Fly-Fishing Merit Badge 2013

Injuries and Treatment (1)• Cuts • Scratches• Puncture wounds • Hypothermia• Dehydration• Heat exhaustion• Heatstroke

Fish Hook Removal (1)

PressPress

Safety Practices (1)Name and explain five safety practices while fishing

1. Trip itinerary2. Wading3. Boating4. Canoe travel5. Near-drowning

A Balanced System (2)Reel Rod Line Leader

Assembling a balanced fly-fishing rig is as easy as matching the numbers on the fly line to the numbers on the fly reel and rod.

How should you care for this equipment?

Balanced System in Action

Type of Line

How and when to use these lines?

Reel foot

Standard fly reel

Handle

Adjustable dragknob

Release buttonSpool

Spool arbor

Post

Line guard

Reel frame

Counterbalance

Arbor Knot (3a)

Needle Knot (3c)

Nail Knot (3c)

Loop-to-Loop (3c)

Double Surgeon’s Loop (3d)

Step 1 Step 2

Final

Blood Knot (3d)

Improved Clinch Knot (3e)

Fly Tying (4)• Tie at least two of the following flies:

– Dry flies– Wet flies– Nymphs– Streamers– Bass bugs– Poppers

How are DRY FLIES used?• What do they imitate?

Royal Wulff

How are WET FLIES used?

• What do they imitate?

Woolly Bugger

How are NYMPHS used?• What do they imitate?

March Brown Nymph

How are STEAMERS used?• What do they imitate?

Little Trout

How are BASS BUGS used?• What do they imitate?

Green Leech Bass Bug

How are POPPERS used?• What do they imitate?

Red and White Bass Popper

Casting (5)• Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly 30 feet

consistently and accurately using the following techniques:– Overhead cast– Roll cast

Matching the Hatch (6)• Go to a suitable fishing location and make

observations on the type of insects fish may be eating.– Floating on the water– Flying in the air– Beneath the water– Hiding under rock

• Explain the importance of matching the hatch.

Leave No Trace (7)• Explain the importance of Leave No Trace.

– Plan Ahead and Prepare– Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces– Dispose of Waste Properly– Leave What You Find– Minimize Campfire Impacts– Respect Wildlife– Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• How does it positively affects fishing resources?

Leave No Trace Cont. (7)• How does it positively affect fishing

resources?• Discuss the meaning and importance of catch

and release (“biological LNT”).• Describe how to properly release a fish safely

to the water.

Biological LNT: Bait FishWhy are bait fish not to be released?

• Be aware that releasing live bait and bait water can introduce undesirable fish, parasites, or diseases to native fish.

• Dispose of unused live bait and any water in the bait bucket on land well away from any water.

Fishing Regulations (8)• Review regulations affecting game fishing

where you live.• Explain why they were adopted?• What do you accomplish by following these

regulations?

Proper Conduct (9)• Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike

behavior is.• How does it relate to a fisherman?

The Outdoor Code (9) As an American, I will do my best to:

•Be clean in my outdoor mannersI 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 fireI will prevent wildfire.I will build my fires only where they are 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.

The Outdoor Code Cont. (9)

• Be considerate in the outdoorsI will treat public and private property with respect.I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.

• Be conservation mindedI will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.I will urge others to do the same.

What Does the Outdoor Code Mean to a Fisherman?

What about:• Littering• Trespassing• Courteous behavior• Obeying fishing regulations

Fish Caught (10)• Catch at least one fish.• If regulations and health concerns permit,

clean and cook a fish you have caught. Otherwise, acquire a fish and cook it.

Fish Caught (10)• How do you release one fish unharmed?• How did you clean and cook one fish?

CreditsThe presentation slides and photos were compiled by Bill Pepito, member of the National Fishing Committee, Central Region Outdoor Program fishing chair, certified angler educator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Special acknowledgement to the BSA national fishing team for its assistance and Troop 190 from the Northeast Illinois Council, whose picture is posted in this presentation. The presentation is a work in progress and is subject to change. Send your recommendations, suggestions, comments to my attention at billpepito@gmail.com or billpepito64@yahoo.com. FISH ON!