CASTING AND WORKING OF FLY. 53 



one, so that the fly comes scudding along the surface 

 of the water to within a few yards of the hody, the 

 line forming a huge bag in the air, no portion being 

 much behind ; the rod should then be impelled forward 

 with considerable force, causing the fly to shoot out to 

 the desired spot. 



This cast is difficult of attainment, but in reality 

 requires little exertion, most of the work being done by 

 the reaction of the rod; in positions where trees or rocks 

 are immediately at the angler's back its use is indis- 

 pensable, and its achievement gives great satisfaction. 



The fly should naturally alight on the water in the 

 accustomed manner of the insect it is intended to 

 represent ; so the small winged flies should fall lightly, 

 while imitations of grubs or caterpillars, especially in 

 chub-fishing, should make a good flop. 



In salmon-fishing lightness of descent is of little 

 moment ; at the same time there is probably nothing 

 to be gained by unnecessary splash. 



What salmon mistake the artificial fly to be is open 

 to argument. He cannot take it to be an inhabitant 

 of the air or fresh water, as it resembles nothing 

 therein contained save its artificial kindred, of which 

 by-the-by in many rivers there is an abundance ; and 

 as whatever acquaintance he may have made Avith them 

 would scarcely have been of such a nature as would 

 have instilled confidence, he probably associates it with 

 some objects which during his visits to the coasts and 

 estuaries have left pleasant recollections. 



