Camera angles
You’ll need
- Camera or phone
- Pens or pencils
- Scrap paper
- Access to water
- Fishing equipment
Before you begin
- This activity is best scheduled a few weeks before a planned fishing trip, so that everyone can use it to help prepare. For help planning the trip itself, check out Fishing trip.
- Leaders and helpers should familiarise themselves with the information below before running this activity. Local angling clubs, tackle shops and The Environment Agency are also great places to turn to for information specific to your region and fishing style.
- See if you can find any example ‘how to’ videos for angling or other activities, for the group to use for reference. They should show how information can be shared clearly in an engaging manner. Download and play or stream these online during the session.
- Leaders should check to see whether everyone’s happy to appear in a video. Parental consent will be required for each person as well, if not already given.
- Leaders and helpers should familiarise themselves with the video equipment to be used in this activity, so that they can lend a hand throughout. If no suitable video equipment is available, the requirement for the Scouts Angler Activity Badge can still be met by each group acting out their ‘how to’ video for everyone else to watch. They can also meet the badge requirement if the major health and safety points are discussed and good practice is demonstrated on your trip.
- Take a look at some of the free video editing applications. People may wish to download a tool to use for this ahead of time.
- Follow any site-specific rules that may apply.
- Cover any cuts, sores or scratches with waterproof plasters or gloves.
- Bring a first aid kit and attend to any injury swiftly, no matter how small.
- Don’t leave food uncovered and unattended.
- Use a towel to wipe hands after handling fish.
- Avoid putting your hands in or around your mouth during fishing.
- Wash hands before having any food or drink and at the end of the fishing session.
- Nets and tackle must be thoroughly dried after fishing, to prevent the spread of any bacteria from fishery to fishery.
- Don’t leave food or bait on the ground, as this may attract rodents carrying diseases like leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), which can be fatal to humans if caught and left untreated.
- Don’t touch dead animals for the reasons outlined above.
- If you develop any flu-like symptoms after the trip, be sure to let your doctor know that you’ve been fishing.
- Get familiar with the Water Safety Code. Have fun, stay safe.
- You could also book a free visit from the RNLI to learn about water safety.
- Check the weather forecast for changing conditions that affect the body of water you’re fishing.
- Never go alone; always have someone else with you.
- Have a throw line with you, or be sure you know where one is. Know how to use it.
- Pay attention to signage and warnings about waterways.
- Be aware of the common features of your fishing environment.
- If on a boat, wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid, whichever is applicable to your environment.
- When freshwater fishing, set up on even ground.
- When you arrive at your fishing spot, check out the area around you and consider where you’d be able to get out of the water if you were to fall in.
- Know where you’re located and how to describe it, in case you need to call the emergency services or report any hazards to a local authority.
- Only wade into the water where the current is weak.
- Keep clear from slippery banks or deep and fast flowing water.
- Don’t walk on ice covered water.
- Beware of overhead cables. Poles and rods conduct electricity. They don't even have to be touching a cable for electricity to jump to it and cause a shock.
- Keep your space tidy. Don’t leave any trip hazards for passersby.
- Be sure to look all around when using long poles and rods, to be sure you don’t strike anyone or anything. You should look around for people, anything overhead (like tree branches or cables) or steep slopes behind you.
- Be aware of how to safely assemble and take apart your tools. You should be particularly careful with sharp objects, like your hooks.
Run the activity
- Split everyone into small groups of no more than six. Each group will need a device to record video with and props for items you’d take fishing (or actual fishing gear).
- Read out the following activity brief: ‘Create a video in the style of a ‘public safety announcement’, to be played for young anglers when it’s time for them to head out on their first fishing trip. Imagine the people watching are amateurs, with no experience of freshwater or saltwater fishing. You should explain and demonstrate the following:
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- How to maintain personal hygiene when fishing.
- Water safety tips (that are applicable for all locations)
- Equipment safety
- Show everyone the examples of ‘how to’ videos prepared earlier to give everyone an idea of what they’re supposed to be producing.
- Groups should discuss the pros and cons of the videos they’ve seen. See if any of them have inspired anyone to try out the activity demonstrated. Encourage everyone to try and achieve this with their angling videos.
- Everyone should get started with their videos. Leaders and helpers should move between the groups, offer support and help handle any issues.
- If there’s time after filming, groups should use video editing tools to perfect their films. When they’re complete, gather together to watch everyone’s films on a display screen.
Reflection
Teaching others can help us strengthen our own learning experience. Chat as a group about whether you think that sharing what you’ve learnt with others is a useful tool for personal development, and if so, are there other opportunities that could be taken advantage of for everyone to share their skills and experience?
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
- Poles and long objects
Be careful when moving poles or long items. Take care if the ends are sharp. Have appropriate supervision for this activity.
- Outdoor activities
You must have permission to use the location. Always check the weather forecast, and inform parents and carers of any change in venue.
- Phones and cameras
Make sure parents and carers are aware and have given consent for photography.
- Sharp objects
Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.
- Rubbish and recycling
All items should be clean and suitable for this activity.
- Water games and activities
Be careful when doing activities with, in, or near water. Check surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping where possible. Make sure you have appropriate supervision for this activity.
- Music and films
Make sure music and films are age appropriate for the youngest person present.
If video recording is proving difficult, the activity leader can recommend that each group experiment with shooting a continuous shot, or a series of really short videos, so that they don’t have to worry about editing at the end. This could be a good option for those who aren’t confident or comfortable using technology.
- Remind anyone who isn’t comfortable or allowed to be on camera that they can still take part in the filming and direction of the videos.
- If lots of people are camera-shy or if the group doesn’t have access to any recording equipment, then this activity can be done in a more theatrical style, and groups can perform their ‘public service announcements’ to everyone at the end.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
The Angling Trust can help you search for a place to go fishing near you. You can also find useful information for when you go fishing, such as weather and water levels. Tackle shops and noticeboards at local clubs should also be able to steer you in the right direction.
Take a look at Fishing trip for more things to consider before your outing and some tips for when you’re there.
Young people can help prepare themselves and others for an upcoming trip in this activity.