LESSONS IN CASTING 63 



the hand before lifting. This is a very important 

 matter, as to attempt to lift a drowned line, if 

 it does not break the rod, certainly prevents a 

 clean cast being made. If casting against the 

 wind, it is necessary to "force" the casts, i.e. 

 the finish of the cast must be vigorously done, 

 and the rod point allowed to come well down 

 to the water with freedom. It should not be 

 checked by too firm a grip with the casting 

 hand, but held loosely, so that it gives full effect 

 to the force and wrist action employed. 



In fishing deep sluggish rivers, it is often 

 necessary to weight the gut line by wrapping 

 round it lead wire, to take the fly well down 

 to the fish. This lead makes casting very 

 difficult, and a long line should not be used. 

 As it is not easy to cast this in the usual 

 method, a sort of sling cast must be used, the 

 forward throw being made slowly when the line 

 is felt to be well extended behind. 



In fishing from the right bank of a river, the 

 left hand should be used to cast, and from the 

 left bank the right hand. 



The "overhead" and the "wind" cast may both 

 be practised on a lawn, but the "loop" cast is 

 more difficult, as there is not the necessary cur- 

 rent to give the pull on the line. Practice of 

 this sort should be resorted to where possible, 

 as it helps the muscles greatly, and gets them 



