A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure for 2024

Printable requirements for the A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure

Printable check off sheet for the Bear Badge

Understanding Fishing Rules

Learn about your local fishing regulations with your den leader or an adult. 

Learning about local fishing regulations is essential for the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure. It helps Cub Scouts fish responsibly and protect the environment. Fishing laws can include rules about which fish can be caught, when, and where you can fish. These rules make sure fish populations are healthy and that everyone has a fair chance to enjoy fishing.

• Visit a local wildlife or fishery office: These offices often have pamphlets or staff who can explain current fishing regulations.
• Attend a fishing workshop or seminar: These events are designed to educate on local fishing laws and often include practical advice from experts.
• Search online: The state’s Department of Natural Resources website or similar resources usually have detailed and up-to-date fishing regulations.
• Ask at sporting goods stores: Many stores that sell fishing gear also have copies of local regulations and staff that can explain them.

Here are some options for fulfilling A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure requirement 2:

• Local Fish Expert
  • Cub Scouts learn about local fish regulations from a guest speaker.  
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, low energy, one week prep
• Post That Fish
  • Cub Scouts learn about fishing regulations in your area.  
  • Supplies: computers or smart devices, poster board, fishing magazines, glue sticks, scissors, fishing stickers, construction paper
  • indoor, moderate energy, 3 to 5 days prep

By understanding and following these regulations, Bear Cub Scouts contribute to the conservation of their local waterways and ensure that future generations can also enjoy fishing.

Learning Why Rules Matter

List three of the regulations you learned about, and one reason each regulation exists. 

For the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure, understanding the reasons behind fishing regulations is just as important as knowing the rules themselves. These laws are in place to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and that the environment is protected for future generations. Here’s a look at some typical fishing regulations and the reasons they exist:

• Catch and Release: Some areas require you to release certain species of fish back into the water after catching them. This helps maintain the population of those species, especially if they are rare or endangered.
• Size Limits: There are rules about the size of the fish you can keep. This ensures that younger, smaller fish have a chance to grow and reproduce, supporting the health of the overall fish population.
• Seasonal Fishing: Fishing for certain species might be allowed only during specific times of the year. This protects fish during their spawning period, which is when they reproduce. It helps increase the number of fish for future seasons.
• Bag Limits: There is a limit to how many fish you can catch in one day. This prevents overfishing, ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to enjoy fishing and that fish populations are not depleted.

Here are some options for fulfilling A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure requirement 3:

• Create Your Own Matching Game
  • Cub Scouts create a matching game learning their local fishing regulations.
  • Supplies: Create Your Own Matching Game worksheet, pencils, local fishing regulations pamphlet
  • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• What I Learned
  • Cub Scouts document fishing regulations they learned. 
  • Supplies: Fishing Regulations worksheet, pencil
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep

By learning these regulations and their purposes, Bear Cub Scouts not only become more responsible anglers but also gain a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation.

Gear Up for Safety

Become familiar with the safe use of the fishing equipment you will be using on your outing. 

Knowing how to use fishing equipment safely is key for the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure. Each piece of gear has a specific function and using it correctly can make the difference between a fun day out and an accident. Here’s a rundown of essential fishing equipment and why it’s important to use each piece safely:

• Fishing Rod and Reel: This is the primary tool for fishing, used to cast the line and reel in the fish. Learn how to handle and store the rod properly to avoid injury and damage to the equipment.
• Hooks: Hooks are attached to the end of the fishing line and used to catch fish by getting lodged in their mouth. Always cover the hooks with safety caps when not in use to prevent cuts.
• Fishing Line: The line connects the hook and bait to your fishing rod and reel. It needs to be strong enough to pull in a fish. Check for frays or knots in the line regularly, as these can lead to breaks when catching a fish.
• Bait and Lures: Bait attracts the fish to your hook. It can be live (like worms) or artificial (lures). Handle live bait with care to avoid harm, and be mindful when attaching lures as they often have sharp edges.
• Life Jacket: Safety first—life jackets are a must when fishing near water, especially for children. Make sure each scout has a life jacket that fits correctly and wear it at all times near water.

Here are some options for fulfilling A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure requirement 4:

• Bamboo Pole
  • Cub Scouts make their own bamboo fishing pole. 
  • Supplies: bamboo fishing pole or hardwood dowel, fishing line, steel washers, scissors
  • outdoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep
• Rod and Reel
  • Cub Scouts become familiar with a rod and reel. 
  • Supplies: rod and reels, washers, hula hopes, sports cones
  • outdoor, moderate energy, 1 to 3 days prep

Understanding how to use this equipment safely not only ensures a fun fishing experience for the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure, but also instills a sense of responsibility and caution among the scouts.

Mastering the Knots

Learn the way to attach the hook, lure, or fly to the line.

Learning how to attach the hook, lure, or fly to the fishing line is a crucial skill for the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure. This not only helps in setting up their own fishing gear but also teaches them precision and patience. Properly attached hooks and lures ensure that the line doesn’t break and that the fish do not escape once caught.

• Choose the right knot: Teach scouts about different types of knots, like the Improved Clinch Knot or the Palomar Knot, which are strong and suitable for attaching hooks and lures.
• Use a practice kit: Start with a knot-tying practice kit or thick rope to demonstrate and practice tying knots before moving on to the actual fishing line and hooks.
• Hands-on demonstration: Provide a hands-on demonstration on how to thread the line through the hook and secure it with a knot. Let each scout practice under supervision.
• Watch instructional videos: Use videos specifically designed for beginners to visually guide the scouts through the process of tying fishing knots.
• Practice regularly: Encourage regular practice to help scouts become comfortable and proficient in tying fishing knots. Practicing on different sizes of hooks and types of lures can also be beneficial.

Here is an option for fulfilling A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure requirement 5:

• Simple Fishing Knots
  • Cub Scouts learn a simple fishing knot to attach a hook, lure or fly to a line.
  • Supplies: Bear handbook, fishing line, small washers, scissors
  • indoor, low energy, 3 to 5 days prep

By mastering how to securely attach hooks and lures, scouts not only become more independent fishermen but also gain the confidence to handle and prepare their own equipment safely.

A Fishing Adventure

Go on a fishing adventure, and for 30 minutes or more, put into practice the things you learned about fish and fishing equipment.  

Going on a fishing adventure is the main event for the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure. It’s a chance to use all the skills Cub Scouts have learned about fishing—from identifying fish to handling equipment safely. Spending at least 30 minutes fishing allows the scouts to engage actively with the environment and practice their newfound knowledge in a real-world setting.

• Choose a suitable location: Pick a nearby lake, river, or pond that’s known for being a good spot for fishing. Ensure it’s a safe and accessible location for the scouts.
• Check the weather: Always check the weather before heading out. It’s best to fish on a day with mild weather to ensure the safety and comfort of the scouts.
• Prepare the equipment: Make sure each scout has their fishing rod, reel, bait, and other necessary gear. Double-check that everyone knows how to use their equipment properly.
• Supervise and assist: While the scouts should try fishing on their own, supervision is key. Be ready to assist with baiting hooks or handling fish if needed.
• Discuss and reflect: After the fishing adventure, have a discussion about what each scout learned and experienced. This helps reinforce the lessons learned and celebrate the successes of the day.

Here are some options for fulfilling A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure requirement 6:

• Bear Goes Fishing
  • Cub Scouts go fishing with their den or pack.  
  • Supplies: fishing poles, stocked tacklebox, fishing net, bait or tackle, den first aid kit, Cub Scout Six Essentials, Activity Consent Form 
  • requires travel, high energy, more than one week prep
• Fishing Derby
  • Cub Scouts participate in a local fishing derby. 
  • Supplies: fishing poles, stocked tacklebox, fishing net, bait or tackle, den first aid kit, Cub Scout Six Essentials, Activity Consent Form 
  • requires travel, very high energy, more than one week prep

By incorporating these practical experiences into the A Bear Goes Fishing adventure, Bear Cub Scouts not only enjoy a fun and educational outing but also build confidence in their fishing abilities and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Take Me Fishing: This site will help you locate places to fish in your area.

Animated Knots: See how to tie fishing knots

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting the Adventure:

• Review fishing information on Scouting.org.
• Check state requirements for fishing licenses or permits for youth and adults.
• Arrange for extra adult supervision to help Cub Scouts during the activity.
• Get permission to fish at your chosen location.
• Check the weather before you go. Do not fish in a thunderstorm or bad weather.
• If fishing in freshwater, review the Fishing Basics PowerPoint and Instructor’s Guide.
• Find more fishing resources in Scout Life Magazine.

During the Adventure:

• Use the buddy system.
• Give plenty of space to others who are fishing nearby.
• Never fish where people are swimming.

To stay safe, remember these six rules:

1. Fish with proper adult supervision.
2. Get permission to fish at your chosen location.
3. Check the weather before you go. Do not fish in a thunderstorm or bad weather.
4. Use the buddy system. Always keep your buddy in sight.
5. Give plenty of space to others who are fishing nearby.
6. Never fish where people are swimming.

More information

The A Bear Goes Fishing Adventure is a unique and exciting activity for Bear Cub Scouts. It focuses on teaching them about local fish species, the importance of following fishing regulations, and how to handle fishing equipment safely. This adventure combines learning with practical experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

First, scouts learn about the types of fish that live in their area. This knowledge helps them identify and understand the different fish they might catch. Next, they explore local fishing laws with their leaders. Understanding these regulations teaches them why it’s important to fish responsibly.

Scouts also learn how to safely use their fishing gear. They practice tying knots and attaching hooks, lures, or flies to their fishing lines. These skills are crucial for effective and safe fishing. Finally, the scouts put all their new knowledge to use during a fishing trip. This outing lasts at least 30 minutes, giving them plenty of time to apply what they’ve learned and maybe catch some fish.

This A Bear Goes Fishing adventure helps Bear Cub Scouts develop patience, persistence, and a deeper appreciation for nature. It’s a great way for them to learn outdoors, build skills, and have fun with their peers.