82 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



a lesson from some one who does. I can only attempt 

 to give an outline, which may facilitate the acquirement 

 of details. 



How TO Fjsh. 



CASTING. 



The flies and some of the line being in the water, and 

 the rod held by one or both hands (in the latter case the 

 right hand being above the left), the rod should be 

 raised rapidly yet steadily, with a backward motion 

 over the right shoulder, so as to fling the line well ont 

 behind into the air ; and then brought with a circular 

 sweep round the head to the left, and propelled lightly 

 forward, with force proportioned to the length of cast to 

 be made. A short line will of course be best for the 

 first essay. The shape of the curve described by the rod 

 in casting is nearly that of a horse-shoe. In completing 

 this movement the point of the rod must not be allowed 

 to approach too near the water, but should be kept well 

 up ; and even, at the moment the line is falling, a little 

 upward springy movement of the point should be given. 

 This has the effect of making the flies light softly, and 

 before the line — two most important points. 



As soon as the flies have touched the water, the rod 

 should be gradually raised towards the perpendicular, 

 the flies being kept in motion by gentle upward move- 

 ments of the rod point. 



Each cast will of course be only a repetition of the 



