24 THE FATAL DRAG 



should be made as follows : At the end of the forward 

 side stroke, which should be made up-stream, a slight 

 forward wrist action will cause a belly of the line to 

 fall in an up-stream curve, and thus give a momen- 

 tary respite from the fatal drag, which respite should 

 be sufficiently long if the fly has fallen in the right 

 spot to ensure a rise. 



The left-hand side cast is made in a precisely similar 

 manner, but to the left hand. 



THE WIND CAST 



If the wind is blowing against the back cast, use the 

 side cast backward, keeping the fly well down, and 

 instead of pausing at the end of the back stroke, 

 bring the rod with an upward sweep vertically over 

 the shoulder, and deliver the fly as in the overhead 

 forward cast. 



Having mastered the principles of overhead and 

 side casting, the student will have little difficulty in 

 adapting them in order to baffle the wind and get 

 his fly out in spite of any moderate breeze in his teeth ; 

 also in casting under trees, bushes, etc. In making 

 the overhead cast, if the wind is slightly against the 

 fisherman, the forward switch would be made more in 

 front and downward ; the line of direction CAD, 

 Diagram 4, will thus be inclined more toward the 

 water. The backward switch in this case need not 

 be carried so far over the shoulder, and in consequence 

 the line A C D, Diagram 2 (the line of direction), will 



