Cubs Gone Fishing

A not so tall fishing tale

June 5, 2007 ~ Gord Welling

On Sunday afternoon, June 3rd, about a dozen cubs plus their parents and siblings gathered to go fishing at the Morinville trout pond (just west of Morinville). The pond had been recently stocked and we were hoping to see some serious action.

After arriving and unloading the fishing gear, we signed in with Akela and spread out along the shore to cast our lines.

Armed with all the important fishing kit: poles, line, bait, tackle boxes, chairs, cold drinks and snacks; we each selected a "favorite lucky spot" and got started.

For many of our youngsters, this was the first time fishing, so Mom's and Dad's were busy baiting hooks, teaching "how to cast" and untangling crossed lines. It was a windy day and casting was difficult ... worst of all, it seems that the fish were on to us as hardly a bite was experienced!

Our cubs were not at all discouraged as they took to angling with the enthusiasm of a seasoned pro.

As was quoted to me by an experienced parent ... "fishing is not about catching fish" ... the cubs took the experience in stride and asked parents for additional chances to go fishing throughout the summer.

We encourage our cubs to convince their Dad's for additional fishing afternoons in an effort to earn a fishing badge. What a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of a sunny weekend afternoon.

"Cubs Goin' Fishing" was organized as part of our "Keeping in Touch" summer program, where we schedule cub activities every two to three weeks (twice a month) throughout the summer. Our activities give the cubs a chance to try their hands at some cub badge work, receive earned badges and awards, and keep in touch with their cub friends.

Our next "Keeping in Touch" program activity is a nature hike scheduled for Sunday, June 17th. Parents, please watch your email for details.

Fishing Licences

The legalities are such that the kids are allowed to fish and keep up to five fish without any restrictions, provided they are holding the rods. Adults will require a fresh water fishing license if they hold the rod.

After a little research ... anyone 17 - 64 years of age needs to purchase a Wildlife Indentification Number ($8, good for five years) and a Sportfishing Licence ($22.50). See Alberta Sportfishing Licence and Fees for more details.

Sportfishing Licences and WINs can be purchased from:

• Canadian Tire - 40 Bellrosse Drive
• St. Albert Huskey - 192 St. Albert Trail
• Al-Razzaq Food and Gas Store - 3-25415 Hwy 37
• Walmart - 700 St. Albert Road

Fishing Badge

Note: The cub fishing badge is located on page 79 of last year’s Cub Book. It is best for the youths to review it’s requirements prior to the day. White Tails (coming from Beavers) are encouraged to qualify for the badge(s) as well, however they won’t be awarded until after the White Tail has been invested into the pack.

AS ALWAYS Cubs are reminded to review their Cub Book and bring it along should they have additional badge qualifications to have signed-off and/or badges to be awarded.

We want to thank InternetClipart.com for the use of their clip art and photograph.

About the author

Gord Welling (Rusty) is our Group Administrator and has been an active Scouter with Wednesday Night Beavers for the past four years. This will be Rusty's last year with Beavers and he plans to move to Monday night Cubs next year.