Angler

Angler Scout Badge post 2002

The Scout Activity badges from post 2002 are circular with the Activity image on a blue background with a red border. The Badge is worn on the left sleeve starting from the shoulder and going down in order of achievement.

To earn the Angler Scout badge they must achieve the followingh and safety

1.       Know the water safety rules and the appropriate precautions to be taken when fishing from the bank or shore, or from a boat. 
Understand the dangers of wading in fresh water and shore fishing in the sea and the precautions to be taken.

2.       Know the basic hygiene precautions to take when fishing.

Angling craft

3.       Go fishing in fresh or salt water on at least six occasions, recording the following:

·         numbers caught

·         species and size of fish

·         method, tackle and bait used

·         weather and water conditions

Discuss the trips undertaken.

4.       Explain the signs of stress in fish. Know the Environment Agency emergency hotline number.

Tackle and techniques

5.       Understand why it is important to discard used tackle properly.

6.       Choose one of the following activities:

a.       Cast with beach fishing tackle a distance of 45 metres.

b.       Cast a ledger and float tackle into a 1 metre circle at least three times out of six at nine metres range.

c.        Cast a trout fly on a fly line into a 3-metre circle at least three times out of eight at 11-metre range.

7.       Demonstrate how to set up one of the following sets of tackle:

·         waggler rig

·         swim feeder rig

·         fly cast

·         spinning rig

·         shore fishing rig

·         beach casting rig

8.       Explain the importance of:

 .         handling fish with care and releasing them carefully

a.       using a lower strength hook link when coarse, game or sea fishing

9.       Explain the importance of the one of the following activities:

 .         setting a keep net correctly

a.       how to use a priest to dispatch fish quickly

Know your fish

10.    Be able to identify each of the species in one of the following groups:

a.       bass, cod, flounder, grey mullet, and mackerel

b.       roach, perch, chub, common carp and tench

c.        grayling, brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon

11.    Have knowledge of the habitat and feeding behaviour of the fish identified and know suitable baits, flies, lures and hook sizes.

Administration and law

Complete the requirements from either of the options below:

12.    Freshwater fishing

a.       Know the dates of the fresh water season and size limits of freshwater fish in the areas in which they fish.

b.       Be able to explain why licenses and permits are required for fishing and know the age at which a national rod license is required.

c.        Know the location of the local fishing club and any waters they may control.

13.    Saltwater fishing

a.       Know the size limits of saltwater fish in the areas in which they fish.

b.       Know the location of the local fishing club and any waters they may control.