ii4 FISHING KITS AND EQUIPMENT 



reference to the next chapter. It is a good plan, 

 when learning how to cast, to use a surface bait, one 

 that will float when you get into trouble with the reel 

 and line; that is, of course, when practicing over 

 water. It is quite practicable to learn casting over a 

 lawn or any unobstructed place, and in this case a half- 

 ounce dipsey sinker makes a good casting weight, or a 

 tournament weight, furnished by all the tackle dealers, 

 may be used. It is preferable, however, to practice 

 over water. There are two styles of casting from the 

 reel, the side and overhead casts, and of these the 

 side cast is much the easier to learn. When you have 

 acquired the side cast so that you can use it effectively 

 and without backlashing the overhead cast will come 

 more as a matter of course. The side cast is made as 

 follows : 



Assemble the rod and place the reel in the reel-seat 

 so that when the rod is held with the reel on top the 

 handle of the reel will be to the right. Reel up the 

 line so that the casting weight or bait hangs about one 

 foot from the rod tip. With neither click nor drag on 

 the reel, so that the spool will revolve freely, and 

 keeping the thumb of your rod hand firmly pressed 

 down on the line wound on the reel, swing the rod to 

 the rear with the rod tip pointing a little downward. 

 Then bring the rod smartly forward and slightly up- 

 ward across the body in the direction you wish to 

 cast, releasing the pressure of the thumb on the line 

 sufficiently to allow the line to run out through the 



