208 ROD AND RIVER 



landing the fly anywhere but where it ought 

 to go. 



When the wind is straight in one's teeth, 

 strange as it may appear, a longer and straighter 

 line can be cast than when it is blowing obliquely. 

 This is, I think, the only case in fly-fishing for 

 trout when a certain amount of physical strength 

 is necessary. Most writers on the subject recom- 

 mend the use of a short line under such circum- 

 stances ; my own advice to the reader, if he pos- 

 sesses a strong wrist, is to use rather a long line. 

 The length will increase the weight, and so aid 

 rather than retard the cast. Stand boldly up to 

 the wind, grip the rod firmly with the wrist 

 stiffened as much as possible, and let the for- 

 ward cast be a sharp, flogging downward cut, 

 the rod point being brought wellnigh on to the 

 water. There must be no half-measures if this 

 cast is to be successful. The rod must be 

 brought down at almost full strength, the down- 

 ward cut stopping just clear of the water. If the 

 line is heavy enough, and the gut properly pro- 

 portioned, the fly can thus be forced out in the 

 teeth of half a gale. The line itself may bag 

 slightly, but the gut will be straight ; and if that is 

 so, and it is well in advance of the line, it matters 

 little. As a rule, the line will go out straight 

 enough. Whether fishing for salmon or trout, I 

 would far sooner cast straight against a light wind 

 than directly with a strong one. 



