68 SALMON FISHING 



greatly increased, as the height of the angler is 

 decreased by the depth he is standing in the bed 

 of the river. Consequently, in order to get the 

 same length of cast as from the bank, he must 

 throw his fly much higher in the back cast if 

 using the " overhead," which he can generally 

 do in this position. If, however, he is using the 

 " loop " cast, it is more difficult to get out a 

 long line. 



Casting from a boat is naturally easy, but if 

 using the " loop " cast, with a wind from the rod 

 side, have a care for the poor ghillie, who may 

 not be hook proof. 



The question as to whether movement should 

 be given to the rod, while the fly is swimming 

 round, is one on which opinions differ a good 

 deal. One is apt to imagine that a salmon fly 

 when crossing a moderately strong stream shows 

 movement, and that as the rod point is raised 

 and lowered, a life-like action is imparted to it. 

 As a matter of fact, movement of the rod here 

 exercises very little influence. An observation 

 of a fly crossing a current, shows that the force 

 of the stream closes the hackles, which remain in 

 that position until the fly comes into the straight, 

 in which position movement can and should be 

 given. 



A most important part of the angler's work is 

 " fishing the fly." It must have " life," otherwise 



