Fishing may be an ancient activity, but it remains one of the most popular things to do in Scouting. That’s why there’s a fishing elective Adventure across all the Cub Scout ranks.
Even if you’ve barely ever been fishing yourself, by simply following the official program, you can put together a fishing outing for your den, for multiple dens or for the entire pack.
“Fishing electives are now available in every rank, from Lions to Arrow of Light,” says Mike Rooney, a member of the National Cub Scouting Subcommittee. “It’s always been a very popular activity. Along with activities like swimming, cycling, conservation and the Pinewood Derby, you might have a combined den with multiple ranks, and it’s important to have Adventures that a den leader can offer in any situation.”
Ever since they went live last summer, the Cub Scout program updates have been keeping things fun, simple and easy for parents and Cub Scout leaders. Making fishing an elective Adventure across all ranks is another step in that direction.
What are the fishing elective Adventures?
Like all Cub Scout Adventures, the fishing electives are designed to be age-appropriate for all Cub Scouts. Activities start simple and get progressively more complex as the Scout gets older.
The Lion fishing Adventure is called Go Fish. It requires Lions and their adult partners to learn the rules of fishing safely, draw a picture of a fish and then actually go fishing.
The Tiger fishing Adventure is called Fish On. It requires Tigers to identify the body of water where they will go fishing, learn the rules of fishing safely, draw a picture of a fish and go fishing with their Tiger adult partners.
The Wolf fishing Adventure is called A Wolf Goes Fishing. It requires Wolves to identify the type of water they’ll be fishing in and the type of fish that live in that water; learn about the different types of bait; demonstrate a proper cast; learn the rules of fishing safely; and go fishing with their den, pack or family.
The Bear fishing Adventure is called A Bear Goes Fishing. It requires Bears to learn about three types of fish in their area; learn about local fishing regulations; list three of the regulations they learned about and one reason each regulation exists; become familiar with the safe use of their fishing equipment; learn the proper way to attach the hook, lure or fly to the line; and go on a fishing adventure.
The Webelos fishing Adventure is called Catch The Big One. It requires Webelos to make a plan to go fishing; use the Scouting America SAFE Checklist to plan what they need; describe the environment where the fish might be found; make a list of the equipment and materials they will need; determine the best type of knot to tie their hook to the line; choose the appropriate type of fishing rod and tackle; and spend at least one hour fishing.
The Arrow of Light fishing Adventure is called, appropriately enough, Fishing. It requires Arrow of Light Cub Scouts to make a plan to go fishing, use the SAFE Checklist to plan what they need, describe the environment where the fish might be found, make a list of the equipment and materials they will need, determine the best type of knot to use, choose the appropriate type of fishing rod and tackle, and spend at least one hour fishing.
But what if I’m not an expert fisher myself?
We’ve got you covered!
Start with the official Scouting America fishing page. It’s got information on how to teach Cub Scouts how to fish and some ideas for a fishing-themed den meeting.
Next, stop by the Scout Life Fishing homepage. It contains information on gear and casting, along with fun fishing-themed quizzes, jokes and activities for kids of all ages.
There is likely a fishing group in your area dedicated to getting kids hooked on fishing. They would love to help you organize a fishing outing for your Cub Scouts.
We also recommend TAKEMEFISHING.org, which can help you find a fishing hole near you.
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