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Catch the Big One

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Catch the Big One is about planning and going on a real fishing trip. You'll learn where fish live, get your gear ready, and tie your own knot. Being patient on the water is part of the fun.

Why it's worth it

Fishing is part science, part patience, and part adventure. You'll figure out where your fish lives and what it eats, get your own gear ready, and tie the knot that holds your hook. It's a skill you can enjoy with family and friends for the rest of your life, at a city pond or a mountain lake.

Start this week

  1. With your adult, look up a pond, lake, or river near you and find out which fish live there.
  2. Practice an improved clinch knot with a shoelace and a key ring.
  3. Ask your adult to check whether either of you needs a fishing license in your state.

Stay safe

  • Wear a life jacket near deep or moving water, cast only after checking that no one is behind you, and let an adult remove deep hooks.

Requirements · 7

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

  1. Requirement 1

    Plan a fishing trip: decide where you'll go and what kind of fish you hope to catch; base all remaining requirements on that choice

    Tip: With an adult, pick a nearby lake, pond, or river and find out what fish live there.

    For example: Your plan might be: "We'll fish for bluegill at the park pond on Saturday morning, from the dock, using worms on small hooks." Write where, when, who's going, and which fish you're after.

  2. Requirement 2

    Use the SAFE Checklist to plan what you'll need for your fishing trip

    Tip: Go over each SAFE point, like having a trained adult along and wearing life jackets near deep water.

  3. Requirement 3

    Describe the habitat where your fish might be found

    Tip: Find out if your fish likes weeds, rocks, shade, or deep water.

    For example: Bluegill like warm, shallow water near weeds and docks. Catfish often stay near the bottom in deeper water. Write down where your fish hides, what it eats, and what time of day it's active.

  4. Requirement 4

    List the equipment and materials you'll need to fish

    Tip: Make a checklist: rod, hooks, bait, bucket, sunscreen, water, and anything else you'll need.

    For example: A checklist could include: rod and reel, hooks, bobbers, small weights, bait, a bucket, pliers, life jackets if near deep water, sunscreen, hat, water, snacks, and your Six Essentials.

  5. Requirement 5

    Pick the best knot for attaching your hook to the line, and tie it

    Tip: Practice an improved clinch knot or similar knot on a hook with a big piece of string first.

    For example: The improved clinch knot: thread the line through the hook eye, wrap it around itself five times, push the end through the small loop by the eye, wet it, and pull it tight.

  6. Requirement 6

    Pick the right kind of rod and tackle for your trip; have an adult check your gear

    Tip: Choose a rod that fits your size and the fish you're after, then show it to an adult.

  7. Requirement 7

    Using what you've learned about fish and gear, fish for at least one hour, following local rules and regulations

    Tip: Check local fishing rules with an adult. Be patient and enjoy being outside.

Places to visit

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

  • A state fish hatchery

    You can see thousands of young fish and learn how they're raised and released into lakes and rivers.

    How: Have your adult check your state fish and wildlife agency's website for hatchery visiting hours or den tours.

Talk about it together

  • What did you learn about where fish live?
  • How did you stay patient when the fish weren't biting?
  • What would you change about your plan next time?
  • What other animals or plants did you notice while you were fishing?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Check state fishing license rules for adults and youth before the trip.
  • Invite an experienced angler to help scouts rig rods and tie knots.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Webelos adventures

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