Remember the Beltloops are for the scout doing their best to learn about the sport or academic activity, and by putting the new techniques to practice with fellow scouts, in their community, or working with an adult.

1. Review your local fishing regulations with your leader or adult partner. Explain why they are important, and commit to following them.

2. Demonstrate how to properly bait a hook.

3. Try to catch a fish.

The Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to --

BE CLEAN IN MY OUTDOOR MANNERS
I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only where they are appropriate. When I have finished using fire, I will make sure it is cold-out. I will leave a clean fire ring or remove all evidence of my fire.

BE CONSIDERATE IN THE OUTDOORS
I will treat public and private property with respect. I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.

BE CONSERVATION-MINDED
I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.

Fishing is safe if you always follow common sense safety rules.

• When walking near water, step carefully. Grass and weeds can hide deep holes, and wet ground can collapse suddenly in to the water.

• Don't cast near others, and always look before you cast.

• Carry a basic first aid kit.

Fishing From a Boat

• Always have an adult with you when you fish from a boat.

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD).

• Don't stand or move quickly in boats.

• Watch the wind and the water. If it looks like a storm is coming, get off the water, and take shelter.

Thunderstorm Precautions

• If you are fishing from the shore, take shelter in a car or building.

• If there is any lightning, avoid trees, especially ones standing alone.

• Don't carry a fishing rod in your hand during a thunderstorm; some rods can conduct electricity.

No matter where you live, you can get information on good places to fish. Look in your telephone directory for one or more of the following:

• Your local library.   Ask the librarian to help you find books and other resources on fishing.

• State natural resources, conservation, or fish and game department.   Most haave free or inexpensive fishing booklets that describe the fish found in your state's waters and tell you how to catch them.

• County and local agencies.   Your county forest preserve system or community park district may have information about ponds, lakes, and steams stocked with fish.

• Chambers of commerce.   Many communities have a chamber of commerce that provides information to tourists planning to visit the area.

• Fishing tackle stores.   These can be good places to ask someone about places to fish.

• Sport fishing clubs.   Ask at your nearest fishing tackle store how you can contact a local club.

American Sportfishing Association
225 Reinekers Lane
Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone:    703.519.9691
Fax:    703.519.1872

Web Site:    http://www.asafishing.org/index.cfm

Future Fisherman Foundation

The Future Fisherman Foundation is the non-profit educational arm of the American Sportfishing Association. The Foundation's purpose is to improve the quality of human life by teaching people to fish, and by promoting stewardship of aquatic resources.

Foundation programs include Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs (HOFNOD), the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program (FTLP), and the brand new Camp Fishing Initiative (CFI). The Foundation is also a national partner with the 4-H Sportfishing Program.

The Future Fisherman Foundation provides training, curriculum materials, brochures, equipment, videos, and promotional items to help people and organizations with youth fishing programs and fishing events.

Web Site:    http://www.futurefisherman.org/