Requirements

1. 1

   1. Safety First

   Do the following:

   Do all

   1. a.

      Hazards on the Water

      Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in fly-fishing activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fly-fishing.
   2. b.

      Preventing Fishing Injuries

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

      Removing a Hook Safely

      Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in someone’s arm.
2. 2

   2. Gear & Rigging

   Balanced Fly Tackle

   Demonstrate how to match a fly rod, line, and leader to achieve a balanced system. Discuss several types of fly lines, and explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
3. 3

   2. Gear & Rigging

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

   Do all

   1. a.

      Backing to the Reel

      Tie backing to the arbor of a fly reel spool using an arbor knot.
   2. b.

      Backing to the Fly Line

      Tie backing to the fly line using a nail (tube) knot.
   3. c.

      Leader to Fly Line

      Attach a leader to the fly line using a nail (tube) knot or a loop-to-loop connection.
   4. d.

      Tippet Connections

      Add a tippet to a leader using a surgeon’s knot or a loop-to-loop connection.
   5. e.

      Tying on the Fly

      Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using an improved clinch knot.
4. 4

   4. Reading Fish & Water

   Fly Types and Imitation

   Explain how and when each of the following types of flies is used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, poppers, and saltwater flies. Tell what each one imitates. Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement.
5. 5

   4. Reading Fish & Water

   Casting with Control

   Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly 30 feet consistently and accurately using both overhead and roll cast techniques.
6. 6

   4. Reading Fish & Water

   Matching the Hatch

   Go to a suitable fishing location and observe what fish may be eating both above and beneath the water’s surface. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.
7. 7

   7. Ethics & Stewardship

   Do the following:

   Do all

   1. a.

      Leave No Trace on the Water

      Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code. Discuss the positive effects of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code on fly-fishing resources.
   2. b.

      Catch and Release

      Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how to properly release a fish safely to the water.
8. 8

   7. Ethics & Stewardship

   Fishing Regulations

   Obtain and review a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live or where you plan to fish. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
9. 9

   7. Ethics & Stewardship

   Sportsmanship for Anglers

   Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to anglers. Tell how the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code relate to a fishing sports enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
10. 10

    10. On-the-Water Skills

    Catch and Identify a Fish

    Catch one fish on a fly and identify it.
11. 11

    10. On-the-Water Skills

    Clean and Cook Your Catch

    If regulations and health concerns permit, clean and cook a fish you have caught. If you are unable to catch a fish for eating, acquire a fish, clean the fish you acquired, and cook the fish you acquired. Note: It is not required that you eat the fish.