LESSONS IN CASTING 67 



is apt to catch on rocks, &c. When this is felt 

 to occur, do not pull hard or snatch it, as you 

 may destroy the fine point of the hook ; but ease 

 your line, by drawing off from the reel about 

 5 yards, and allow it to float down until 

 well below the fly, when a slight jerk should 

 be given, which will generally free it. If it does 

 not, try a little more line and a stronger pull. 

 Failing this, shorten your line into the first 

 position, and shake the rod as though thrashing 

 the water ; or wade ashore and get below the 

 hitch. Other methods may be tried, as in spinning 

 (see p. 112). 



When casting from a difficult position, with 

 trees or bushes behind, where there is a great 

 liability to get " hung up," it is worth bearing in 

 mind to cast without holding the line between 

 the fingers. The check of the reel is generally 

 stiff enough to lift the line, so that should the 

 fly get caught behind, the forward cast may not 

 break the rod, as the reel check will yield and 

 save it. We might add that it is better to 

 adopt this method, and to cast at all times from 

 the reel. 



Casting while wading, is naturally more difficult 

 than when standing on a bank on a level with, 

 or above the water. This, however, is inap- 

 preciable, if only wading knee deep. When 

 wading waist deep, the difficulty in casting is 



