Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 7
Typical Time to Complete: 1–2 meetings plus a fishing outing of at least 1 hour
Parent Involvement: Adult supervision and gear review
Preparation Needed: Choose a fishing spot, check local rules, gather gear, complete the SAFE Checklist
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor planning, outdoor fishing
Special Requirements: Fish for at least 1 hour, follow local regulations, have an adult review gear
Supplies Snapshot: Rod, reel, line, hooks, tackle, bait, safety supplies
In the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure, Scouts plan a fishing trip and learn about the fish they hope to catch. They explore where those fish live and what equipment they will need.
Scouts use the SAFE Checklist to prepare for the outing. They also practice tying a fishing knot and setting up their rod and tackle, with an adult checking their gear.
Then it’s time to fish. Scouts spend at least an hour putting their new skills to use while following local fishing rules.
Requirements for the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure Requirements
- Make a plan to go fishing. Determine where you will go and what type of fish you plan to catch. All of the following requirements are to be completed based on your choice.
- Use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to plan what you need for your fishing experience.
- Describe the environment where the fish might be found.
- Make a list of the equipment and materials you will need to fish.
- Determine the best type of knot to tie your hook and tie it.
- On your own, set up the appropriate type of fishing rod and tackle you will be using. Have an adult review your gear.
- Using what you have learned about fish and fishing equipment, spend at least an hour fishing following local guidelines and regulations.
Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)
Resources for the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
Requirement 1: Make a Fishing Plan
Make a plan to go fishing. Determine where you will go and what type of fish you plan to catch. All of the following requirements are to be completed based on your choice.
Help Scouts choose a nearby place where fishing is allowed, then find out what fish live there. Knowing the target fish makes it easier to choose bait and gear.
Easy Option: Pick one local pond and one common fish species as a den.
More resources:
- Take Me Fishing: Look up fishing locations in your area.
- My Fishing Trip: Cub Scouts plan their fishing adventure.
Requirement 2: Scouting America Safe Checklist
Use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to plan what you need for your fishing experience.
Go through the checklist with the den before the trip. Ask Scouts to help spot what the group needs, including adult supervision, suitable gear, and a plan for the weather.
Easy Option: Complete the checklist together at a den meeting and use it as your packing guide.
More resources
- Download the Safe Checklist here.
- Hooked on Safety: Cub Scouts use the SAFE checklist for their fishing adventure.
Requirement 3: Explore Fish Habitat
Describe the environment where the fish might be found.
Help Scouts connect their chosen fish to the place it lives. A photo or map can start a discussion about water depth, plants, shade, and places fish might hide.
Easy Option: Show a photo of the fishing spot and ask Scouts where they would look for fish and why.
More ideas:
- “Reel” Estate: Cub Scouts create a flyer to advertise local aquatic ecosystems and fish habitats.
- Fin-tastic Habitat Chat: Cub Scouts learn about local fish from a guest speaker.
- Model Habitat: Cub Scouts make a model of a local fish habitat.
Requirement 4: Gather Fishing Gear
Make a list of the equipment and materials you will need to fish.
Let Scouts build their own supply lists based on the trip they planned. Have a rod and a few tackle items on hand so they can see what each item does.
Easy Option: Put basic gear on a table and have Scouts make their lists from what they see.
More ideas:
- Tackle Box Tune-Up: Cub Scouts learn what equipment and materials should be included in a personal tackle box.
Requirement 5: Tie a Fishing Knot
Determine the best type of knot to tie your hook to your line and tie it.
Choose one knot that works with the line and hooks the Scouts will use. Give them time to practice with larger line first, then have each Scout tie the knot to a hook.
Easy Option: Teach one knot to the whole den and let Scouts practice in pairs.
More resources:
- Animated Knots: Learn how to tie almost any knot by watching simple animations.
- Four Fishing Knots: Cub Scouts practice fishing knots by doing stations around the meeting space.
Requirement 6: Set Up Rod and Tackle
On your own, choose the appropriate type of fishing rod and tackle you will be using. Have an adult review your gear.
Give each Scout room to set up their own gear, offering guidance when needed. An adult should check the finished setup before anyone starts fishing.
Easy Option: Use simple spinning rods and set them up together, one step at a time.
More resources:
- Hook, Line and Sinker: Cub Scouts have their fishing gear checked by an adult leader.
Requirement 7: Go Fishing
Using what you have learned about fish and fishing equipment, spend at least one hour fishing following local guidelines and regulations.
Plan an outing that gives Scouts at least an hour to fish. Review local rules before the trip, and encourage Scouts to try what they learned even if the fish are not biting.
Easy Option: Visit an accessible local fishing spot and spend the hour fishing together as a den. See My Fishing Trip AOL.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure
What is the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure?
The Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure is an activity designed for Scouts to learn about fish, fish habitats, and safe fishing practices while fulfilling specific requirements.
What do I need to do to complete the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure?
To complete the Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure, you need to make a plan for fishing, use the SAFE Checklist to prepare, describe fish habitats, list fishing equipment, tie a fishing knot, set up your fishing gear, and spend at least one hour fishing following local regulations.
How do I plan for fishing?
You’ll need to determine where you’ll go fishing and what type of fish you plan to catch. This will help you prepare the right equipment and choose the appropriate fishing spot.
What is the SAFE Checklist?
The SAFE Checklist is a tool provided by the Boy Scouts of America to help Scouts plan safe outdoor activities. It covers essential aspects such as safety gear, activity planning, fitness, and equipment. You can find it here.
How do I set up my fishing gear?
After choosing the right equipment based on your fishing plan, you’ll need to set up your fishing rod and tackle. An adult should review your gear to ensure it’s set up correctly and safely.
What should I do during the fishing hour?
During the fishing hour, apply what you’ve learned about fish and fishing equipment. Follow local guidelines and regulations, and try to catch fish while practicing safe fishing techniques.
What if I don’t catch any fish during the hour?
Catching fish is not the only goal. You are learning about fish, habitats, and safe fishing practices. Even if you don’t catch fish, you can still observe the environment and gain valuable knowledge about fishing. You can complete the adventure without catching any fish
Hooked on Adventure
The Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure is a thrilling journey for Scouts to dive into the world of fishing while earning their Arrow of Light rank. This adventure is all about learning the ins and outs of fishing, understanding fish habitats, and mastering safe fishing practices. With its focus on the great outdoors, it’s an adventure that promises excitement and exploration.
AOL Scouts kick off this adventure by making a plan for their fishing excursion. They decide where to go fishing and what type of fish they aim to catch, setting the stage for an epic angling experience. The adventure then dives into the nitty-gritty details, with Scouts using the SAFE Checklist to ensure they have all the necessary gear and equipment for a safe and successful fishing trip.
As Scouts prepare for their fishing adventure, they explore the diverse environments where fish might be found. From tranquil lakes to rushing rivers, they gain an appreciation for the habitats that support aquatic life. Armed with this knowledge, Scouts compile a list of fishing equipment needed for their expedition, ensuring they have everything from rods and reels to bait and tackle.
With their gear in hand, AOL Scouts learn essential fishing skills, such as tying knots and setting up fishing rods and tackle. An adult reviews their equipment to ensure it’s ready for action. Then, it’s time to cast their lines and spend at least an hour fishing, following local regulations and guidelines. Whether they reel in a big catch or simply enjoy the serenity of the water, Scouts immerse themselves in the joys of fishing and outdoor exploration.
The Arrow of Light Fishing Adventure is about fostering a love for the great outdoors and learning valuable skills that last a lifetime. Through hands-on experience and outdoor exploration, Scouts embark on an unforgettable journey that leaves them hooked on adventure.
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