FISHING MERIT BADGE
Fish On!
Cast a line, sharpen your skills, and discover the excitement of fishing along the shores of Lake Allatoona! Learn how to select equipment, tie essential knots, identify fish, and practice responsible fishing techniques through hands-on instruction at Allatoona Aquatics Base.
Whether you're casting for the first time or building on skills you've already developed, the Fishing Merit Badge combines patience, practical knowledge, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Merit Badge: Fishing
Location: Allatoona Aquatics Base
Activity: Shore Fishing
Swim Classification: Not ordinarily required for shore-based fishing
Learn the Skills of Fishing
Fishing combines patience, observation, and practical outdoor skills. Scouts will explore fishing equipment, casting techniques, fish identification, knot tying, and responsible conservation practices while learning how to fish safely and effectively.
Instruction takes place along the shoreline at Allatoona Aquatics Base. Scouts will have opportunities to apply their skills and attempt to catch fish, although success depends on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Prepare Before Class
Scouts should read the Fishing Merit Badge pamphlet and practice the required fishing knots before attending. Be prepared to discuss fishing techniques, equipment, fish identification, and conservation with the merit badge counselor.
The counselor may email additional prerequisites or discussion assignments approximately one week before class. Completing these preparations in advance will allow more time for hands-on instruction.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing equipment is available for Scouts who need it. Participants are welcome to bring their own fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Worms are a suggested bait option.
Scouts will learn to handle fishing equipment responsibly, including hooks, lines, and casting tools. All equipment must be used according to counselor instructions.
Catch, Clean & Cook
If fish are caught during class, Scouts may have an opportunity to learn proper fish-cleaning and cooking techniques. Participants may also choose to eat their catch.
Because catching a fish is not guaranteed, Scouts should understand that some merit badge requirements may need to be completed after the scheduled class.
Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety
A successful day of fishing begins with preparation. Scouts and parents should carefully review the following requirements before attending to ensure everyone arrives ready for a safe, enjoyable, and productive experience at Allatoona Aquatics Base.
Annual Health and Medical Record
Every Scout must bring a printed, completed, and parent- or guardian-signed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B). Digital copies are not accepted. Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required medical documentation.
Download the Annual Health and Medical Record
Required Footwear
Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for everyone at Allatoona Aquatics Base, including Scouts, parents, and visitors. Flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs are not permitted.
Choose comfortable, closed-toed footwear suitable for walking and fishing along the shoreline. Scouts without appropriate footwear may not be permitted to participate.
Swim Classification & Waterfront Safety
Fishing Merit Badge instruction takes place from shore. Scouts are not expected to enter the water or participate in boating activities as part of the scheduled course.
A Swimmer classification is not ordinarily required for shore-based fishing. However, participants must remain within designated fishing areas, follow the buddy system, and observe all waterfront safety instructions.
Anyone participating in additional swimming or boating activities must meet the applicable Scouting America swim classification requirements.
Fishing Safety
Scouts must exercise caution when casting, handling hooks, and working near other participants. Always maintain adequate distance from others when casting and follow counselor instructions for safely removing hooks and handling fish.
Fishing activities must remain within designated areas. Scouts should never enter the water to retrieve equipment or a fishing line without permission and appropriate supervision.
What to Bring
- Printed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
- Closed-toed shoes suitable for shoreline activities
- Refillable water bottle and sunscreen
- Packed lunch and snacks — food is not sold at the base
- Hat, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing
- Fishing rod, reel, tackle, and bait, if preferred (equipment is available)
- Fishing Merit Badge pamphlet and completed prerequisites
- Notebook and pencil for class discussions and observations
Check-In & Arrival
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at the Main Pavilion. Please arrive on time with all required forms, equipment, and supplies.
Allatoona Aquatics Base
200 Lovingood Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189
Upon entering camp, continue past the Ranger's residence and equipment sheds. The Main Pavilion will be on your right, with parking nearby and overflow parking across from the lot entrance.
Observe the posted 12 MPH speed limit, follow camp staff directions, and remember that pets are not permitted.
More Than a Catch: Completing Your Merit Badge
Earning the Fishing Merit Badge requires Scouts to demonstrate fishing knowledge, practical skills, and responsible outdoor practices. Because fishing conditions vary and catching a fish is never guaranteed, completing every requirement during a single class may not be possible.
Scouts who complete only part of the merit badge can work with a merit badge counselor to finish their outstanding requirements later.
Prepare for Success
Review the official requirements, practice the necessary knots, and arrive ready to participate in hands-on instruction. Preparation and patience will help Scouts make the most of their time along the shoreline.
Earn the Complete Angler Recognition
Scouts who earn the Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badges can pursue Scouting America's Complete Angler Recognition.
After earning all three merit badges, Scouts must complete at least one additional qualifying activity. Opportunities include teaching fishing skills, helping Cub Scouts learn about fishing, participating in a fishing tournament, or completing a conservation project benefiting a local fishery.
Registration & Important Policies
Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Review the current event schedule and registration instructions before selecting a class.
Class Changes & Cancellations
Under the previously published event policy, final payments and attendance numbers are due 10 days before the event. Substitutions and class changes are not permitted after this deadline.
Refund Policy
The previously published policy provides a full refund for cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class. Cancellations within 11 days of the event are not guaranteed a refund and are subject to Council discretion.
All class changes, cancellations, and refund requests must be submitted by email. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.
Email: aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com
Make Every Cast Count!
Develop your fishing skills, practice responsible conservation, and discover a pastime you can enjoy for years to come. Get ready to earn your Fishing Merit Badge at Allatoona Aquatics Base!
