About Certified Angling Instructors

Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Training Courses are facilitated by the BSA National Fishing Committee. Courses cover Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing Fishing Programs held at the Unit, District, Council, Area, Regional and National Levels. Simply put, CAIs teach Scouts and Scouters to fish!

Fishing helps you to “Deliver the Promise of Scouting”. CAIs learn age-based and skills-appropriate fishing tools and techniques, ranging from a simple cane pole to fly fishing. The course highlights best practices in both the classroom and in the field.

Why Become a CAI?

Fishing is one of the most popular youth activities. In a 2018 survey, Cub Scouts were asked what activities they most wanted.

They answered in this order:
1. Camping
2. Pinewood Derby
3. Hiking
4. STEM
5. Fishing

The same question was asked of Scouts BSA participants. They wanted:
1. Camping
2. Hiking
3. High Adventure
4. Fishing

Course Goals

- Qualify to become a BSA Certified Angling Instructor

- Gain hands-on learning of fly-casting, fly-tying, fishing knots, finding fish, and etiquette - and how to teach these same skills to our Scouts

- Catch a fish or two and demonstrate catch-and-release. 

- Clean and cook a fish. 

- Learn about the Complete Angler Award for Scouts in your council. Commit to making fishing a priority within your council.

Course includes full coverage of skills development, resource awareness and improvement, merit badge counselorinstruction, fly-fishing instruction with a focus on teaching others, how to improve the council's fishing programs, and opportunities to offer fishing year-round. Ideal for those wishinkg to enhance fishing program's emphasis within their Scouting world and lead Scouts into the wonderful world of fishing and fly-fishing. 

Who can attend?

All adult leaders - Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, ASMs, Committee Members, Merit Badge Counselors, Crew Advisors, and all other  registered adult volunteers.

Scouts (15 years and older) with parent and Scoutmaster permission.

Everyone who successfully completes the course are eligible to earn the recognition patches and will be assigned a CAI number and receive a CAI certificate. 

Scouting fishing programs are very cost-effective recruitment and teaching tools!
Scouting Owns Outdoor Adventure! Help Fishing lead the way! Become a CAI today!

No experience needed

Course Details

When:  October 4th, 2024 – Check-in starts at 5:00 PM

            October 6th, 2024 – Ends at 3:00 PM

Where: Coyote Lake – Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

            10840 Coyote Reservoir Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020

Price: $125 (Saturday and Sunday meals included)  - Please bring sack dinner for Friday.

** Overnight Weekend Training with instruction and practical fishing instruction.

*** Tent & Camping gear not included. Please bring your own camping equipment (Checklist will be provided as we get close to the event)

**** The courses provide Rods, fly-tying tools, and materials. (Feel free to bring your own gear)

Questions: 

Madhu Bora

Certified Angling Instructor & Course Director

Email: scouterbora@gmail.com

Cell: 209-617-3822