28 CASTING A LONG LINE 



increases the distance to which a fisherman can cast 

 his fly, but in my opinion makes a more accurate and 

 delicate cast. 



LONG-DlSTANCE CASTING 



When endeavouring to " get out " a particularly 

 long line, you must always remember that you can cast 

 a greater length of line than you can lift off the water. 

 The final cast but one should be of such a length that 

 you are absolutely certain of not only lifting it off the 

 water, but of extending it behind you in a live state 

 i.e., so that every portion of the line is still under the 

 influence of its initial backward impetus when you make 

 your final forward cast. 



The secret of long-distance casting, therefore, consists 

 in the actual knowledge of the greatest length of line 

 which you can lift and cast backward, and the ability 

 to shoot (see p. 17) the greatest amount of line when 

 returning this length in your forward cast. To be able 

 to cast a long, and at the same time an accurate and 

 delicate, line is of inestimable use at times when dry 

 fly fishing ; the greater the distance at which you 

 can reach your fish, the less necessity there is to 

 crouch, crawl, etc. It may be taken as an axiom that 

 he who can from his skill and experience cast a long 

 and delicate line can with equal ease, and even greater 

 accuracy, cast his fly over any intermediate distance. 



