Pack 94 News

Spring Pack Fishing Night!

Fishing with kids is pretty simple: bring a pole, some bait, a little patience, and accept that the fish may have other plans.

On Monday, September 21, Pack 94 is swapping our regular meeting for an evening at the pond. Whether your Scout has been fishing for years or has never cast a line, this is a chance to get outside, learn something new, and have some fun together.

Grab your gear and join us at Fallbrook Neighborhood Pond for a Pack-wide night of fishing.

This is not a tournament, and no one needs to know what they’re doing. Beginners are welcome, experienced anglers are welcome, and tangled lines are almost guaranteed.

The goal is simple: cast a line, enjoy the evening, and maybe even catch a fish.

• Date: Monday, September 21
• Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
• Location: Fallbrook Neighborhood Pond
• Address: 3001 Fallbrook Ave, Edmond, OK 73012
• Gate Code: #1397
• Who: Pack 94 Scouts and families (all are welcome)
• Uniform: Not required

Please park along the street on Fallbrook Ave and come to the pavilion to check in on the sign-up sheet, so everyone gets adventure credit!

What to Bring

If you already have fishing equipment, bring what you normally use. For beginners, there's no need to go out and buy a tackle box full of gear. A basic setup is plenty.

Consider bringing:

• Fishing rod and reel
• Basic tackle — small hooks, bobbers, and sinkers
• Bait
• Pliers or a hook-removal tool
• Water
• Bug spray
• Folding or camp chair
• Small flashlight or headlamp as daylight fades

Dress comfortably for the weather and for spending the evening around the pond. Uniforms are not required.

Parents and guardians should plan to remain with their Scouts throughout the event and provide close supervision around the water and while fishing.

What will be Provided

• We will provide some light snacks chips, cookies, and water (not a meal) while we relax by the pond and celebrate the night’s catches.
• We’ll have some bait, tackle, and fishing poles on hand to share.
• Adults will be roaming around helping as much as possible!

Help Needed!

If you are able and willing, there are a few things we could use help with!

• Bring a bag (or more) of prepared bait. For example: zip lock bags with corn, chopped up hot dogs, worms, or anything else that would pull in fish!
• Bring extra fishing poles to share, especially smaller ones for our youngest Scouts. Be sure to put your name on your poles so they don’t walk off by accident!
• We need adults willing to pitch in and help Scouts tie knots, bait hooks, and release fish as the needs arise.
• At the end of the night, we could some help cleaning up and ensuring we leave the place better than we found it.

Fishing With Kids: Keep It Simple

Fishing with kids is a little different from fishing by yourself. Success isn't necessarily measured by how many fish make it onto the bank.

For a first fishing trip, the real victory might be learning to cast, putting bait on a hook, seeing a bobber disappear underwater—or simply spending an evening outside with friends.

Start With Basic Tackle

You don't need expensive equipment to get started. A simple spinning or spincast rod, a bobber, a small hook, and some bait can be all a Scout needs.

For younger Scouts, a bobber is especially helpful. Instead of trying to feel a bite through the line, they get something they can watch.

And watching that bobber suddenly disappear never gets old.

Expect Tangled Lines

There will be tangles. Probably several.

Someone may cast into a tree. Someone else may hook the grass behind them. A bobber may end up somewhere that seems physically impossible.

That's part of learning.

Keeping things relaxed—and treating those inevitable mishaps as part of the adventure—usually makes for a much better first experience than worrying about perfect casts or catching the biggest fish.

Let the Scouts Do It

It can be tempting for adults to take over because it's faster. Whenever possible, give Scouts a chance to cast, hold the rod, watch their line, reel in their fish, and gradually learn to manage their own equipment.

Adults can step in for the things that require a little more care, particularly handling hooks and removing fish.

The more Scouts get to do themselves, the more it becomes their adventure.

Hooks Deserve Respect

Fishing hooks are small, sharp, and surprisingly good at finding things other than fish.

Before every cast, Scouts should learn to look behind and around themselves. Give anglers plenty of space, and adults should closely supervise younger Scouts whenever hooks are being handled.

Water deserves the same respect. Stay aware of where Scouts are around the pond and keep younger Scouts within safe boundaries.

More Ways to Explore Oklahoma's Outdoors

Families can use ODWC resources to:

• Find public places to fish
• Learn about Oklahoma fish species
• Check fishing regulations and license requirements
• Learn basic fishing and outdoor skills
• Discover family-friendly outdoor programs
• Explore wildlife watching and other outdoor opportunities