CHAPTER IX 



CASTING THE FLY — HOW IT IS DONE — THE SWITCH 

 OR SPEY CAST — HANDLING A HOOKED TROUT — 

 BAIT FISHING — SELECTING FISHING TACKLE, RODS, 

 REELS, LINES, LEADERS, ETC. 



The art of casting a fly cannot be taught either 

 verbally or by written instructions. Diagrams 

 will not aid the tyro, nor daily and studious visits 

 to a fly-casting tournament. The first is too rigid 

 to even indicate the supple action of the wrist of 

 the caster, or the graceful flow of the line from 

 the tip of the rod ; the latter outrages all prin- 

 ciples of the art by the strenuous efforts of the 

 contestants to shoot the flies to the outermost 

 reach, and in doing this their gyrations and often 

 grotesque attitudes place a libel and a disgrace on 

 the gentle art of angling. The young angler 

 must be patient and observing, and seek for every 

 opportunity to accompany an experienced fly-caster 

 on the stream. Let him be content for days to 

 use bait and follow his fly-fishing companion at 

 a distance of several hundred feet, all the while 

 with his eyes open and his intelligence at work. 



354 



