Certified Angling Instructor (CAI) Course

Hagan Sea Base

781 Scout Road, Lexington, NC

August 16-18, 2024

Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Required Paperwork for Everyone

• BSA Medical Form Parts A & B
• Pre-event Medical Screening Form

Fishing License

Note: Individuals 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish while fishing in North Caro­lina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. 

Short-term License

• Inland Fishing­ 10-Day: Statewide inland fishing during the 10 days specified on the license. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
• NC Resident: $9
• NC Nonresident: $23

Annual License

• State Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing during a license term. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.
• NC Resident: $25
• NC Nonresident: $45

Purchase a License

There are many ways to purchase a license. Please note that a $5 transaction fee, as mandated by NCGS 113-270.1B, may apply at the time of license purchase.

• Online 
• By Phone (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.): 833-950-0575
• In Person: At Select Wildlife Service Agents

Dates:

• August 16 - 18, 2024
• Activities begin at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 16.
• Activities end at 12:00 pm on Sunday, August 18. 

The CAI Course is designed to qualify Scouters and camp staff to teach fishing skills from basic cane pole to fly-fishing; Cubs to Venturers.  The course requires a minimum of 18 hours of instruction time. The course modules include:

• A Brief History of Fishing
• Why BSA Fishing is Important
• BSA Fishing Organization
• Program Delivery Methods
• Fishing-related Awards
• Conventional and Fly-Fishing Gear
• Health and Safety
• Fishing Ethics
• Leave No Trace
• Fishing Regulations
• Conservation
• Fishery Management 
• How to Plan and Run a Fishing Event
• The Nature of Fish
• Where to Find Fish
• Fishing Knots
• Casting
• Basic Fishing Knowledge and Skills
• How to Clean and Cook a Fish
• Fishing Basics (summary)
• Angling Educator (summary)
• Supplemental CAI Modules
• Resources and Special Offers
• Opportunities and Challenges
• Delivering the Promise

The CAI Training course is taught using the EDGE Method, to provide the Scout Leader the tools necessary to design, develop, and provide leadership to BSA fishing programs. As such, no prior Fishing experience is required, nor is any personal fishing equipment required to take the course. However, if you possess angling knowledge and skills, we would like to leverage those talents and provide an even better program with your participation in the CAI Training Course and future angling activities. 

Cost:

• Early bird rate $100 if paid in full by August 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm
• Event fee is $150 if paid in full after August 2, 2024 at 12:00 am
• The cost covers meals starting with Friday night cracker barrel through Sunday morning breakfast, handouts, use of the camp, and program materials.

Meals:

• Meals include Friday cracker barrel, Saturday breakfast, lunch, supper and cracker barrel; Sunday breakfast.
• Eat Friday supper before you arrive.
• Please indicate your dietary needs on the registration page.
• People with dietary needs may want to bring a few snacks to supplement their meals to ensure their dietary needs are met.

What to bring:

Packing List:

• BSA Health Form Parts A & B
• Pre-event Medical Screening Checklist
• NC State Fishing License
• Field Uniform/Class A
• Activity Uniform
• Fishing Equipment - Rods and reels and tackle
• Tent, ground cloth, tarp
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad or mattress
• Sturdy shoes – no open toe shoes
• Change of clothes
• Sleeping attire
• Soap, washcloth, towel
• Sunglasses
• Personal first aid kit
• Camp chair
• Personal Fishing Gear (optional)
• Camera
• Notebook, pen, pencil
• Coat jacket, cap
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Sun Protection
• Rain Gear
• If using C-Pap you will need to bring a 100ft electric cord.

A pre-event logistical email will be sent on Wednesday, August 14.

If I still have questions, who do I direct questions to:

• Certified Angling Instructor Course Director Crystal Kessler at cabusick@gmail.com.
• Fishing Committee Chair Gordon Stallings at gstallings@triad.rr.com.
• Fishing Committee Staff Advisor Bud Harrelson at bud.harrelson@scouting.org