Long Island Fishing Committee

This committee was a dream of the late Jim "Papa Bear" Maybeck, all of our efforts are dedicated to his memory. Under the guidance of his dear friend Lou Cook this Committee was established in 2025 with the support of several passionate Leaders. Jim and Lou were Leaders within the Sagtikos District of Suffolk County at the time of their dream, this all started there. The patch shown here is their original design, again paying respect to "Papa Bear" as he casts his line.  As things have changed lately and we're expanding our territory an updated version is in the works!

The primary purpose of a Fishing Committee, often staffed with Certified Angling Instructors (CAIs), and Angling Educators (AEs), is to promote and enhance fishing programs within Scouts of America at all levels (Council, District, and Unit). This includes recruiting and retaining Scouts along with Leaders by improving fishing opportunities. This is accomplished by providing the proper training, equipment and resources related to fishing, while working alongside the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Council Leaders, Committees and Scout Camps. 

Our mission is to create and implement fishing programs, trainings and events for all Scouts within Long Island. Which also includes encouraging Scouts to pursue and achieve the Complete Angler Award, which recognizes Scouts who have earned Fishing, Fly Fishing and Fish and Wildlife Management Badges plus completion of a conservation project.

We are staffed with a Certified Angling Course Director who is approved to run Certified Angling Instructor courses as well as Angling Educator Courses. The Committee's Training Coordinator has assigned our Certified Angling Instructors with a task to hold Angling Educator Training Courses several times throughout the year in order to get Unit Leaders trained to present Basic Fishing 101 knowledge to their Scouts. We are well equipped and very determined to train Leaders in our territory to ensure Scouts have a promising fishing program for years to come.