CASTING AND WORKING OF FIT. 55 



" well across the stream/' but it is extremely doubtful, 

 for above reasons, if there is anything to be gained by 

 casting at a greater angle than 45^, unless it be to 

 reach a catch which cannot otherwise be commanded. 



When casting over a rising fish, the angler above all 

 things should endeavour to effect a perfect cast at the 

 first attempt, as should he commence with an indif- 

 ferent one, he gets the worst of the deal, and has only 

 himself to thank for having thrown away a likely 

 winning card. 



The adept, during a few casts in the air, will be able 

 to release from the reel a suflficient length of line 

 without touching the water, and, at the same time, 

 accurately gauge the distance ; but the angler who has 

 not attained such proficiency had better make, as it 

 were, a trial cast on the water beyond the notice of the 

 fish, for although this, for obvious reasons, is not de- 

 sirable in dry-fly fishing, yet it is preferable to making 

 a bad initial cast. It is not much use to put in a real 

 good cast after a couple of bad ones. 



The angler in his eagerness frequently exhibits a 

 tendency to present his fly to a rising fish too soon 

 after the latter has captured a natural insect; but he 

 should remember that after the capture of a mouthful, 

 a fish requires time to swallow the morsel and settle 

 himself down for the next, so it is well to give him 

 time, and if possible to keep him waiting a while so 

 that his appetite may be whetted ; at the same time a 

 watchful eye must be kept on the stream for some 



