WET OR SUNK FLY-FISHING. 9 



tendency, in order that the hooks may be kept 

 clear of the banks behind. The forward motion 

 should be begun the very instant but not before 

 the line is fully extended. The force necessary 

 in this part of the cast depends entirely on cir- 

 cumstances. With a stiff rod, or a long line, or 

 against a strong wind, considerable exertion may 

 be required ; otherwise, the spring of the rod, 

 with but a slight motion of the wrist, will suffice 

 to carry out the flies. As a rule, the forward 

 impetus should be stopped when the point of 

 the rod is well up in the air, the rod being 

 simply allowed to follow the line, or even to 

 check its motion, until the flies touch the water. 

 Should it be necessary, however, to cast against 

 the wind, or if a high bank or trees behind pre- 

 vent the line being extended backwards, it will 

 be found better to bring down the point of the rod 

 sharply to within a yard or so of the water, and 

 then stop its motion abruptly. To prevent the 

 line doubling up, the rod should be brought 

 round the angler's head in a circular direction. 

 The cast should be made as much as possible 

 from the wrist, the arm from the shoulder to the 

 elbow being kept close in to the side : this not 

 only saves labour, but adds to the grace and 

 efficiency of the throw. Finally, it should be 

 kept in view that the rod is intended to aid in 

 the work, and its spring should therefore be 

 B 



