Fishing - A great way Recruit, Retain, and Reactivate Cubs and Scouts.
MCC Fishing News – 05.2025
Scouts love to fish, and here are some great resources.
Upcoming 2025 Certified Angling Instructor Courses
Strengthen your Council’s Fishing Program by taking the Certified Angler Instructor (CAI) Course! CAI is an 18-hour training course for Scouters and Scouts age 15+. As a CAI, you will learn to plan and run successful youth fishing education and events for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing crews. Graduates will be expected to lead fishing events and education in their council – and see the smiles that result when our youth catch fish. These courses are open to participants from all councils. Watch here for more courses to be offered in 2025.
Online CAI Courses (Zoom)
Online Zoom course hosted by Suffolk County Council, Wednesday nights May 21-June 25. For information, email Lou Cook at cookboysbsa@gmail.com
Online Zoom course hosted by Indian Waters Council, Thursday nights June 5-July 17. For information, email Kathy Myszewski at pinkbuffalo4@gmail.com
Online Zoom course hosted by Bay Lakes Council, Wednesday nights September 10-October 15. For information, email Kathy Myszewski at pinkbuffalo4@gmail.com
Online Zoom course hosted by Alamo Area Council, Wednesday nights, September 17-October 22. To register: https://mycouncil.alamoareascouting.org/event/15344
In-person CAI courses
Anthony Wayne Area Council, Cam Chief Little Turtle, May 9-11, 2025. For information, email Jim Ridgeway at james.ridgeway@aes.com
Louisiana Purchase Council, Camp T.L. James, Downsville, Louisiana, May 16-17. For more information, Brian Hurt at bhurt.fishon@gmail.com
Summit Bechtel Reserve, May 30-June 1, 2025. There is also a Fishing Course Director course being offered that same weekend to existing CAIs. To register: https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/training/cai
Northern Star Council, Tomahawk Scout Reservation, May 30-June 2. To register: https://scoutingevent.com/250-cai2025
Arbuckle Area Council, Camp Simpson, Summer Camp program for youth 15+, Bromide, OK June 1-7 and June 8-14. Includes AE, CAI, Complete Angler, Merit badges. For information, contact Sean Stevens at sean.stevens@scouting.org
Philmont National Outdoor Conference, Cimarron, NM, September 15-17, 2025. For information, email James Goff at James.goff@yahoo.com
Indian Nations Council, Zbase, Tulsa, OK, 9/19-21. For information, email dongoodell@outlook.com
Online Fishing resources.
Whether you work with Cubs, Scouts BSA, or Venture Crews, here are some websites that have some awesome resources.
Scouting America National Outdoor Programs Fishing
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/fishing/ ”
Mecklenburg County Council Fishing Committee
https://www.mccscouting.org/fishing
Fishing can be a year around activity for your Scouts. Check out these Facebook pages to get some great ideas from Scouters across the country.
Cub Scout Fishing
https://www.facebook.com/groups/881896703393828
Cub Fishing Adventures Supplement
Great step by step instructions on how to help your Cubs with the Cub Fishing Adventures elective.
Scouts BSA Scouting America Fishing
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2389336667922481
Mecklenburg County Council Fishing Committee
https://www.facebook.com/MCCFishing415
Have a great fall and FISH ON.
MCC Fishing News – 9.19.24
Fall is a great time of year to go fishing and here is some helpful info from the MCC Fishing Committee.
Supplement to Cub Scout Fishing Adventures
The National Fishing Leadership Team has created an awesome “step by step” resource for Den Leaders. You can find it in the Cub Scout Fishing section of www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/fishing/ While you are on this fishing site, check out the other great resources.
Scout Fishing at Ballantyne Corporate Park
Did you know that in addition to the Kid Pond, there are several other ponds in Ballantyne Corporate Park where you can take your Cubs and Scouts fishing? For more information (including a map, general rules, and ideas for a successful adventure), and to reserve a date, time, and location, simply complete this Ballantyne Scout/Cub Scout Fishing Request Form.
First Fish Certificate
Taking your Cubs, Scouts, and Crew members Fishing? Don’t forget to take along some First Fish certificates. They are free and you can download them from the
MCC Fishing Committee's webpage
Fishing Training
Angling Educator Courses
A four-hour training course for Scouters and Scouts age 15+ is a national course and is taught by BSA Certified Angling Instructors. The purpose of the class is to prepare program leaders to teach fishing skills, and to plan and run fishing events for their unit, district, or Council.
We are excited about hosting an AE course at the Mecklenburg County Council’s Scouter’s Success Seminar. 1/18 Registration will be open in October.
Certified Angling Instructor Course
Greater Atlanta Area Council, Camp Woodruff Blairsville, GA November 14-16
Held during the Atlanta Areas Council’s annual Conservation weekend at beautiful Camp Woodruff, this in -person course is designed to give Scouters tools and ideas to get Scouts fishing. For further details and registration https://www.campwoodruff.org/conservation
Other Upcoming Angling Educator and Certified Angling Instructor courses can be found on https://www.facebook.com/groups/881896703393828 The list is updated monthly.
Send your Scout fishing pictures to MCCFishing415@gmail.com
#FISHON
Important Reminder - Angling Educator Course at Camp Grimes
Coming to Camp Grimes this summer? While your scouts are earning their merit badges, grab a cup of coffee or a cold beverage and join us for a 4-hour BSA Angling Educator Course. No extra cost, and graduates will receive their AE patch. If you are registered to come to camp, you can register through your troop’s account on Tent-A-Roo. Sign up now - space is limited.
Upcoming Certified Angling Instructor Course
Old North State Council, Hagan Sea Base Lexington, NC, August 16-18. Just a short drive from MCC, you will learn a lot and have a GREAT time. For further details and registration: https://scoutingevent.com/070-cai2024
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
Interested in learning a little more about the history of fly fishing? The next time you or your scouts are in western North Carolina, stop by the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City. Created by an Eagle Scout, it is free and open to the public.
Check out these awesome resources.
Attention Cub Leaders - Created by the National Fishing Leadership Team, Cub Scout Fishing has some awesome information about fishing for Cub leaders.
Websites
BSA National Outdoor Fishing Program
MCC Fishing Committee Resources
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center
(The NC Wildlife’s Fishing Education Team offers classes at both the Pechmann Center and the Marion Fish Hatchery.)
FISH ON!
Angling Educator Course at Camp Grimes
Coming to Camp Grimes this summer? While your scouts are earning their merit badges, grab a cup of coffee or a cold beverage and join us for a 4-hour BSA Angling Educator Course. It is designed to prepare program leaders to teach fishing skills, and to plan and run fishing events for their unit, district, or Council. Angling Educators learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques for simple cane pole and spin cast fishing. The course highlights best practices in both the classroom and in the field. No extra cost, and graduates will receive their AE patch. If you are registered to come to camp, you can register through your troop’s account on Tent-A-Roo. Sign up now - space is limited.
First fish certificates now available!
It's so much fun to reel in your first fish! Do have Scouts or Crew members who've just caught their very first fish?! We now have "First Fish" certifcates available for crew, pack and troop members who land their first fish. Recognize them at their next meeting with a personalized certificate. The free, printable certificates are in the resources section at the bottom of this page.
Fish on!
Angling Resources for Scouters and Scouts
Want to learn more about taking your scouts fishing? Here are some great resources from around the country. Visit them often - they are being updated regularly with new information, and upcoming classes.
Websites
BSA National Outdoor Fishing Program
MCC Fishing Committee Resources
And Facebook Pages
Cub Scout Fishing (created by the National Fishing Leadership Team)
Mecklenburg CountyCouncil Fishing Committee
Fish on!
Update from MCC Fishing 4.1.24
Spring is a great time to take your Cubs and Scouts fishing, and here are a few helpful tips.
- Check out the following great Webpages!
MCC Fishing Committee's Resources
BSA National Outdoor Program /Fishing
- And Facebook Pages
Mecklenburg County Council Fishing Committee
- Do some planning.
- Take a BSA Angling Educator or Fishing Basics course –
- Talk to experienced anglers and the folks at your local bait and tackle store. Try fishing these locations ahead of time.
- Are you using age-appropriate equipment? Try a cane pole or crappie pole for younger Cubs.
- Use barbless hooks or bend down the barbs.
- Think safety…..Anytime you or your scouts are around hooks – wear eye protection and a hat.
- Teach your scouts how to bait a hook, tie a knot or cast a line before they go fishing.
- Make it fun and have a rainy-day plan. For Cubs-make a fishing lure out of wooden clothes pin, and for Scouts – learn the required five fishing knots; talk about conservation and fishing safety. For either group, if you have a gym or large covered shelter…..Casting games with Backyard Bass are always fun.
And Remember – FISH ON!
Update from MCC Fishing 12.1.23
Want to take your Cubs and Scouts fishing but you don’t know how? We will teach you!
Sign up now for the BSA Fishing Basics or the Angling Educator Course at the University of Scouting, January 20, 2024.
Fishing Basics is a one-hour course designed to prepare program leaders to teach basic fishing skills and to take their Scouts Fishing. Participants learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques for hook and worm fishing.
Angling Educator is a four-hour training course for Scouters and Scouts age 15+. The purpose of the class is to prepare program leaders to teach fishing skills, and to plan and run fishing events for their unit, district, or Council. Angling Educators learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques for simple cane pole and spin cast fishing. The course highlights best practices in both the classroom and in the field. Graduates can:
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Teach Cubs and Scouts to fish and help them be more successful at catching fish.
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Gain knowledge and learn skills that can be enjoyed and shared for a lifetime.
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Improve day camp & summer camp attendance through fishing program options.
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Provide a major tool for recruiting and retaining Cubs and Scouts at the unit and district level.
Graduates will receive a BSA Angling Educator patch!
Take A Scout Fishing
Fishing can be a fantastic and fun sport for both kids and adults. It encourages us to become good stewards of our natural resources and learn how to interact responsibility with our environment. Fishing is a rewarding sport — your scouts can get away from hectic schedules to enjoy the fresh air, learn about the environment, and even develop patience. Best of all, fishing is quality time spent together talking, laughing, and even sitting quietly side by side. It can even be sport for little kids, if you introduce it in a positive way.
North Carolina is filled with rivers and trout streams, warm water lakes, and has a coastline with excellent saltwater fishing opportunities. Mecklenburg County Council is situated in the heart of the state and offers a wide variety of opportunities. For a reasonable drive, you can plan a weekend fishing trip at the beach or a quiet mountain stream.
Local fishing adventures abound with our nearby state parks and our TWO fine Scout camps. Belk Scout Camp and Mecklenburg Scout Reservation (Grimes). Explore this page to discover the many great resources our fishing program has to offer. We are here to help you deliver on the promise of "Keeping the Outing in Scouting."
Is your Scout the Complete Angler?
The Complete Angler patch is for scouts that are well-rounded in their fishing endeavors. There's a good chance some scouts have already earned it and just don't realize it yet. In the same manner as the World Conservation award, the Complete Angler recognition has a simple requirement of completing three merit badges, but also requires a project.
Earn the Boy Scout Complete Angler Award by:
1. Earning these merit badges: Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fish and Wildlife Management
2. Completing one or more of these projects:
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Teach a Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge skill to your troop, crew or team as part of a unit program activity.
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Help instruct Cub Scouts on fishing skills or fishery management as part of a Cub Scout meeting or outing.
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Participate in a local fishing derby or tournament, either a Scouting or Community event.
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Complete a conservation project that will benefit a local fishery.
The Complete Angler patch is worn on the uniform shirt, centered on the right pocket as a TEMPORARY patch. Only ONE Temporary patch may be worn at a time
Download and complete the form for each scout earning the award. Then, take it to your local scout shop to purchase the patches. Learn more here