You might want to talk to some of the instructors at Washington Fly Fishing Club many of whom are FFF certified. They teach a lot of classes and could be of help as consultants -- or actually help you teach the class. Les Johnson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Danny McMillin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2002 8:52 AM Subject: Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge
> Hello fellow Washington State fly fishers, > > My wife's friend, Linda, wants me to teach her Boy Scout Troop the basics > for getting their fly fishing merit badge. I had to do some research on the > net to find out just what these requirements are. Found below are the > proposed requirements. It seems this merit badge isn't official just yet, > but should be by summer. > > Here's a webpage for more info: > > http://www.bsaflyfishing.com/index.htm > > ==================== > > 1. Explain to your counselor the injuries that could occur while flyfishing > and the > proper treatment including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, > hypothermia, > and heat reactions. Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your > arm. Name > and explain five safety practices you should always follow while flyfishing. > > > 2. Discuss how to match a fly rod, line and leader to get 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. Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a fly rod for fishing: > a/ tie a backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot > b/ attach backing to fly line using the nail knot > c/ attach a leader to fly line using the nail knot or loop-to-loop connection > d/ add a tippet to a leader using a double surgeon's loop or double > surgeon's knot > e/ tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot > > > 4. Explain how the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, > nymphs, > streamers, bass bugs and poppers. What does each imitate? > Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement. > > > 5. Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly consistently and accurately using > overhead > and roll cast techniques. > > > 6. Go to a suitable fishing location and make observations on the types of > insects > fish may be eating. Look for flying insects and some that may be on or beneath > the water's surface. Look under rocks. Explain the importance of matching > the hatch. > > > 7. Explain the importance of practicing "Leave No Trace" and how it positively > affects flyfishing resources. Name and explain five safety practices you should > always follow while fishing. > > > 8. Obtain a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. > Explain why they were adopted and what you accomplish by following them. > and pledge that you will follow these regulations. > > > 9. Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates > to fishermen. > Tell how the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a fishing > sportsman, > including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior and > obeying fishing > regulations. > > > 10. Catch two different kinds of fish using the fly fishing technique > learned above > and identify them. Release at least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook > another fish. > > =============================== > > Dang! I am wondering if I could pass this one. If I'm going to teach the > Scouts these requirements, I am going to have to bone up on my knots and > gear. This looks like a mighty big challenge for this former Boy Scout, and > a lot of fun. > > I can just see it now: > > A) Knot Class > B) Gear Class > C) First Aid Class for fishing injuries (including safety, sportsmanship, > Outdoor Code of BSA) > D) Casting Classes > F) Fly Tying Classes (including what insects they represent) > E) State fishing Regulations Class > > And then it's out to the rivers and lakes to finally fly fish and identify > insects, etc. > > It's been so long since I've kept a fish, that I'll have to bone up on my > lake fishing, so the Scouts can catch, kill, clean and cook a fish. > > I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for the list as this project > evolves! In other words, I'm gonna need your collective wisdom!!! Stay > tuned. > > Be prepared, my friend. > Danny McMillin > > > > >
