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Fishing trip

It’s time to reel in the catch of the day from on, in or by the water, as we head out on a fantastic fishing adventure.

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You’ll need

  • Pens or pencils
  • Fishing equipment (like rod, tackle, bait/lure – specific to fishing type)
  • Fishing licence
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Notebooks
  • Camera (optional)
  • Shelter (optional)

Before you begin 

  • Groups can choose what kind of fishing trip they’d like to go on a few months in advance of the trip, either during a session or using a digital tool. It might be helpful to have a keen angler along to join the conversation when choosing a fishing discipline and a place to fish, as they could help answer any specific questions. Remember, your expert need not be a world-renowned fishing guru, as a parent, carer, helper or young person might be just as qualified to help.
  • Leaders should take a look at our fishing adventure for some more information about what to expect and what the group can learn. Leaders and helpers should be able to identify the difference between coarse, game and sea fishing, so that they can answer some questions from the group.
  • Those working towards their Scouts Angler Activity Badge should be involved in four different trips to at least two different fishing spots. If it’s not possible for the group to run this many trips, leaders should try to give the best advice for those who wish to plan further trips with family or friends to earn their badge. They can be pointed towards local fishing clubs, tackle shops, the Environment Agency and The Angling Trust for guidance.
  • There’s lots to consider when planning your trip, including the date and time, access needs and parental consent. You’ll also need to make sure enough responsible adults attend, so that you have the correct adult-to-young person ratio. We’ve provided some points below for you to check off as you plan.
  • If you can, you may want to take cameras and notebooks on your visit to document your trip.
  • If the trip is being planned as part of a night away, leaders should familiarise themselves with the nights away guidance.
  • You must follow local and national rules for the area where you’re fishing. Not every region or body of water is managed by the exact same rules. You can find freshwater guidance. Sea fishing doesn’t require a licence, but anglers should still read up on national and local laws and restrictions.
  • Those who are over the age of 12 need to have a fishing licence to go fishing in rivers, canals, lakes, pools and streams. This licence is available from the Environment Agency.
  • Get Fishing is the Angling Trust's campaign to get more people fishing more often. It can help you search for a place to go fishing near you. You can also find useful information to help decide when to go fishing, such as weather and river levels. Tackle shops and noticeboards at local clubs should also be able to steer you in the right direction.
  • Consent needs to be given by parents or carers. This would also be a good time to ask if anybody would like to come along to help.
  • How will you get there? Do you have access to a minibus, for example, or could you travel together on public transport?
  • Is the site accessible for everyone in your group? Is access information available on their website? What access needs does the group have?
  • Does the site have nearby facilities, like toilets and a cafe?
  • What will people need to do to make sure they’re prepared? For example, what should they wear? Will they need to bring food and drink? Is there any equipment available to borrow?
  • Does the site or provider have any special events coming up? A taster session, for example.
  • The Get Fishing campaign run by The Angling Trust, and supported by the Environment Agency and Sport England, is designed to get more people out fishing. They work with clubs and fisheries to run taster sessions for beginners.
  • If you can, you may want to take cameras and notebooks on your visit to document your trip.

 

Run the activity

  1. Gather everyone in the activity area. If there are any new faces, such as your angling expert, introduce them to the group.
  2. Explain to everyone that they have an opportunity to head out on a fishing trip or trips very soon. Start a discussion about fishing where everyone can share personal experiences and talk about what benefits it might have as a hobby.
  1. Invite everyone in the group to ask any questions about fishing they may have. Start a discussion on the styles of fishing the group are interested in and which one they might like to pursue together.
  1. Based on the viable options, take a vote on what sort of trip the group would like to take part in. Consider that some types of trip might be more suitable and accessible for the group than others.
  1. On the day, put up a ‘Gone fishin’’ sign at the meeting place and set off on your trip! Below are a few things to remember as you go.
  • The person leading the activity should let everyone know the timings for the day and how they’ll communicate throughout. That way, everyone can be packed up and ready to leave at the right time.
  • Get well acquainted with the fishing spot together. If you’re at a site (rather than on a boat), take a walk around to familiarise yourselves.
  • Chat altogether about the importance of water safety and the safe use of tools.
  • Everyone should be considerate of other anglers and give them plenty of space.
  • If anyone in the group is working towards their Scouts Angler Activity Badge they will need to demonstrate that they can assemble their own rod, reel or pole, show that they can cast correctly and note down the following things: the number of fish they’ve caught, the species and size of fish, the method, bait and tackle used and the weather and water conditions.
  • Depending on your fishing style, there might be lots of sitting and waiting patiently. See if you can find space nearby where everyone can let off a little steam and talk a little more loudly. You won’t want to disturb others by being noisy.
  • There could be a good chance to spot local wildlife, so consider whether you want to allow any time for this.
  • Remember, leave no trace!

Reflection

All styles of fishing are known for their reflective qualities. In fiction, fishing trips are famously used as a chance to escape the business of daily life and spend time looking inwards, or as a chance to not think too hard about anything.

Leaders should encourage groups to make the most of this opportunity for a meditative experience and see how their body and mind feels afterwards. Do they feel calmer or more rested? If you were out at sea for your trip and it got a little bumpy, it might be that group members aren’t feeling so rested after all. What else did they take from the 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.

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.

Near water

Manage groups carefully when near water. The guidance on activities near water will help you to keep your group safe.

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.

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.

Animals and insects

Be aware of the risks before interacting with animals. Be aware of anyone with allergies, and make alternative arrangements for them.

Gardening and nature

Everyone must wash their hands after the activity has finished. Wear gloves if needed. Explain how to safely use equipment and set clear boundaries so everyone knows what’s allowed.

Each style of fishing is unique and presents different challenges. Fishing at a local lake in fair weather could be the easiest way to develop your learning in a calm environment.

The BDAA (British Disabled Angling Association) is dedicated to making sure fishing is an inclusive activity. The charity works to improve access and facilities at fishing sites across the country, as well as offering great advice and support for those looking for accessible fishing options. Take a look at the BDAA website for more information.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Scouts Angler Activity Badge

Different ways of fishing present new opportunities to learn and require different gear. If you’re looking to explore more types of fishing and invest a little more in the hobby, then how about trying fishing in a new environment? If you’re used to the tranquility of the lake, why not mix it up and see what it’s like out on coastal waters, or vice versa?

Regardless of whether you’re on a group outing, fishing is an independent activity that’ll require those taking part to step up and take responsibility for their personal equipment, whether it be borrowed or owned. If young people take their time when preparing their rods and accessories, then they’ll shape a better fishing experience for everyone.