CASTING AND WOEKING OF FLY. 57 



with the point of the rod ; and, lastly, the angler should 

 remember that the fly hooks more fish when it is in the 

 water than when on the bank or in the air. 



In heavy waters, or as a change to the fly, a minnow 

 is worth trying. We prefer a plain white metal body 

 with no slits at the sides and simply two triangles at 

 the tail. They can be cast to a considerable distance 

 with the fly-rod, if instead of being brought straight 

 back over the shoulder they are swung round in a semi- 

 circle, which keeps them on the go during their passage 

 through air, and at the same time does not impose so 

 severe a task upon the rod. 



Casting in this manner is not particularly easy, but 

 with practice a long line can be thrown without strain- 

 ing the rod. This method will be found to serve in 

 open pools, but when 30 or 40 yards has to be covered, 

 or when the casting is surrounded by trees, the best 

 plan is to use a spinning rod with a Nottingham reel 

 {vide page 35). 



