54 £T moos: and bt crook. 



The result of good casting is that the fly is placed at 

 the required spot on the water with the least possible 

 loose or slack line, so that it is actually fishing at the 

 moment of immersion ; and when this is effected it 

 almost appears to the spectator as if the fly were laid 

 down by the hand, with such nicety is the cast accom- 

 plished. 



It is no uncommon thing to see an angler severely 

 handicap himself by easting an unnecessarily long 

 line ; this is especially the delight of novices, who are 

 perfectly happy if they see 25 yards or so of line fall 

 in any fashion upon the surface, and expect to find a 

 look of admiration on the countenance of any passer 

 by ; but should that passer by be aware that the catch 

 is under the point of the angler's rod, his smile may be 

 misconstrued. 



To command a catch it is, however, often necessary 

 to cast a long line, then well and good ; or it may be 

 that by casting a few extra yards of line the angler can 

 fish obliquely, say at an angle of 45°, whereas with a 

 shorter line he would be compelled to cast straighter 

 across the stream. Then the ability to make a long cast 

 is a distinct advantage, as if the line be cast straight 

 across, its centre is bagged by the stream, and in 

 reality the fly is towed down head first for the greater 

 portion of its journey, whereas the line and fly should 

 be both swept away from the angler, with little or no 

 straightening. 



Young anglers are frequently instructed to cast 



