A Wolf Goes Fishing

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

A Wolf Goes Fishing teaches you the basics of fishing and then takes you out to try it. You'll learn about fish, bait, casting, and staying safe near water. Be patient, because the waiting is part of the fun.

Why it's worth it

Fishing is a skill you can use your whole life, at a city pond, a lake, a river, or the ocean. On this adventure you'll learn which fish live in your water, what they like to eat, and how to cast without snagging a tree. Then you'll go fishing with your den or family. Some days the fish bite and some days they don't, and you'll learn to enjoy the quiet either way.

Start this week

With your adult, pick a pond, lake, or pier you can visit, and find out if kids can fish there.
Look up the fish that live there on your state fish and wildlife agency's website.
Practice casting in the yard with a rubber practice plug or a small weight instead of a hook.
Ask your den leader if anyone can lend rods, or if your state has a free fishing day coming up.

Stay safe

Stay back from the edge, and wear a life jacket on docks and boats. Fish with an adult right next to you.
Hooks are sharp. Let an adult bait hooks and take fish off, and look behind you every time you cast.

Requirements · 5

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

Requirement 1
Identify the type of water you will fish in and what kinds of fish live there
Tip: Ask at a bait shop or park office which fish live in the lake or pond you'll visit.
For example: Your water might be a park pond. The park office or your state's fishing website may tell you it has bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Draw a picture of each one.
Requirement 2
Learn about the different kinds of bait used to attract fish
Tip: Look at worms, lures, and other bait. Talk about which fish might like each kind.
For example: Compare live bait and lures: worms for sunfish, a small spinner for bass, dough bait for catfish. Talk about why each one might look or smell like food to a fish.
Requirement 3
Demonstrate a proper cast with the pole or rod you are using
Tip: Practice casting in the yard with a weight instead of a hook until it feels smooth.
For example: Practice with your adult: look behind you, hold the button, bring the rod back over your shoulder, and swing it forward toward a hula hoop lying on the lawn.
Requirement 4
Learn the rules for fishing safely
Tip: Learn to watch where your hook is, stay back from the edge, and always fish with an adult.
For example: Your safety rules might be: always fish with an adult, look behind you before casting, leave space between you and the next person, and stay back from the edge.
Requirement 5
Go fishing with your den, pack, or family
Tip: Bring snacks and patience. Fish with your den or family and let an adult help with hooks.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

A state park or wildlife area pond with a fishing pier
Piers give you steady footing close to where fish gather, and some ponds are stocked for kids' fishing events.
How: Have your adult check your state wildlife agency's website for kids' fishing days. Some lend rods and bait for free.

Talk about it together

What did you notice about the water while you waited for a bite?
Which bait would you try next time, and why?
How did it feel when you had to be patient?
What would you tell a friend who has never been fishing?

Good questions to ask an experienced angler in your family or den

What's the best time of day to catch fish here?
How do you know where the fish are hiding?
How do you let a fish go so it can swim away healthy?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Pick a calm pond or dock with good footing and plenty of adults to watch the water.
Have adults handle hooks and help unhook fish.

People & places that can help

State fish and wildlife agency — Info on local fishing spots and kids' fishing events.
Local bait and tackle shop — Staff can tell you what's biting and what bait to use.
Scouting America: A Wolf Goes Fishing (opens in a new tab) — The official requirements and den activity ideas for each one.
Take Me Fishing: How to Fish (opens in a new tab) — Simple how-to guides on casting, bait, and knots for beginners.
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (opens in a new tab) — Helps grown-ups find their state's fish and wildlife agency.

Wolf, Rank · 7 requirements

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.