Camp Anna Fishing

One of the merit badges my son worked on while camping with friends was the Fishing Merit Badge. In addition to classwork, the badge also requires actual fishing and cooking! My son was an ace at the academics but had to be patient with the practicals. He spent a couple of days not catching anything while he figured out the best spots and the best techniques for catching a fish.

Fishing off the dock

Getting some help

One of the tough parts is baiting the hook. My son wasn't too squeamish about getting the worms but putting them on the hook was a bit tricky.

A box of nightcrawlers

He did succeed at catching a fish, though he did not want to do the traditional pose for fear of losing his prey.

Moving the fish into a smaller body of water

The only thing tougher than putting the worm on the hook was getting the fish off the hook. He was patient and methodical and got the job done.

Unhooking

The first catch

He did try some more fishing but got no more bites.

Trying from a different part of the dock

Back at the house, he worked on preparing and cooking the fish. First, he had to kill the fish, then get the scales and head off.

Pointers on what to cut off and what to keep

With a few more cuts, he was ready to fry that blue gill up.

Frying up a fillet

The finished product

The merit badge requires catching and cooking but not eating. He didn't try a bite though it did look pretty good at the end.