All worksheets / Fishing
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Fishing
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Fishing combines aquatic science, equipment mastery, knot-tying dexterity, and ethical sportsmanship. You will explore fishing safety hazards and hook removal, compare rod-and-reel outfits, demonstrate casting methods, tie five essential fishing knots, identify artificial lures and natural baits, apply Leave No Trace and catch-and-release ethics, review state game regulations, catch and identify a wild fish, and clean and cook your catch.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Tackle Selection, Knots & Rigging
- Casting Accuracy & Fishing Techniques
- Catch-and-Release & Fishery Regulations
- Catch Preparation, Cleaning & Cooking
7Printable Pages
10Requirements
2021Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Fishing Requirements
Every requirement for the Fishing merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Safety, Health Concerns, and Hook Removal
Do the following:
- a Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in fishing activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
- b Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the following health concerns that could occur while fishing: cuts and scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn.
- c Explain how to remove a barbed hook that is lodged in someone's arm.
- d Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fishing.
2Rods, Reels, and Tackle Outfits
Discuss the differences between two types of fishing outfits. Point out and identify the parts of several types of rods and reels. Explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
3Fishing Equipment Demonstration
Demonstrate the proper use of two different types of fishing equipment.
4Fishing Knots
Demonstrate how to tie the following knots: improved clinch knot, Palomar knot, uni knot, uni to uni knot, and arbor knot. Explain how and when each knot is used.
5Lures, Baits, and Baitfish Regulations
Name and identify five basic artificial lures and five natural baits and explain how to fish with them. Explain why baitfish are not to be released.
6Leave No Trace and Catch-and-Release
Do the following:
- a Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code. Discuss the positive effects of Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code on fishing resources.
- b Discuss the meaning and importance of catch and release. Describe how to properly release a fish safely to the water.
7Game Fishing Regulations
Obtain and review the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what is accomplished by following them.
8Sportsmanship and Ethics
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.
9Catch and Identify a Fish
Catch one fish and identify it.
10Clean and Cook a Fish
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.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Fishing requirements in 2021. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/fishing/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Nearby badges
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Key Requirements Covered:
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Key Requirements Covered:
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Key Requirements Covered:
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Key Requirements Covered:
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