthebailpickupautomaticallywiththeline.Arolleronthebaillaysthelinebacksmoothlyonthespoolasthereelhandleturns.Adragadjustmentcontrolsthetensionnecessarytopulllinefromthereelwhenfightingafish.

Spinningtacklerangesfromheavy-dutybig-wateroutfitsthatrequiretwohandstocasttoultralightcombinationsthatweighonlyafewounces.Becausethereisnomovablespool,longcastscanbemadeeffortlesslywithspinningtackle.Tinyluresmaybecastaccuratelyonthreadlikelinesandlargeluresmaybecastlongdistancesontheheavieroutfits.

spinning

line Guide

spool

Bail pickup

rotatinG head reef foot

reel stem

reel housinG

antireverse

reel handle

draGadJustment

Open-face spinning reel

fishing        43

.Balanced Tackle

fly-fishingWhenfly-fishing,theanglerusesalong,flexibleflyrodwithwhichhecastsaplastic-coatedline.Theweightofthelinecarriestheflyout.Theflyimitatesthesmallinsects(mayfly,caddis,stonefly,etc.)uponwhichfishregularlyfeed.fly-fishingisaformofanglingdatingbackhundredsofyearstoitsorigininEurope.Earlyfishermenhadlimitedresourcesandusedalinetiedtothetipofalong,thinrod.Asystemofguides,tiedalongtherod,wasdevisedsothatextralinecouldbereleasedatthecast,allowingthebaitorflytosailoutmuchfarther.Areelwasfastenedtothelower,buttendoftherodasaplacetostoreextraline.

Forthecast,aminimumof15feetoflineplustheleaderisstrippedoutinfrontoftheangler.Therodisbroughtupwardsharplyandtheslacklinegrippedfirmlyandheldinthefreehand.Thelineandleadersailupwardandabovetheanglerinaloop.Astheloopstraightensout,therodisbroughtquicklyforward,thelineandleaderflyingaheadinaforwardloop.Atthelastmoment,theforwardmovementisstopped,thelinepausesbrieflyoverthewater,theleaderstraightensout,andtheflydropsgentlytothesurface.

Many anglers tie their own flies for fly-fishing, like this Mickey finn fly. You can learn more about fly-tying in the Fly-Fishing merit badge pamphlet.

reel foot

reel frame

release Button

adJustaBle draG knoB

handle

standard fly reel

Fly rods are

limber and light,

weighing only a

few ounces. The

fly rod provides a

maximum amount

of leeway to a

fighting fish.

However, with

skill, even large

fish can be

played and

captured on

lightweight

fly tackle.

44        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

fishing LinesVarietiesoflinesofdifferentweights,diameters,andconstructionareavailabletoday,madespeciallyfordifferenttypesoffishing—fly-fishing,spin-fishing,orbait-casting.Monofilamentisasynthetic,single-strandlinevaryingfrom1-poundstrengthtolinesthatwilleasilyhold40to50pounds.Lighterlinesaremorepliableandeasiertocastwithfinetackle.Monofilamentistransparentandalmostinvisibletofish.Itisusedinspin-fishing.Braidedlinesareusedinbait-casting.Fly-linesforfly-fishingarecoatedwithaplasticfinishtoaddweight.Theycomelevelortaperedtofacilitatecasting.

Nomatterwhattypeoflineyouchooseforyourrig,keepitingoodshapebyfollowingthesetips.

• Storefishinglineatroomtemperature.Toomuchheatorcoldcanweakentheline.

• Ifaknotformsinmonofilamentlinenearthelure,cutthelineabovetheknotanddiscardtheknottedpiece.

• Frequentlycheckthelast10to12feetofcastinglinefornicksandabrasionsbyrunningthelinebetweenyourfingers.Ifthelinefeelstoorough,cuttheroughpiece,retieyourrig,andresumefishingwithfreshline.

• Disposeofusedandbrokenlineresponsibly.Manytackleshopsofferrecyclingbinsspecificallyforusedfishingline.

fishing        45

.Balanced Tackle

Knots for fishingContrarytothethinkingofmanynovicefishermen,asimpleoverhandknotwillnotdoinmostfishingsituations.Althoughaknotmayseeminsignificantandhardlynoticeabletotheobserver,itcanbe,andquiteoftenis,thecrucialfactorbetweensuccessandfailure.

improved Clinch Knot. Thisistheuniversalknotfortyingmonofilamenttoahookorfortyinghooksandswivels—anyobjecthavinganeye—totheline.Becausemonofilamentisslippery,itneedsaknotthatwilljamagainstitselfandholdtight,yetnotcutitself.Runtheendofthelinethroughtheeye,doublethelineback,andmakefivetwistsaroundthelinethroughtheeye,leavingaloop.Runtheendofthelinethroughtheloopwherethelinejoinstheeyeandthenpassthelinethroughthelargeloop.Partiallyclosetheknotandmoistenitalittlewithwaterbeforesecuringittightlyagainstthehookeye.

Palomar Knot. Thisbasicknotservesthesamepurposeastheimprovedclinchknot.Doublethelinetomakea3-to4-inchloop,thenpasstheendoftheloopthroughtheeye.Holdthestandingpartbetweenthumbandforefingerandtiealooseoverhandknotinthedoublelinewiththeotherhand.Thenpassthehookthroughtheloopandpullonthedoubledlinetotightentheknot,guidingtheloopoverthetopoftheeyelet.Clipthetagend.

Wire Line or Wire LeaderTo get lures down deep, such as when trolling for  lake trout or saltwater species, anglers sometimes  use braided wire lines. These are expensive and heavy,  but they sink fast, keep the lure deep, and are nearly impossible to break.

1 2 3 4 5

46        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Turle (or Turtle) Knot. PopularwithAtlanticsalmonfishermen,theturleknotmakesastraightconnectionbetweenthehookshankandleader.Sincetheknotissmallandsimple,itworkswellfortyingafineleadertoasmallhook,suchasthatofafly.

Beginbypassingtheendoftheleaderthroughthehook’seyefromthefront;thenslidethehookuptheleadersothatitwillbeoutoftheway.Makeaslipknotintheendoftheleaderbybringingthefreeendaroundtwice,likeadoubleoverhandknot.Drawtheknottightandpasstheloopoverthehook.Pulltheleaderandmanipulatetheloopsothatittightensaroundthebackofthehook’seyeandnotintheeyeorontheleaderitself.

Blood Loop or Barrel Knot. Thisknotisusuallyusedtojointwosectionsoflineorleader,eveniftheyareofslightlydifferentdiameters.Laptheendsofthelinesorleadersseveralinches.Thentwistonearoundtheother,makingatleastfiveturns.Placetheendbetweenthestrandsandholdthemtogetherbetweenthumbandforefinger.Windthesamenumberofturns(five)intheoppositedirection,usingtheendoftheotherline.Thenpullonthetwoendstodrawtheturnsclosertogether.Whentheyhaveclosedupsnugly,pulltightontheendstomaketheknotassmallaspossible.Cliptheends.

Double surgeon’s Loop. Adoublesurgeon’sloopisaneasywaytoformaloopintheendofalineorleader.Doubletheendofthelineandmakeasingleoverhandknot.Thenpassthelooparoundandthroughtheoverhandknotagain.Holdtheloopinonehandandthestandingpartandtagendintheotherhand.Moistentheknotwithwaterandpulltotighten.Clipoffthetagend.

1-2

3

4

pull

pull and trim

1 2 3 4

fishing        47

.Balanced Tackle

Loop Knot. Thisisusedtotieonluresthatrequirefreedomofmovement.Thefrontknotispulledtight,thenthebackknot,whichleavesalooseloopinfrontofthelure,allowingtheluretoswingbackandforth,withaminimumofresistance.

nail Knot.Thisisagoodwayoftyingmonofilamenttolead-corelinebackingtoaflyline,oraleadertoaflyline.First,positionthenail(oranysimilarobject)alongtheleadcore.Thenlayaloopofmonofilamentonthenail.Withthefreeendofmonoline,takefiveorsixturnsoverthatloopandthenailandleadcore.Next,runtheendofthemonothroughtheloop.Tightentheknotbypullingonbothlines,slipthenailout,andtightentheknotalltheway.Cliptheprotrudingendsshort.

Wire Line to Mono Knot.Holdingthewirelineinyourlefthand,fold4inchesoftheendbackoverthestandingpartoftheline.Runmonofilamentthroughthemiddleofthebendinthewire,passingitbehindthewireandthenoverit.Makesevencloseturnsaroundbothlines.Passtheendofthemonofilamentoverthecenterstrandofmonofilamentandunderthetopstrandofthewire,andthendrawupsnugly.Cuttingthefreeendofthewirewouldleaveaburrthatcouldcutfingers.Instead,benditbackandforth.Itwillbreakclosetotheturnsofthemonofilament,leavingnoburr.

2

3

4

48        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Arbor Knot. Lockingthelineonthereelspooltakesaknotthatwillcinchuptightandnotslipifafishtakesthelinetotheend.Theknotattheterminalendispulledtightfirst,thentheother,andtheloopsnuggedupagainstthespool.

Tucked sheet Bend. Whenfasteninglinetoaleaderlooportyingasnelledhooktotheline,thetuckedsheetbendisquick,tidy,andstrong.Itcanbeundonewithoutcuttingthelineorleader.

Snelling a HookThis is a neat and simple way of attaching a hook to monofilament for certain types of bait fishing. To make a double-gang hook rig, leave the free line end long and tie in a second hook behind the first. This is a  popular way of hooking worms for trolling or drifting.

to fly line

taG end

loop around spool

fishing        49

.Balanced Tackle

Hooks must be

kept sharp to be

effective. And

care must taken

that they get

stuck only in fish,

not in people.

hooksfishhooksaremadeofsteelwire,bentbyamachinetoadesiredshape,hardenedbyheat,andgivenarust-resistantfinish.

Hookscomeinawiderangeofsizes.Differenthooksaredesignedforbait-fishing,lures,andflies.Thehookyouchooseshouldbesuitableforthefishyouwishtocatch.Itcanbeconfusingtryingtofigureouthooksizes,butonesimplewayistostartwithsize1.Thelargerthenumber,thesmallerthehook.Thusasize2issmallerthan1,andasize4issmallerthanasize2.Size28hooksaresosmalltheyarehardtosee!

Goingtheotherway,theadditionof/0meansthebiggerthenumber,thebiggerthehook.A1/0isbiggerthan1,a2/0isbiggerthan1/0,andsoon.A12/0hookisverylargeandisusedtocatchbigfishsuchastunaandshark.

Hooksalsocomeinavarietyofshapes.Straight-eyehooksareusedmostoftenwithsnapsandleaders.Turned-down-eyehooksareusedforbaitfishingandflies.Somehookshaveslicedshankstobettergriplivebait.Circlehooksarebecomingincreasinglypopularbecausetheyarelessdamagingtoafish.

Somefliesaretiedonturned-up-eyehooks,providingmorespacebetweenthehookpointandtheleader.Turned-up-orturned-down-eyehooksallowtheleadertoliestraightwiththehookshank,makingiteasiertohookafish.Anglerswhopracticecatchandreleaseusebarblesshooks,whichdolessdamagetothefish’smouth.

Jighooksaremadesothatthewirewillnottwistinsidetheleadhead.

shank

eye

12/0 tuna

Bend

Bite

BarB

point

2/0 1 6 2/0sliced shank

2 turned-down-eye

162/0 JiG hook

10 circleBarBless

50        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

sinkersManytypesofsinkers,eachdesignedforspecifictypesoffishing,areusefulingettingthebaitdowntothefish.Someofthemorecommonsinkersincludethefollowing:

• Trollingsinkers,whichmovethroughthewatereffectively

• Split-shotsinkers,whichcomeinavarietyofsizesandaredesignedtobepinchedonthelineorleader

• Wormsinkers,whichareeffectiveinweedbedswhereplasticwormsmightsnagortear

• Dipseyandpyramidsinkers,whichusuallyareusedwhenalotofweightisneededontheline

• Barrelsinkers—namedfortheirshape—haveaholesothelinecanrunfree

Othertypesofsinkersinclude:

• Clinch-onsinker,whichhastwowingsthatcanbebentoverthelineorleaderandsqueezedtight

• Saltwatersinker,popularwithanglerswhoneedaweightthatwillgripthebottomintideandsurf

• Heavybanksinker,usedfordeep-seafishing

• Slidingsinker,whichhasaholeinitsothelinecanslidethroughwhenafishstrikes,andwhichcanslideoverthebottomwithoutsnagging

• Keelsinker,whichisusedfortrolling,becausethekeelkeepstheweightfromtwistingtheline

pyramid sinker

Barrel sinker

split-shot sinker worm

sinker

dipsey sinker

trollinG sinker

sinkers

fishing        51

.Balanced Tackle

swivelsManyluresandbaitshaveatendencytotwisttheline,causingittokinkandsnarl.swivelsaredesignedtoallowthebaitstorevolve,helpingtoeliminatethetwisting.Manyswivelsarebuiltwithsnaps,whichallowahook,lure,orleadertobeclippedonwithoutusingaknot.

Usingathree-wayswivelallowsano-twistconnectiontotheline,ano-twistconnectionwithaleadertothehookorlure,andanotherno-twistconnectiontoaseparateleaderandasinker.Somespeciesofsaltwaterfishareextremelypowerful,requiringspecialsteelswivel-snapcombinations.

Despite the best intentions, anglers sometimes lose sinkers. Sinkers are often made of lead, and lead is toxic to wildlife. Scientists have discovered that lead sinkers have been responsible for the deaths of a  number of loons and other water birds that accidentally ingested them. Wildlife experts are urging anglers to consider sinkers made of environmentally friendly materials such as rock, ceramics, iron, steel, and  bismuth. Some states have instituted a lead-sinker exchange program in which anglers may exchange their lead sinkers for lead-free alternatives.

snap three-wayBarrel

swivels

52        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

BobbersWhiletheirtechnicalnameis“floats,”thesemarkersbobonthewaterandsoearnedtheirpopularnickname,bobbers.Bobbersalsoletanglersknowwhenafishbites;asafishtakesthebait,itcausesthebobbertodip.

Thesimplestkindofbobberhasawirelooponthetopandbottomthatoperatesonaspringsothatthelineorleadercanbeclippedonandanchoredinplace.Thedepthofthehookispredetermined,andthebobberissettoholdthehookatthatpoint.

Bobbersaremadeofplasticandareinexpensive.Besidesthesimple,roundversion,uniquelyshapedbobberscanservedifferentpurposesfortheangler.

Pencil Bobber. Long,thin,andlight,thepencilbobberisusedforfishthatbitelightly.Theadvantageofthepencilbobberisthatafishwillfeelnodragorresistancewhenitpullsonthebait.Thelineisheldagainstthebobberbyanadjustablerubberband.

slip Bobber. Theslipbobberhasahollowstemthroughwhichthelinepasses.Aslidingknotistiedabovethebobberontheline,andtheknotwillnotgothroughthetinyholeinthestem.Anydepthcanbeset.Whenthebaitisreeledin,thebobberwillslidedowntothesinker,whichmakesiteasytocast.

Weighted Bobber.Thesetransparentplasticbobbersaremadesothattheycanbepartiallyfilledwithwatertogivethemcast-ingweight.Withtheaddedweightitispossibletocastalightbaitorevenaflyagreatdistanceonregularspinningtackle.Thetransparencyallowstheanglertoseehowmuchwaterisinsidethebobbersothatitdoesn’tloseallitsflotation.

Years ago, many

fishermen made

their own bobbers

from corks,

balsa wood, or

porcupine quills.

Pencil bobber

slip bobber

simple bobbers

Weighted bobber

fishing        53

.Balanced Tackle

Live freshwater BaitNaturalfoodsareeasytofish,requireaminimumoftackle,andarehighlyeffective.Anglersmayseekouttheirownbaitorpurchaseitinspecializedbaitshops.

Beawarethatreleasinglivebaitandbaitwatercanintroduceundesirablefish,parasites,ordiseasestonativefish.Toensurethatyoudonotaccidentallymakeanunwantedbiologicalintroduction,trytoobtainlivebaitsthatarenativetothewatersyouintendtofish.Attheendofthefishingday,donotreleaselivebait(regardlessoforigin)intothewater.Disposeofunusedlivebaitandanywaterinthebaitbucketonlandwellawayfromanywater.

Worms.Redworms,gardenworms,andnightcrawlersallaregoodbaits.Asmallhook(size8to12)embeddedintheheadofawormworkswell.

Minnows.Anglersusedozensofminnowvarietiesasbait.Onecommonmethodistohooktheminnowthroughbothlips,fromthebottomup.Anotheristoputthehookthroughthebodynearthetail.

Crayfish.Ascrayfishgrow,theyshedtheirhardoutercoatseveraltimesinthesummer.Wheninthe“soft”statetheymakeanexcellentgamefishbait.

Leeches.Theribbonleech(Nephelopsis obscura) isanexcellentbait.Mostfishwillrejectbloodsuckingleeches.

hellgrammites.Theselarvaeofthedobsonflyarefoundunderrocksinriffles.Theyareexcellentbaitbutmustbekeptoffthebottomortheywillsnagthehook.

Before you make your live-bait choice, be sure to check the local fishing regulations regarding the use of live bait. Some classes of live bait may be permitted in your area only during certain times of the year or not at all.

54        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Live saltwater BaitAllpopularspeciesofsaltwaterfishcanbetakenonlivebait.Anglerswholivenearthecoastoftencatchtheirown.Otherspurchasetheirsinbaitshops.Ittakesconsiderableknowledgeofeachfishspeciestoknowwhichbaittouseandhow.

Eels. TheseareacommonbaitalongtheEastCoast,particularlyforstripedbassandbluefish.Anglersoftenplaceeelsonadouble-hookrig,usuallywithaweightedhookinthehead.

Crabs. Severalspeciesareusedasbait,thefiddlercrabbeingthemostcommon.Thelargerclawispulledoffandthehookembeddedinthecrabatthatpoint.

sandworms. Alongwithblood-worms,sandwormsareapopularbait.Forlargefish,thewholewormishookedon.Forsmallerfish,thewormmaybecutupandjustapieceused.

shrimp. Usedwholeorwithjustthetailsonthehook,shrimpareexcellentforawidevarietyoffish.Apieceofshrimponajigishighlyeffective.

squid.Cutintostrips,squidwilltakemanyspeciesofsaltwaterfish.Othercutbaitsuchasmulletormenhadenareusedforweakfish,bluefish,channelbass,andstripedbass.

Killifish. Thispopularbaitforbottomspeciesisfishedlive,hookedthroughthenose.Killiesaretoughanddurableifgivenreasonablecare.

Clams.Thesecomeinmanysizes.Smallclammeatsareusedwhole;largeonesmaybecutup.Clammeatsareobtainedbypushingaknifebetweentheshellsandseveringthemuscles.

fishing        55

.Balanced Tackle

Artificial LuresWhilesomeanglerspreferthenaturalattractionprovidedbylivebait,othersfavorartificialluresthatcanbeboughtinsportinggoodsstoresormademeticulouslybyhand.

Jigs. Hookswithleadweightsmoldedintothehead—calledleadheadsorjigs—arethebasisforawholerangeofpopularartificiallures.Theadvantageisinhavingasingle-hooklurethatiscompactbutthatcancarryenoughweighttobeeasilycastbyabaitrodorspinrod.Jigsalsoareadaptabletoavarietyofstylesthatallowthemtoimitatefoodthatfishrecognize.

Amongtheseveralstylesareplastic-bodiedgrubsimpaledonajighook;bucktailhairtiedtocreateaweightedstreamerfly;weedlessbucktaildesignedforfishinginbrush;a“twister”-typeplasticbodythathasawigglingtailinthewater;anda“Canadian”minnow-typejigmadewithasoftchenillebody,featherhacklefrontandback,andafeathertail.

Tips for Using a Jig•  Jigs are meant for slow, patient fishermen. Retrieve them 

especially slow in cold weather or when ice fishing.

•  Retrieve jigs with “action”—jerks or pulls imparting  a swimming motion.

•  When a fish strikes a jig, it may be detected as only a  twitch in the line. Be aware, and set the hook immediately.

•  Fish with the lightest jig that allows you to feel when  the jig is on the bottom.

•   Be sure to keep jig hooks sharp so they are not  easily dislodged.

56        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

Plastic Worms. Madeofsoft,pliableplastic,theseartificialbaitscanbemadetoswim,wiggle,anddanceunderwaterwithanactionfishcannotseemtoresist.Fourgoodwaystouseplasticwormsareworm-and-jigwithanartificialnightcrawlertrailingoutbehindabarehook;aplasticwormimpaledonthehookofaregularbucktailhairjig;aTexasrig,whichusesaslidingsinkerwiththehookstuckthroughtheheadofthewormandthepointburiedbackinthewormbody;andaplasticwormonaweedlesshookwithasplitshotclippedonthelineforcastingweight.

spoons.Whenfishermennoticedthatminnowsandcertainotheraquaticcreaturesglistenedinthesunlight,theideaofmakingluresoutofshinymetalwasborn.Spoonsaremadebycuttingpiecesofmetaltoshape,hammeringthemoutsothattheywobbleinthewater,andpolishingthemtoahighshine.Variouscolorsofenamelareaddedtosome;othersaregivengoldorsilverfinishes.Theyarecalledspoonsbecausemostofthemareshapedlikethelowerpartofateaspoon.

spinners. Aspinnerismadebyhammeringapieceofmetalverythin,drillingaholeinoneend,andmountingitonastripofwire.Themetalbladespinsaroundthewireshaft,glintinglikealiveminnowswimminginthesunlight.Spinnersmayberiggedwithhairflies,featherstreamers,orlivebait.Sometimestheyareusedalonewiththebladeandhook.Mostspinnersworkbestifretrievedslowly,justfastenoughforthebladetorevolvewithoutbeingablur.Spinnersaresometimesriggedwithjigsfordeepfishing.Thesemighthavesnapsthatcanbeclippedtotheeyeofthejig.

In trolling,

fishermen use

“cowbells,” a

large variation of

the single spinner.

Plastic worms

are fished slowly,

on or near the

bottom. With

the Texas rig or

weedless rig, the

fish is allowed to

mouth the bait

before the

hook is set.

fishing        57

.Balanced Tackle

Most plugs have

several treble

hooks, and

anglers must take

care not to stick

themselves or

their fishing

companions on

the barbs.

Plugs.Thefirstplugs—minnowlikereplicas—werecarvedoutofwood.Somestillare,butmostaremadeofplasticbyluremanufacturers.Floating-divingplugsrestonthesurfaceuntilreeledin.Theyaredesignedtowiggleinthewaterlikeaminnow.

Someplugsaremadetorundeep.Thesemaybeeitherallmetalorweightedwithmetalandplastic.Somehavealongbillinthefrontthatcausesthemtoheadforthebottomwhenreeledin.Theyalsoareeffectivelureswhentrolledbehindaboat.

Surfaceplugsaremadetoimitateeitherafroghoppingacrossthetopofthewateroralarge,injuredminnowthatisfloppingaroundindistress.Bass,pike,andmuskellungearespeciesmostoftencaughtonthesegurgling,popping,andsputteringlures.

floating-diving plug

Deep-running plug

surface plug

Flashing MinnowsFish often pursue schools of minnows up to the  surface, causing the minnows to skip from the water  in a desperate attempt to escape. These surface  eruptions, called boils, show that there are game  fish below on the feed. Casting minnowlike lures  into these spots is often a surefire way of catching  the game fish that are chasing the schools of minnows.

58        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

flies.Fliesaretiedtorepresentinsects,crabs,shrimp,mulberries,andtinyminnows—thepreferredfoodoftrout,salmon,andmanyothergamefishsuchasbass,panfishes,carp,andpike.Thefisharedeceivedintotakingtheimitationoftheirfood.Somefliescanalsosimulatehatchinginsects.Fliesaremadeofhair,feathers,wool,chenille,andmanyothermaterials,allheldtogetheronthehookwiththreadandglue.

Dry fliesaretiedonlightwirehooksandareconstructedsothattheywillfloatlikeanewlyhatchedinsect.Castingadryflysothatitlandslightlyandfloatsnaturallyrequiresskill.

Wet fliesaretiedsothattheysinkandarefishedbeneaththesurface.Theyaremeanttoimitatethemanyinsectsthatswiminthecurrentbeforetheygetairborne.Troutandotherspeciesfeedontheseingreatnumbers.

Longerhooks,wispsofhair,andsoftfeathersmakethelong,slimstreamer fliesappearlikeshiners,chubs,darters,andotherminnows.Sometimestheycanbesunkwithasplitshottogetintothedeepholeswherebigtroutlie.Moststreamersarefishedrapidlyinswiftjerkstoimitatefrightenedminnowsracingforfreedom.

Larvaethatwilllaterhatchintowingedinsectscrawlinthemudandgravelonstreamandlakebottoms.nymphs aretiedtorepresentthesedifferenttypesoflarvae.Nymphsridetothesurfacetohatchasmatureinsects.

Bothlargemouthbassandsmallmouthbassareeveronthealertforbigbugs,frogs,mice,oranythingelseediblethatmightfallintothewater.Bass bugs aretiedwithcorkorhairbodiessothattheywillfloateasily.Somehaveconcaveheadsthatmakeanoisy“pop”whenjerkedonthesurfacewithaflyrod.

Sickorinjuredminnowsoftenstruggleonthesurface.Bassspotthesecork minnowsasaneasymealandarequicktogulpthemdown.

fishing        59

Tiedofhollowdeerhair,the hair mouselurelookslikealittlemousethatstumbledandfellintothewater—allabassneedsforaquicklunch.

Usuallytiedwithhairylegsandpaintedwithgreenspots,thesehigh-floatingcork-bodied frogsappeartothefishjustliketherealthing.

Corkbugscanbemademorelifelikebyaddingstrandsofrubber legsthatstickoutofthesidesandwiggletomimicswimming.Smallcork-bodiedlures,calledpanfish bugs,aresometimesthebestbaitsforbluegills,rockbass,andcrappies,particularlyinthespringwhenthesefishareintheshallows.

RigsWhenbaitisusedwithanycombinationofbobbers,line,sinkers,andhooks,afisherman’srigiscreated.Therigusuallyisconnectedtoorfashionedfromtheendofthefishingline.

freshwater Live Bait RigsTherearemanycombinationsoffreshwaterrigs,andeachonehasaspecialfunction.

slip sinker.Designedtogetthebaitdowntothebottomwhilealsoallowingthefishtorunfreewithoutanydragontheline,theslipsinkerhasaholethroughwhichthelinecanrunfreely.Aswivelandsnapbelowthesinkerkeepthesinkerfromslidingdowntothehook.

Jig-and-Bait. Thisisanoldstandbywithmostfreshwateranglers.Theleadheadedjiggetsthebaitdowntothefishwhereitcanbedriftedorretrievedinshortjerks.Minnows,worms,leeches—alllivebait—workwellwiththismethod.Whenafishstrikes,itmustbeallowedtorunwiththebaitbeforethehookisset.

slip sinker

JiG-and-Bait

60        fishing

Balanced Tackle.

slip Jogger. Withtheslipjoggerrig,thehollowstemontheslipbobberallowsthelinetoslidethroughtoapresetdepth.Butwhenthebaitisreeledin,thebobberslidesdowntothesinker.Thustheanglercancastthebaitsomedistanceaway,yetthebaitandsinkerwilldroptotheproperdepth.Awispofheaviermonofilamenttiedtothelinemakesaknotthatstopsatthebobbertop.

floating Jig head. Insteadofaleadhead,thefloatingjigheadismadeofbalsawoodorhollowplastic.Thisrig,withlivebait,isusedwithaslipsinkerandisdesignedtogetdowntothebottombutwillkeepthebaitandhook18to24inchesofftherocks.Itisaneffectiveandrelativelysnap-freemethodoffishingallvarietiesoflivebait.

saltwater Bait RigsSurfanglersgenerallyusetwobasicrigswhenfishingwithnaturalbaits.Thefirst,thestandardsurfrig,usesathree-wayswiveltiedafewinchesaboveapyramidsinker.Thehookandleaderaretiedtooneeyeonthethree-wayswivel,andthelineisattachedtotheremainingeye.

Theotherrigisknownasthefish-finderrig.Thefish-finderhasaringononeendandasnapontheother.Alarge-sizedsnapswivelmaybeusedasasubstitute.Abarrelswivelisinsertedbetweentheleaderandthelinetoactasastop.

Bothrigscanbeusedwithdifferentleadersandvarioussizesandtypesofhooks,dependingonthefishyouareafter.Nylonmonofilament,wire,orstainless-steelwiremeasuringabout18incheslongisrecommended.Eitherrigcanbeusedforstripedbass,channelbass,blues,weakfish,andothersurf-feedingfish.

fish-finder riGslip JoGGer

floatinG JiG head

surf riG

You can attach a cork to a surf rig or a fish-finder rig to float the bait off the bottom and help keep it away from crabs and bottom snags.

fishing        61

.Balanced Tackle

Pacific salmon Rig.Thisisanidealrigforslowtrollingordriftingwhenfishingforkingandcohosalmon.Aplug-cutorawholeherringisattachedtoatwo-hookrigona3-footleader.Theleaderisattachedtotheeyeofacrescentsinkerweighingfrom2to6ounces,dependingonthecurrentandthedepthyouwanttofish.Lettheriggodowntothebottom,andthenreelbackslowly.Whenyougetyourfirststrike,markyourlinesothatyoucanlettherigdowntothesamedepthagain.

summer flounder Rig.Torigforfluke,attach2or3feetofleadertooneeyeofathree-wayswivel.Attachasinkertoanothereyewithonlyaninchortwoofleaderline.Then,attachalong-shankedhooktotheendoftheleader.Useastripofsquidorclamforbait.Tofurtherenhancetheriganddrawtheattentionofmorefish,addaspin-nerbladeortwototheleader.

Winter flounder Rig.Thistwo-hookedrigusesawirespreadertokeepthetwohooksapartsothattheycanlietogetheronthebottomwheretheflounderwillbefeeding.Thesinkerisattachedtoasnapinthemiddle.Thesingle-hookedrighasitshooktiedafewinchesabovethesinker.Bothrigsusealong-shankedhook.

crescent sinker

Pacific salmon rig3 feet

riG for fluke

two-hooked riG

enhanced riG

sinGle-hooked riG

Winter flounder rigs

62        fishing

Fishing gear and Craft.

Inexpensive tackle

carriers can be

adapted from

plastic boxes

that are sold in

hardware stores

to hold bolts,

nuts, and other

small items.

FishingGearandCraftBeforeyouheadouttofishalakeorstream,you’llneedtopackatackle box,alandingnet,andothernecessarygear.Toensureanenjoyabledayoffishing,besureyoudressfortheweatherconditions.

Tackle BoxesCarryingcasesforlines,leaders,hooks,lures,reels,andotherpiecesofequipmentcomeinawiderangeofsizes.New,rugged,noncorrosiveplastictackleboxeshavelargelyreplacedtheoldmetalboxesusedyearsago.Alltackleboxesaredesignedtokeeptheitemsseparatedsothattheydonotbecometangled.Someanglerskeepalltheirtackleinalargebox,usingsmallerboxestocarrywhatevertheywillneedforoneday.Somehaveseparateboxesforspinning,spin-casting,bait-casting,saltwater,andfly-fishingequipment.Awell-orderedtackleboxmakesfishingeasierandisthemarkofanexperiencedangler.

Overtheyearsmanyitemsworthalotofmoneymayaccumulateinatacklebox,someofthemdifficulttoreplace.Smartanglersarecarefulnottodroptheirtackleboxintothelakeorstreamnortoleaveitontheshoreunattendedandvulnerabletotheft.

Many fly fishermen prefer plastic or  aluminum boxes to hold individual flies. All the flies needed for one trip can  easily be carried in  a small box that fits in a jacket pocket.

fishing        63

.Fishing gear and Craft

Landing netsLandingnetscomeinavarietyofsizesfromsmall,light,troutnetsthathangfromacordaroundthebodytohugeboatnets.

Thetypeoffishingananglerwillbedoingdeterminesthetypeofnettobeused.Youcanlandsomefishbyhand,butusingalandingnetensuresthatthefishwillnotslipandgetloose.Ifthefishistobereleasedunharmed,itisbettertoreachdownwiththefingersorwithpliersandslipthehookloosewhilethefishisinthewater.

stringersIncoolweatherwhenthewateriscold,somespeciesoffishmaybekeptaliveonastringeruntilthedayisover.stringerswithindividualsnapsarebest,keepingthefishseparatedandallowingthemmorebreathingroom.

Tackle Box ItemsAmong the usual lures, line, and other necessities, consider storing a few of the following items with your tackle.

■ A pair of gloves

■ Sunglasses

■ A disposable camera

■ A first-aid kit

■ Hand towels

■ Insect repellent

■ Sunscreen

■ A compass

■ A boot repair kit

64        fishing

Fishing gear and Craft.

Accessories

fillet Knife.Agood,sharpknifewithalong,thin,flexiblebladeisessentialforcleaningfish.Itshouldbekeptsecureinasheathwhennotbeingused.

sharpener.Asharpeningsystemcapableofhoningarazor’sedgeshouldbeavailableathome.Forfishingtrips,asmallsteelordia-mond-edgesharpenerwilltouchupthebladewhenworkneedstobedone.Suchasharp-eneralsocanbeusedtotouchuphookpointsthatgetdull.

Line Clipper.Anglersalwaysshouldusesometypeofcutterorknifetocutmonofilamentline,nevertheteeth.Afingernailclipperonanelasticcordisahandyitem.

Long-nosed Pliers.Usethesepliersfortakinghooksoutoffishandforstraighteningbenthooks.Pliersshouldbeequippedwithsideedgesforcuttinghooks.

Reel Oil.Acanofoilandasmalltubeofgeargreasewillkeepreelsrunningsmoothlyandmakethemlastyearslonger.

CreelsTrout deteriorate rapidly when left in the water on a stringer. Creels are willow baskets made to hold trout that have been gilled and gutted. Damp moss or grass in the bottom of the creel will keep the trout cool.

fishing        65

.Fishing gear and Craft

ClothingSincefishingisanoutdoorpastime,wearclothingsuitablefortheseasonthatwillprotectyoufromtheelements.

Rain gear.Fishermendiscoverquicklythatrainoftenaccom-paniessomeofthebestfishing.Thebestoutfitsarematchingrainparkasandpantsinearthtones,madeofwaterproofandwindprooffabric.Lightweightraingearcanberolledintoasmallpackageandstowedinthepocketofajacketorpack.Ponchoswilldoagoodjobofsheddingrain,buttheyprovidepoorcoverageonwindydaysandmakecastingdifficult.

66        fishing

Fishing gear and Craft.

fishing Vest.Thishandymany-pocketgarmentisusefulforcarryinghooks,leaders,flies,lures,

bait,andotheritems.Thefishingvesthelpskeepanangler’shandsfree.Whileitisnot

anecessity,itisconvenientfortheanglerwhocanaffordone.Whenshoppingforafishingvest,thinkabouttheweatherconditionsyouwillencounter.Beawareofthebulkyourfilledpocketsmaycreate.Youmightwanttoconsideravestthatcomeswithapersonalflotationdevicebuiltin—

itwillinflateifyoupullacord.

footgear. Sneakersorleatherbootsaresuitablefootwearforboatfishermen,butthewadinganglerneedstopaycarefulattentiontothefeet.Incoldweather,orinicytroutstreamsorsurf,hipboots—orbetteryet,chest-highwaders—helpkeepthelegsdry.Inwarmstreamsduringsummer,itmaybetemptingtowadebarefoot,butwadingwithbarefeetinvitesinjuriesfrombrokenglass,rustynails,orevenaspinyseaurchin.Toavoidfootandleginjuries,wearapairofoldshoesandoldjeans.

fishing        67

.Fishing gear and Craft

Canoes and

kayaks are handy

for getting into

those hard-to-

reach rivers and

lakes that seldom

see many anglers.

fishing CraftAlmostanykindofwatercraftcanbeusedforfishing.Someboatslendthemselvesmorereadilytoanglingthanothers,andsomeboatsaredesignedspecificallyforfishing.

Bass BoatsThesecraftareuniquetoaspecialkindofangling.Theseatsarehightomakecastingeasier.Theyhavealargemotortogetfromonespottoanother,andasmallerelectricmotorthatmaybeusedtoguidetheboatstealthilyalongtheshoreline.

Canoes and KayaksTheseareattheotherendofthewatercraftspectrum—light,portable,lowinprice,andnonmotorized.Theyareexcellentfishingcraft,becausetheymakeitpossibletostalksilentlyandtomaneuverquicklywhenatrophyfishishooked.Remember,however,thatitisunsafetostandandcastincanoesandkayaks.

During any Scouting activity afloat, your group  must abide by the BSA’s Safety Afloat procedures. Remember to always wear a personal flotation  device whenever you are afloat. Your Scout leader  can review the Safety Afloat guidelines with you.

fishing        69

.safety Practices

If the water is

too high or too

fast, go fishing

elsewhere. Try a

lake or a pond.

SafetyPracticesWhenfishing,youmightaddtotheBoyScoutmotto,“BePrepared,”theadvice“BeCareful.”

Trip itineraryAlwaysfishwithatleastoneotherpersonandalwaystellyourparentsorguardianswhereyouaregoingandwhenyouexpecttoreturn.Iffishinginaremotearea,leaveyourtripplanwitharesortownerordockoperator.Ifnothingelse,leaveyourwrit-tenitineraryunderthewindshieldwiperofyourcar.Ifyourunintotrouble,trainedsearcherswillknowwheretolookforyou.

WadingWadingcanbetreacherous,particularlyinthespringwhenwaterishighorlateinthefallwhenwateriscold.Itisbesttostartwadinginshallowwaterbeforeventuringfartherout.Thiswillhelpyougaugewatercurrentanddepth.Itwillalsohelpifyouwadediagonallyratherthanlaunchingintothecurrentstraighton.

Rock-bottomstreamsoftenareslippery.Experiencedanglerstakesmallstepsandwadeslowly,movingonefootaheadandfeelingthebottomwhilesupportingthebodyweightontheotherfoot.Steelcleatsorfeltbootsolessometimeshelp,aswillwalkingaroundslipperyrocksratherthanoverthemwheneverpossible.

Awadingstaff,tiedtoawadingbeltwithathong,canbeahandyaidinfastwater.(Awadingbelthelpskeepwaterfromfloodingyourwaders.)Ifyouloseyourfooting,youmaywanttofloatdownstreamtohelpyouregainyourfootingandbal-anceuntilreachingslowerwater.

70        fishing

safety Practices.

BoatingWeatherisachiefconcernwhenonthewater.Itpaystochecktheforecastbeforeventuringoffshoreandtokeepaneyeoutforgatheringclouds,thesignaltogetbacktoshore—fast.Aresponsibleanglershouldlearnthewaterandcarryanaccuratedepthmaporchart,compass,andothersafetygear.

Aserviceableboatrepairkitisessentialforemergencies.Checkrunninglightstomakesuretheyoperateproperly.LearntheboatinglawsofyourstateandthoseoftheU.S.CoastGuard.Knowbeforeyougo!

Canoe TravelThecanoeisasuperbcraftforfishingbuthasspecialrequire-mentsforuse.Whenfishinginheavywavesorinfastcurrents,itusuallyisbestforthebowanglertodothecastingandforthesternpaddlertokeepthecraftundercontrol.Itmaybedesirabletohaveananchormadeoutofameshbagfilledwithrocks.Instreams,anglerssometimesuseacanoepole,fittedwithpointedsteel“shoes”onthebottom.Thepoleallowsthecrafttobemovedupstreameasilyandalsocanbeusedtosnubupagainstrocksgoingdownstreamtoholdthecanoeinplacewhenfishingaparticularspot.

Always be aware of the tides changing and of rapidly rising water.

Avoid alcohol at

the waterfront.

Despite the fact

that it is illegal for

anyone under 21

to drink alcoholic

beverages, alcohol

is a factor in half

of all drownings

among teenagers

and adults. The

death rate is

especially high

among young men

ages 15 to 24.

fishing        71

.safety Practices

It’s always a good

idea to carry an

extra paddle in

case one breaks

or is lost.

Sometimesitisadvisablenottolandanespeciallybigfishinthecanoe.Instead,takeittotheshoreandbeachit.Oncethebowiseaseduponasandorgravelbar,youcangetoutintheshallowwaterwherethefishgraduallycanbebroughtincloseenoughtonet.Becarefulwhenlandinganyfish,becausespinyfins,sharpteeth,andsharpgillcovers(suchthoseonthewalleye)caninflictnastycutsthatmaygetinfected.Anysuchcutshouldbecleanedandcoveredwithanadhesivestrip.

Wisecanoeanglerskeepallextragearlashedtothethwartsincaseofaspill.Inflatablecamerabagsandfloatablecontainersfortacklemayhelppreventanexpensiveloss.Agoodflashlightorlanternwillhelpyoufinddirectionsinthedarkandisessentialforsignalingoncomingmotorboats.

Inanywatercraft,eithercanoeorboat,youshouldalwayswearaU.S.CoastGuard–approvedpersonalflota-tiondevice(PFD).NewerPFDsarelessbulkythantheyusedtobeanddonotinterferewithcasting.Therearefishingvestswithinflatablepouchesthatdonotlooklikelifejacketsbutservethepurpose.

near-DrowningDrowningisthethirdleadingcauseofaccidentaldeathintheUnitedStates.Youcanpreventanear-drowningsituationbyfollowingafewimportantsafetypractices.

Shouldyourboatcapsize,staywiththeboat.Itwillbeeasierforrescuerstospotsomethingthesizeofaboatthanapersontreadingwater.Inaddition,youmightbeabletoclimbontotheboattoawaitrescue.

BesureyoufollowtheBSA’sSafeSwimDefenseplanonallScoutoutingsthatincludewateractivities(youradultleadercanreviewthiswithyou).SeetheSwimmingmeritbadgepamphletformoreinformationaboutsafeswimmingskills.Informationonhowtorespondtoanear-drowningvictimcanbefoundintheFirst AidandLifesavingmeritbadgepamphlets.

Whenever you are afloat or in the water, remember to practice the buddy system. Doing so will make your out-door adventure safer and more fun.

72        fishing

safety Practices.

first Aid and fishingTypicalfirst-aidconcernswhilefishingarecoveredhere.Formoredetailedinformation,seetheFirst AidmeritbadgepamphletandtheBoy Scout Handbook.

hypothermiaHypothermiaistheloweredinternalbodytemperaturethatoccurswhenthebodylosesheatfasterthanitcanproduceit.Waterorairtemperatureslowerthan70degreesposehypother-miarisks,andrain,movingwater,wind,andwetclothingsub-stantiallyincreasethelossofbodyheat.Anycombinationofcoolweatheranddampclothing,wind,exhaustion,orhungercanleadtohypothermia.Infact,mostcasesofhypothermiaoccurwhentheairtemperatureiswellabovefreezing.

Thebestwaytodealwithhypothermiaisprevention.Dressappropriatelyfortheweather;alwayscarryraingeartokeepyourselfandyourclothingdry.Wearahatandproperfootwear,eatplentyofenergy-boostingfoods,drinkanadequateamountoffluids(hypothermiaincreasestheriskofdehydration),anddonotpushyourselftoadangerouspointoffatigue.SeetheSwimmingandFirst Aidmeritbadgepamphletsformoreinformation.

DehydrationWhenwelosemorewaterthanwetakein,webecomedehy-drated.Symptomsofmilddehydrationincludeincreasedthirst,drylips,anddarkyellowurine.Symptomsofmoderatetoseveredehydrationincludeseverethirst,drymouthwithlittlesaliva,dryskin,weakness,dizziness,confusion,nausea,cramping,lossofappetite,decreasedsweating(evenwithexertion),decreasedurineproduction,anddarkbrownurine.Formilddehydration,drinkaquartortwoofwaterorsportsdrinkovertwotofourhours.Restfor24hoursandcontinuedrinkingfluids.Seeaphysicianformoderatetoseveredehydra-tion,whichrequiresemergencycare;thevictimwillneedintravenousfluids.

heat ReactionsProtectyourselfagainstheatreactionssuchasheatexhaustionandheatstrokebystayingwell-hydrated.Drinkplentyofwater;don’twaituntilyouarethirstytodrinkoritmaybetoolate.

Monitor a

hypothermia

victim closely for

any change in

condition. Do not

rewarm the

person too quickly

(for instance, by

immersing the

person in warm

water); doing so

can be dangerous

to the heart.

fishing        73

.safety Practices

Consult the Boy

Scout Handbook

for advice on what

to include in a

first-aid kit.

Inhotweather,watchforsignsofheatexhaustion(pale,clammyskin;nauseaandfatigue;dizzinessandfainting;headache,musclecramps,weakness)andheatstroke(veryhot,redskinthatcanbeeitherdryordampwithsweat;rapidandquickpulse,noisybreathing;confusionandirritability;unwillingnesstoaccepttreatment;unconsciousness).Ifyouorsomeoneinyourgroupshowssignsofaheatreaction,gettoacool,shadyplace.Havethepersonliedownwiththefeet,head,andshouldersslightlyraised,andremoveexcessclothing.Coolthevictimanywayyoucan(coverthepersonwithcool,wettowels,orspongethepersonwithcoolwater;fantheper-son;placethevictiminastream).Keepaclosewatchoverthevictim.Ifyoudonotseearapidrecovery,seekmedicalatten-tionrightaway.

Minor injuriesItisagoodruleofthumbtokeepafirst-aidkitwithyourfishinggear.Useittotreatminorinjuriessuchascuts,scrapes,andinsectbites.Forinjuriesinwhichtheskinisbroken,washtheareawithsoapandwaterorcleanitwithantiseptictohelppreventinfection.Severewoundsneedimmediatemedicalattention.

SunburnSunburn is a common injury among people who enjoy  being outdoors. Most sunburns are first-degree burns,  but prolonged exposure to the sun can cause blistering— a second-degree burn. 

If you or one of your companions gets sunburned,  prevent further injury by getting the person out of the sun  and into the shade. If no shade is available, have the person put on a brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt that  will afford protection from the sun. Treat painful sunburn  with damp cloths. Remedies containing aloe vera might  also provide relief.

Sunburn is easy to prevent by applying plenty of sunscreen with  a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15. Reapply if you are  sweating and after you have been in water. A broad-brimmed hat,  long-sleeved shirt, and long pants provide even more protection.

74        fishing

safety Practices.

Thebitesorstingsofinsects,spiders,chiggers,andtickscanbeitchyandpainful.Somecancauseinfection.Applyingcalaminelotionmaybringrelief,butthemostimportantthingtorememberistotrynottoscratch.Applyinganicepacktotheseinjuriescanhelpreduceswelling.

Forabeeorwaspsting,scrapeawaythestingerwiththeedgeofaknifeblade.Donottrytosqueezeitout.Thatwillforcemorevenomintotheskinfromthesacattachedtothestinger.Icealsowillhelpeasetheswellingofstings.

Ifatickhasattacheditself,graspitwithtweezersclosetotheskinandgentlypulluntilitcomesloose.Donotsqueeze,twist,orjerkthetick,asthatcouldleaveitsmouthpartsintheskin.Washthewoundwithsoapandwaterandapplyantisep-tic.Afterdealingwithatick,thoroughlywashyourhandsandanyaffectedareatohelppreventLymedisease,abacterialinfectionthatisspreadthroughcontactwithinfectedticks.Ifrednessdevelopsinthebitearea,seeadoctor.

Many spider bites

can be dangerous.

Victims of spider

bites should be

treated by a

doctor as soon

as possible.

Puncture WoundsPuncture wounds can be caused by pins, splinters, nails, or bits of broken glass. The sharp spines in the pectoral and dorsal fins of catfish and some other species also can cause puncture wounds. All can be dangerous, because they allow germs into a wound that is hard to clean. 

To treat a puncture wound, encourage the wound to bleed to help flush out dirt or other particles that might have been forced inside. Use tweezers sterilized over a flame or in boiling water to pull out the object that caused the wound. Clean the injury thoroughly with soap and water and rinse well with clear water. Allow the wound to air dry, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Tetanus is a very real danger with puncture wounds, so be sure to see a physician about the possible need for a  tetanus booster shot.

fishing        75

.safety Practices

Fishhooks also can cause a nasty puncture wound. Always be aware of the path of your fishing rod and line when you cast to prevent the hook from catching on anything—especially another angler! If a fishhook wound does occur, never try to remove a hook that is lodged in the face or near an eye, artery, or other sensitive area. 

If only the point of the hook enters the skin and does not go deep enough to let the barb take hold, you can safely remove the hook by backing it out. If the barb becomes embedded, it’s best to let a physician remove it. If medical help is not available, try this method:

1. Tie a length of strong string to the bend of the hook.

2. Press down on the shank of the hook to free the barb. 

3. While maintaining pressure on the shank, pull firmly on the string in the direction in which the hook entered. 

If the hook has lodged so that the barb is visible above the skin, try this method:

1. Cut off the barbed end with wire cutters or pliers.

2. Back the shank of the hook out through the entry wound.

After removing the hook, wash the area with soap and water and cover it with a dry adhesive or gauze bandage. Be sure that the injured person consults a physician.

Back out hook if barb has not taken hold.

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2

3

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2

76        fishing

Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish.

Cleaning,Filleting,andCookingFishThereareasmanyrecipesforcookingafreshlycaughtfishasthereareanglers.Propercleaningandpreparationofafishbeforecookingwillhelpensuresuccesswithwhatevercookingmethodyouchoose.

Cleaning fishFollowingthesestep-by-stepinstructionsforcleaningafishwillmakethismessytaskmoremanageable.

step 1—Covertheareawithbrownpaperornewspaper.Keepaplasticbaghandyforanywaste.Makesureyouhaveasharpknife.

step 2—Rinsethefishunderclean,coolwater.

step 3—Skinthefish,orremovethescalesusingascaleremoverorsharpknife.(Holdthefishfirmlybytheheadandrunthedulledgeofyourknifefromtailtoheaduntilthefishfeelsslick.)Ifyouskinthefish,itwon’tneedtobescaled.Toskinthefish,cutdownthebacksideandloosentheskinaroundthefins.Removetheskinwithpliers;pulltheskindownfromheadtotailandcutitoffatthetail.

step 4—Startingattheanalopeningnearthetail,cutthroughthebellytothegills.

step 5—Openthebellyandremovetheentrailsandgillsfromthefish.(Don’tburstthestomach.)Scrapeoutthekidneyline(itisreddish-brown)alongtheundersideofthebackbone.

step 6—Ifyouwant,removetheheadbycarefullycuttingdownthroughthebackbone.

step 7—Removethetailandpulloffthedorsalfin(alongthetopofthefish)withaquicktug.

step 8—Rinsethefishwellundercoolrunningwater.

Responsibly

dispose of all

fish entrails,

skeletons, and

other remains.

If you are on a

camping or

hiking trip, follow

Leave No Trace

principles, and

treat this waste

as you would

human waste.

fishing        77

.Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish

filleting fishKeepinmindthatnotallfishshouldbefilleted.Atrout,forinstance,needsonlytobecleaned.Removingthemeatofsomefishfromthebonesandskinmakesiteasiertocookandtoeat.Hereisonewaytodoit.

step 1—Laythefishonitssideandmakeacutjustbehindthegillsdowntothebackbone,butnotthroughit.

step 2—Startatthecutmadeinstep1andrunthepointoftheknifealongsidethebackbone,downtowhereitstartstoclickalongthetopsoftheribs.Cutalongsidetheribs,workingbacktowardthetailuntiltheentiresideofthefishisfreefromtheribsandbackbone,butleaveitattachedtothetail.

step 3—Laythesideflatandhookaforefingerundertheskinnearthetail.Runtheknifeintothemeatnexttotheskinandholdthebladeagainsttheinsideoftheskinatanangleofabout45degrees.Holdingthebladesteady,gentlylifttheforefingerholdingtheskinandpull.Theskinwillslideout,leavingaboneless,skinlessfillet.Repeatontheothersideofthefish,andyouwillhavetwofillets.

Removing Bones from a PikeAllmembersofthepikefamilyareexcellenteating.However,theyallhaverowsofY bonesembeddedinthemeatalongtheback.Gettingthesebonesouttakessomefurtherworkwiththefilletknife.

step 1—Intheillustration,apikefilletiscutintofoursections.ThetailsectionhasnoYbonesandissetaside.ThearrowpointstothetopsoftheYbonesthatcanbefeltbyrunningafingertipalongthefillet.

step 2—Thesideviewintheillustrationshowsacut(dottedline)alongsidetheYbones.Thispieceofbonelessmeatissaved.

step 3—ThesecondcutisjustbehindtheYbones,severingthemfromtherestofthefillet.Thepiecewiththebonesisdiscarded.Allthatremainsisgood,bonelessmeat.

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2

3

1

2

3

78        fishing

Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish.

Cooking fishTherearedozensofwaystocookfish.Thefollowingrecipescanbepreparedathomeoronthetrail.

fish ChowderTomakefishchowder,beginbycuttingabout2poundsoffilletsintopiecesaninchorsosquare.Brownhalfapoundof

dicedbaconinalargepot,thenaddacoupleofdicedonionsandfourtosixdicedpotatoes.Saltandseasonthefillets,

andlaythefishontopofthemixture.Fillthepotwithwaterjustuptothetopofthefishandbringittoaboil.Place2teaspoonsofpicklingspiceinacheeseclothbag,tieastringaroundit,andhangitinthepot.Allowtheliquidtosimmerforonehour.Thenremovethespicebagandaddaboutaquarter-cupofmargarineorbutterand2cupsofmilk.Stirtomixalltheingredientsandthenserve.

foil-Baked fishPlaceawholefishorlargefilletinsideasheet

ofheavyaluminumfoil.Saltandpepperthefish.Laytwostripsofbaconoverthetopofthefish.Add

asliceoflemon,ifyouwish.Foldthefoillengthwiseintoapouch,thenfoldovertheedges,sealingthem.Takeanothersheetoffoilanddothesame,givingthefishadoublelayer.Bakeinanovenoronhotcoalsfor20to30minutes,dependingonthesizeofthefish.

Get rid of that

fishy smell on your

hands by rubbing

them with half a

lemon and then

washing with

soap and water.

fishing        79

.Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Fish

fried fishAllowthefilletstodrainonapapertowelorsimilarabsorbentmaterialuntiltheyarefairlydry.Saltthefillets,thenmixapancakebatterorbattermadeofoneeggand1cupofself-risingflour.Addabitofmilktothinthebatter.Donotmakethebattertoothin.Youalsocanbreadthefishbydippingthefilletsinbeateneggsthinnedwithmilkandthenrollingtheminseasonedcrackercrumbsorcornmeal.

Tocookthefish,makesuretheoilinthefryingpanissizzlinghot.Thendipeachfilletinthebatteranddropitintotheoil,beingverycarefulnottosplatterthehotoil.Whenonesideofthefilletisbrown,flipitoverandbrowntheotherside.Removefromtheoilandallowthefishtocoolalittleonapapertowel.Servehot.

Poached fishPoachedfishiseasytocookandeasyonthedigestion.Saltsomefreshfishfilletsandsetthemaside.Thenmeltalittlebutterinafryingpan.Addahalf-inchofmilktothebottomofthepan.Heatthemilkuntilitsteams,butdonotboilit.Addthesaltedfishfillets,coverthepan,andletthefishsimmerfor10minutes.Removeanddrainthefish.Adashofpaprikaisanicefinishingtouch.

The trick to turning out tasty fried fish is to have enough hot cooking oil and some type of batter or breading to seal the meat so that the fish cooks quickly without absorbing the oil.

fishing        81

.Protecting game Fish Resources

ProtectingGameFishResourcesTheUnitedStateshasawell-runandhealthyrecreationalfishery.Combinedwithstatefishinglicenserevenue,morethan$1billionisinvestedeachyeartosupportarecreationalfishingindustrythathasacombinedannualvalueofmorethan$100billion.

Obeying fish and game LawsWithmillionsofanglersfishingthenation’swaterways,itisnecessaryforthetakingoffishtoberegulatedsothatfishpop-ulationsdonotdecline.Stateconservationdepartmentsseeklawsthatwillbalancefishproductionwiththeharvest.Trainedconservationofficerspatrolthewaterwaystoseethatthelawsarefollowed.

Limits. Eachstateputsalimitonthenumberofgamefishofeachspeciesthatmaybetakenbyanangleratonetime.Limitsvaryindirectproportiontotheavailabilityofthefish.Morescarcespecieshaveamuchlowerlimit.Muskellunge,forinstance,inmanystatesarelimitedtooneaday.Panfishes,whichareprolificandnumerous,havemuchhigherlimitsornolimitsatall.Someareasmayhaveregulationsforthecatchandreleaseofsomespecies.Anethicalanglerwilladheretoboththeletterandthespiritofthelaw.

82        fishing

Protecting game Fish Resources.

Methods. Asfishinghasevolvedfrombeingmainlyamethodforgatheringfoodintoasport,rulesofsportsmanshiphavebeenincorporatedintotheregulations.Gamefishmustbetakenonhookandlineandcannotbespearedornettedexceptwithalandingnet.Insomeareas,troutmaybetakenonlyonartificialflies.Wheresalmonandsteelheadtroutmigrateupstreamstospawn,onlysinglehooksmaybeusedonlurestopreventunscrupulousfishermenfromtryingtosnagfishwithtreblehooks.Inmanyareas,onlyonelureorbaitmaybeusedononeline,andonlyonelineisallowedforeachangler.

seasons. Toprotectfishwhilespawning,seasonsaresetsothatgamefishcanlaytheireggswithout

interference.Forspeciessuchasbass,pike,andwalleye,theseasonsopenafterspawning

endsinthespring.Forlaketrout,brooktrout,andotherfall-spawningspecies,theseasonsareclosedinlateautumn,justbeforespawningstarts.Whenfisharespawning,theyareparticularlyvulnera-blebecausetheysavagelystriketoprotecttheireggs.

Failuretoknowandobeythefishandgamelawscanleadtoanarrestandastifffine.Truesportsenthusiasts

neverpoachorconsiderbreakingtherules.ManystateshaveaTIP(TurnIn

Poachers)hotlinetelephonenumberthatcanbecalledtoreportviolations.Peoplewho

breakthefishandgamelawsarestealingfromtheirfellowoutdoorenthusiastsanddemonstrating

alackofconcernforwildlifeandtheenvironment.

information.Mostmarinedocksandshopsthatselltackleandbaitandissuefishinglicensesalsosupplyinformationaboutlocalfishingregulations.Youmightalsocheckwithlocalordis-trictfishandgameofficesortheirWebsites.Beawarethatinsomecasesyoumayneedtoobtainaspeciallicenseinadditiontoabasicfishinglicense.

Many states offer online purchase of fishing licenses and other required permits.

fishing        83

.Protecting game Fish Resources

fish Resource ManagementAllstatesmaintainastaffoftrainedfisheriespersonnelwhoconductresearchontheresourcesanddeterminehowtobestspendthesportsenthusiast’sfishinglicensemoneytogetthebestresults.Todeterminefishpopulations,testnetsaresetandcaptured.Thenfisharetalliedastonumbers,age,andgrowthrates.Wherefishnumbersarelow,eitherthroughheavyfishingorfornaturalreasons,stockingtakesplacewithfry,fingerlings,andyearlingfishfromstateorfederalhatcheries.

However,itwasdiscoveredthatmerelyaddingfishtomanylakesandstreamsdidnotimprovethefishing,thusresearchhasbecomeanimportanttool.Thenation’sfishingtacklemanufacturersandsportspeople,actingtogether,gottheU.S.Congresstopassataxonallfishingtacklemadeandsoldinthecountry.NamedforitssponsorsinCongress,theDingall-JohnsonSportFishRestorationtaxmoneygenerateshundredsofmillionsofdollarseachyearandisapportionedamongthestatesforscientificstudiesandotherrelatedfishing-managementpractices.

Skilledaquaticbiologistsusechemistry,electronics,andotheraidstodeterminewhichspeciesoffisheachlakeandstreamcanbestsupport.Asthesportoffishinggrows,ourabilitytoprovideadequatepopulationswilldependmoreandmoreonresearchstudiesandprogramsprovidedbyskilledtechnicians.

84        fishing

Protecting game Fish Resources.

The future of sportfishingAllanglerssoonerorlaterdiscoverthatitisnotenoughtoenjoythesportoffishingandthetastyfishdinnersthatgowithit.Allfishermenfindthattheyhavearesponsibilitytotheirsportandtotheenvironmentinwhichthefishlive.Inourmodern,complexsociety,humanshavelife-and-deathcontroloverthewaters.Howwetreatthosewatersandtheirresourcesdeter-minestheabundanceofgamefishandthefutureofthesport.

Entireriversandlakeshavebeenemptiedofpreferredgamefishbecauseofhuman-causedpollutionorconstructionofsmall-andlarge-scaledams.Likewise,therehavebeenmanyinstancesofriversandlakesreclaimedbecauseanglersandotheroutdoorenthusiastsbandedtogetheranddemandedit.BoyScoutshavebeenactiveincleaninguptrashfromriversandinassistingstatefisheriespersonnelintherehabilitationofstreamsforgamefishspecies.BecauseScoutingisbasedonoutdoorexperiences,Scoutshavealwayshadahighregardformaintainingaqualityenvironment.

Aslongasweasanationtakecareofourwaterresources,wewillalwayshavegamefishforsportandforthetable.Inarealsense,whenweprotectthewaterwayswealsoareprotectingourownfuture.Ourfateandthefateoffishareinseparable—butonlyweareabletodosomethingaboutit.

fishing        85

.Protecting game Fish Resources

Outdoor CodeThe BSA’s Outdoor Code helps stimulate awareness  by Scouts of the need for every user of the outdoors  to be a responsible patron of outdoor resources. 

As an American, i will do my best to—Be Clean in my Outdoor Manners.I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care  of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and  garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods,  and roadways.

Be Careful With fire.I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only when and where they are permitted and appropriate. When  I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out. I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all  evidence of my fire.

Be Considerate in the Outdoors.I will treat public and private property with respect. I will follow the principles of Leave No Trace for all outdoor activities.

Be Conservation-Minded.I will learn how to prac-tice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.  I will urge others to  do the same.

86        fishing

Protecting game Fish Resources.

Leave no TraceToensureahealthyfutureforourselvesandourenvironment,wemustdomorethansimplypickuplitter.Wemustlearnhowtomaintaintheintegrityandcharacteroftheoutdoors.LeaveNoTraceisasetofrulesbutitisalsoanawarenessandanattitude.AlongwiththeOutdoorCode,thesevenLeaveNoTraceprinciplesofferguidelinestofollowatalltimes.Theseguidelinesapplytofishingaswellashiking,camping,oranyotheroutdooractivity.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.Properplanningandpreparationforafishingtriphelpsensureasafeandenjoyableexperi-encewhileminimizingdamagetonaturalandculturalresources.Anglerswhoplanaheadcanavoidunexpectedsituationsandminimizetheirimpactbycomplyingwithareagameandfishlaws,suchassizeandcatchlimits,tackleandbaitregulations,andseasonalrestrictions.Failuretoknowandobeytheselawscanleadtoanarrestandafine.Besuretoobtainafishinglicenseifnecessaryandanyotherneededpermitsorpermissionbeforeheadingoutonyourfishingadventure.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable surfaces.Whetheryoufishforafewhoursoranentireday,oryouplantocampandfish,itisimportanttominimizeyourimpactontheland.Damagetolandoccurswhenvisitorstramplevegetationorcommunitiesoforganismsbeyondrecovery.Theresultingbarrenareasdevelopintoundesirabletrails,campsites,andfishingspotsandcausesoiltoerode.Iffishingfromshoreinhigh-useareas,concentrateactivitywherevegetationisalreadyabsent.Minimizeresourcedamagebyusingexistingtrailsandselectingdesignatedorexistingfishingareas.

Obtain information concerning geography, water levels, and weather where you plan to fish so that you are not caught off guard by a storm or rugged terrain. Allow ample time to travel to and from your desired fishing spot, whether on the water or the shore. Take along the proper equipment and tackle for the type of fishing you plan to do. It is also helpful to schedule your outing to avoid times of high use. 

If fishing on

the water, be

sure to use the

appropriate boat

launch location.

fishing        87

.Protecting game Fish Resources

Using a float tube

or waders is a

good way to

minimize your

impact. These

devices leave little

or no lasting

impact and allow

you better access

to the fish.

Ifcampingovernight,alwayscampatleast200feetfromshorelines.Keepcampsitessmallbyarrangingtentsincloseproximity.Ifyouarecampingandcookingthatday’scatch,dispersetentsandcookingactivities.Movecampdailytoavoidcreatingpermanent-lookingcampsites.Alwayschoosethemostdurablesurfacesavailable:rock,gravel,sand,compactedsoil,drygrasses,orsnow.

Itisespeciallyimportanttoavoidimpactingstreambanksandlakesides.Theareathatisimmediatelyadjacenttoastreamorriveriscalledtheriparianzone.Thesezonessupplyfood,cover,andwaterforadiversenumberofanimals,bothinandoutofthewater.Theyalsoserveasmigrationroutesandforestconnectorsbetweenhabitatsforavarietyofwildlife,especiallybirds.Inaddition,riparianzonesgenerallycontainmorediversityandaremoreproductiveinplantgrowthandanimalspeciesthanlandfartherawayfromthewater.

These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Leave No Trace techniques for your specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique.

88        fishing

Protecting game Fish Resources.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly. Packitin;packitout.Thissimpleyeteffectivesayingmotivatesoutdoorvisitorstotaketheirtrashhomewiththem.Inspectyourfishingspot,boat,orcampsitefortrashorspilledfoods.Acceptthechallengeofpackingoutalltrash,leftoverfoodorbait,andusedorbrokenfishingline.Usedesignatedfishcleaningareasor

checkwiththelocalgameandfishofficialsifyouwillbefishinginamoreremotearea.

Youmustproperlydisposeofanyfishentrailsorbodilywasteinsolidwastefacilitiesorbyburyingtheminacathole.Acatholeshouldbedug6to8inchesdeepinhumussoilandshouldbeatleast200feetfromwater,trails,andcampsites.

Ifcookinginthebackcountry,strainfoodparticlesfromthedishwateranddispersethewastewateratleast

200feetfromsprings,streams,andlakes.Packoutthestrainedfoodparticles.Usebiodegradablesoap200feetormorefromanywatersource.

Remember that

you should never

release live bait

or bait water

into a lake or

stream. You might

unknowingly

introduce

nonnative species

or disease.

Never leave used fishing line to decompose. Monofilament line can persist in the environment for many years, so make every effort to retrieve broken line and snagged hooks. Dispose of used or broken line responsibly by packing it out with the rest of your trash. 

fishing        89

.Protecting game Fish Resources

4. Leave What You find. Allowothersasenseofdiscovery,andpreservethepast.Leaverocks,plants,animals,archaeologicalartifacts,andotherobjectsasyoufindthem.Examinebutdonottouchculturalorhistoricalstructuresandartifactsthatyoumaystumbleacross.Itmaybeillegaltoremoveartifacts.

Goodfishingspotsarefound,notmade.Avoidalteringasite,diggingtrenches,orbuildingstructures.Neverhammernailsintotrees,hackattreeswithhatchetsorsaws,ordamagebarkandrootsbytyinghorsestotreesforextendedperiods.Replacesurfacerocksortwigsthathavebeenclearedfromthefishingspotorcampsite.Onhigh-impactsites,cleantheareaanddismantleinappropriateuser-builtfacilitiessuchaslogseatsortablesandmultiplefirerings.

Never transfer

fish from one

watershed to

another. This can

cause the spread

of disease and

invasive species.

90        fishing

Protecting game Fish Resources.

5. Minimize Campfire impacts. Ifyouplantocookwhatyoucatchwhileonafishingtrip,considerthepotentialforresourcedamage.Somepeoplewouldnotthinkofcookingorcampingintheoutdoorswithoutacampfire.Yetthenaturalnessofmanyareashasbeendegradedbyoveruseoffiresandincreasingdemandforfirewood.Alow-impactalternativeistousealightweightcampstove.Stovesarefast,eliminatetheneedforfirewood,andmakecleanupaftermealseasier.

If you build a fire, keep it small. Whenever possible,  use an existing fire ring and dead and downed wood that can be broken easily by hand. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce, and when possible,  burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is cold out.

Practice

catch-and-release

fishing to help

ensure quality

fishing for future

anglers. The motto,

“Limit your kill;

don’t kill your

limit” should be

part of every

Leave No

Trace experience.

fishing        91

.Protecting game Fish Resources

6. Respect Wildlife. Helpkeepwildlifewild.Whilefishing,chancesareyouwillencounterotherwildlifeaswell,ontheshoreorinthewater.Avoiddisturbinganimalsbyobservingthemfromafarandgivingthemawideberth.Youaretoocloseifananimalaltersitsnormalactivities.Neverfeedwildlife(exceptthefishyou’retryingtocatch,ofcourse!).

Storefoodandgarbagesecurelytoavoidattractingwildlife.Berespectfulofanycatch-and-releaseareas,andreturnunharmedtothewateranyfishthatyoudonotplantoeatorthatexceedthedesignatedlimit.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Thoughtfulanglersrespectothervisitorsandprotectthequalityoftheirexperience.Thefollowingareafewtenetsofoutdoorethics:

• Travelinsmallgroups.Ifcamping,dosoingroupsnolargerthanthatprescribedbythelandmanagers.

• Letnature’ssoundsprevail.Keepthenoisedownandleaveradios,musicplayers,andpetsathome.Fishcanbespookedbysuchinterruptions.Inbearcountry,however,beingabittalkativeonthetrailmighthelppreventasurpriseencounterwithabear.

• Selectfishingspotsandcampsitesawayfromothergroupstohelppreservetheirsolitudeandtheirchancesofcatchingfish.

• Alwaystravelquietlytoavoiddisturbingothervisitors.Iffishingfromawatercraft,takecarenottodisturbotheranglers’effortsonthewater.

• Respectprivatepropertyandleavegates(openorclosed)asfound.

TheLeaveNoTraceprinciplesmightseemunimportantuntilyouconsiderthecombinedeffectsofmillionsofoutdoorvisitors.Witha750percentincreaseintheuseofdesignatedwildernessareasoverthelast30years,leavingnotraceiseveryone’sresponsibility.Usejudgmentandexperiencetotailoroutdooractivitiestotheenvironment.Forest,mountain,seashore,plains,freshwater,andwetlandenvironmentsallrequiredifferentminimum-impactpractices.Whetheroutdoorsforsportorleisure,youarenature’sguest;remembertoactaccordinglywhilethere.

92        fishing

glossary.

Glossaryauger.Atoolusedinicefishingtoboreholesintheice.balance.Thestateinwhichtherod,reel,andlinearecorrectlymatchedtohandleagiven-weightlureorbait.Balanceallowsananglertodeliverthelureorbaitwithaccuracywithinanydesireddistance.

bass bug.Atypeofbassluremadetoresemblebugs,frogs,mice,oranythingelseediblethatmightfallintothewater.Itistiedwithcorkorhairbodiessothattheywillfloateasily.bobber. Knownformallyasafloat,abobberusuallyismadeofplastic.Itisclippedtothelineandholdsthehookandbaitatapredetermineddepth;itbobs,ormoves,whenafishbites.boil. Aneruptiononthewater’ssurfacecausedbyminnowsskippingfromthewaterinanattempttoescapefishbelowonthefeed.Boilsareasignalofthepresenceofgamefish.

creel. Acanvasbagorwillowbasketmadetoholdtroutthathavebeengilledandgutted.downrigger.Awirelinewithheavyleadweightsusedtogetluresdeepwhentrollingforlaketroutandsalmon.fishhook.Abarbedorbarblesssteelwirehookusedtocatchfish.fly.Atypeofluremadeofhair,feathers,wool,chenille,orothermaterialsandheldtogetherwiththreadandglue.Aflyishand-tiedtorepresentinsects,baitfish,orothernaturalfooditems.fly-fishing.Amethodoffishinginwhichanartificialflyandalongflexiblerod,reel,andlineareused.jig.Ahookwithaweightmoldedintothehead.Alsocalledaleadhead.landing net.Anetusedtoland,orbringin,afish;ithelpsensurethatthefishwillnotslipandgetloose.level fly line. Inexpensiveflylinethatmaybeusedfortrolling.Generallynotrecommendedforflycasters.

Creel

Bobber

Landing net

fishing        93

.glossary

lure. Artificialbaitusedforcatchingfish.plug.Atypeofartificiallurethatusuallyresemblesaminnoworfrogandismadeofplastic.Itisavailableinthreedifferentstyles:floating-diving,deep-running,andsurface.poach.Tokillortakegameorfishillegally.rig.Theterminaltackleusedforlivebaitfishing.sinker. Aweightusedtosinkthebaitdowntothefish.Therearevarioustypesdesignedfordifferenttypesoffishing.Sinkersaretypicallymadeofleadbutenvironmentallyfriendlyversionsaremadeofalternativematerialssuchasrock,ceramics,iron,steel,andbismuth.spinners.Atypeofthin,metallurethathasaholedrilledinoneendandismountedonastripofwire.Itisusuallyriggedupwithhairflies,featherstreamers,orlivebait.spinning. Aformofcastingthatusesafixed-spoolreelandaspring-operatedpickuparm;thelineiscontrolledwiththeindexfingerofthecastinghand.Longcastscanbemadeeffortlesslybecausethereisnomovablespool.Alsocalledspin-casting.spoon. Ashinymetallurethatimitatesminnowsbycreatingwobblingactionsinthewater;itisshapedlikethelowerpartofateaspoon.stringer.Astring,wire,orchain(oftenwithsnaps)usedtostringfishonthesideofaboatandkeepthemaliveinthewater.swivel. Adevicethatconnectstoahook,lure,orleaderandallowsthebaittorevolvewithouttwistingtheline.tackle.Ageneraltermforfishingequipmentsuchastherod,reel,line,lures,etc.tackle box.Acarryingcaseforlines,leaders,hooks,lures,reels,andotherpiecesoffishingequipment.tapered fly line.Usedforfly-fishing,thistypeoflineisthickerinthemiddleandtaperedontheends.Thetapereddiameteraidsincastinglightfliesandhavingthemlandlightlyonthewater.weight-forward fly line.Usedforfly-fishing,thistypeoflineisheaviestneartheterminalend,justbeforetheleader.Itgivesaddedweighttocastlargestreamerfliesorcork-bodiedbassbugs.Y bones.Thebonesthatlieembeddedinthemeatalongapike’sspine;theyareshapedliketheletterY.

stringer

spinners

Tackle box

Lure

94        fishing

Fishing Resources.

scouting LiteratureBoy Scout Handbook, Conservation Handbook, and Fieldbook; Camping, Cooking, Environmental Science, First Aid, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fly-Fishing, Lifesaving, Soil and Water Conservation, andSwimmingmeritbadgepamphlets

Visit the Boy Scouts of America’s official retail Web site (with  your parent’s permission) at http://www.scoutstuff.org for a complete listing of all merit badge pamphlets and other helpful Scouting materials and supplies.

BooksBaron,FrankP.What Fish Don’t Want

You to Know: An Insider’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing. RaggedMountainPress,2004.

Bashline,Sylvia.The New Cleaning & Cooking Fish: The Complete Guide to Preparing Delicious Freshwater Fish.CreativePublishingInternational,1999.

Circle,Homer.Bass Wisdom. TheLyonsPress,2000.

Earnhardt,Tom.Boats for Fishermen. TheLyonsPress,2001.

Kaminsky,Peter.Fishing for Dummies. IDGBooksWorldwide,1997.

Maas,Dave.Kids Gone Fishin’. CreativePublishingInternational,2001.

NationalAudubonSociety.National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fishes.Knopf,2002.

Pfeiffer,C.Boyd.The Complete Book of Tackle Making. TheLyonsPress,1999.

Rosko,Milt.The Complete Book of Saltwater Fishing. KrausePublications,2001.

Schultz,Ken. Ken Schultz’s Fishing Encyclopedia: Worldwide Angling Guide. IDGBooksWorldwide,2000.

Sousa,RobertJ.Learn to Fly Fish in 24 Hours. RaggedMountainPress,2006.

Vick,Noel.Fishing on Ice. HumanKineticsPublishers,1999.

Wilson,Geoff.GeoffWilson’s Complete Book of Fishing Knots and Rigs.AustralianFishingNetwork,2006.

DVDJoan Wulff’s Dynamics of Fly Casting.

MiracleProductions,2001.

FishingResources

fishing        95

.Fishing Resources

PeriodicalsField and Stream and Outdoor Life magazinesTelephone:800-289-0639(Field and Stream);800-365-1580(Outdoor Life)Website:http://fieldandstream.comorhttp://outdoorlife.com

Organizations and Web sitesAmerican sportfishing Association and future fisherman foundation225ReinekersLane,Suite420Alexandria,VA22314Telephone:703-519-9691Websites:http://www.asafishing.org and http://www.futurefisherman.org

The Catch and Release foundation19ParmaleeRoadNewtown,CT06740Toll-freetelephone:800-63-CATCHWebsite:http://www.catchandreleasefound.org

Catskill fly fishing Center and MuseumP.O.Box1295LivingstonManor,NY12758Telephone:845-439-4810Website: http://www.cffcm.net

federation of fly fishersP.O.Box1688Livingston,MT59047Telephone:406-222-9369Website: http://www.fedflyfishers.org

izaak Walton League of America707ConservationLaneGaithersburg,MD20878Telephone:301-548-0150Website:http://www.iwla.org

national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries1315EastWestHighwaySilverSpring,MD20910Telephone:301-713-2334Website:http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

national Park service1849CSt.,NWWashington,DC20240Telephone:202-208-6843Website:http://nps.gov

Trout Unlimited1300N.17thSt.,Suite500Arlington,VA22209-2404Telephone:703-522-0200Website:http://www.tu.org

U.s. fish and Wildlife serviceMainInterior1849CSt.,NWWashington,DC20240-0001Website:http://www.fws.gov

The Federation of Fly Fishers, International Game Fish Association,  and Trout Unlimited have each signed a memorandum of mutual support with the Boy Scouts of America that emphasizes an  ongoing relationship to promote mutually beneficial programs for recreational fishing.

96        fishing

Fishing Resources.

AcknowledgmentsTheBoyScoutsofAmericathanksDouglasPrecourt;RobertJ.Sousa,Ph.D.,U.S.FishandWildlifeService(retired);andBenJelsema,volunteerScouter,forpreparingthisrevisedversionoftheFishing meritbadgepamphlet.Whileallthreeareavidanglers,SousaandJelsemahaveputincountlesshoursoverthepastseveralyearsascoordinatorsofthefishingexhibitsatthelastthreenationalScoutjamborees.ThanksalsotoHowardKern,MasterLeaveNoTraceTrainer,forhisvaluableassistance.

WearegratefultoHowardE.Evans,Ph.D.,andEdwardBrothersofIthaca,N.Y.,fortheirexpertiseandinvaluableinput,andtoBobCary,whowroteandillustratedthepreviouseditionofthepamphlet,uponwhichthiseditionwasbased.Severalofhisillustrationsremaininthisedition.ThanksalsotoTroutUnlimitedforitssupport.

Photo and illustration Credits

BrandXPictures,BugsandInsectsCD—page74(top)

HAAPMediaLtd.,courtesy—cover (background)

Jupiterimages.com—page11

Photos.com—cover (bobber); pages2–5 (all), 8–9 (both),12(top),13(both),14(left),16(both),17 (top),18,22,23 (bottom two),25 (top), 26 (top), 28 (top),31(bottom),32 (top),36,44,51(top), 62,66 (top), 71 (top),72,78(both), 79(right), 80–82(all), 84–85(all),87,89(both), and92(center)

USDAAgriculturalResourceService/ScottBauer,Bugwood.org,courtesy—page74(bottom two)

U.S.FishandWildlifeService,courtesy—cover(fish, bottom left);pages15,21 (both),and83

U.S.FishandWildlifeService/DuaneRaver—pages23 (top),24 (all), 25(bottom),26 (bottom),27 (bottom), 28(bottom),31 (top two),and35(all)

U.S.FishandWildlifeService/TimothyKnepps,courtesy—cover(fish, bottom left);page30(both)

Wikipedia.org,courtesy—page27 (top)

Wikipedia.org/GunterKüchler,courtesy—page29(bottom)

AllotherphotosandillustrationsnotmentionedabovearethepropertyoforareprotectedbytheBoyScoutsofAmerica.

DanBryant—cover(stringer, landing net, pencil bobber, floating dive plug, spoon, three-way swivel, tackle box, jig); pages43(bottom), 50 (all), 51 (bottom three),52(all), 55–58(all), 59(top three),63–64(all), 88 (top),92(top, bottom),and93(all)

JohnMcDearmon—allillustrationsonpages10 (both),39–43,45–49,60(surf rig, fish-finder rig), 61(all),75 (all), and77(all)

BrianPayne—pages17 (left),20,32(bottom),34,38,65,66(bottom), and70

RandyPiland—pages79 (top) and88 (bottom)

JulieZickefoose—illustrationsonpages11–12 (both), 14,and19

The Supply Group is

ready to be a partner

on your trail to

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adventure. The

adventure is yours,

and we are ready

with the gear you

will need. You can

depend on the latest

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durable, quality

gear that will

meet and surpass

your toughest

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