CURVED CASTS 227 



the point of the rod in this loop, but directly the down- 

 ward thrash is applied, the line will at once leave the 

 circular curve in which it has been travelling, and will 

 follow the direction which the point of the rod has 

 taken. There must, however, be no pause in the 

 motion of the rod, the curved action must always 

 be made in a steady swing, which is merged into a 

 direct cast, towards the spot at which the fly has to 

 alight, and to which the body should be turned. It 

 must be evident, therefore, that the alteration to this 

 circular movement should, if possible, be made when 

 the rod has arrived at a position behind the shoulder, 

 and similar to that in Plate XXX. Such a cast would 

 naturally be classed under the second method of casting 

 mentioned on p. 213. It is not, of course, necessary 

 to adopt this elaborate method of making a circle or 

 circles in the air when casting a fly, but it is useful to 

 practise, and to remember that in making all curved 

 casts a portion at least of a complete circle is required, 

 and that after making this particular portion of the 

 circle, whether in a horizontal or vertical plane, the 

 rod should be as much as possible in the position behind 

 the shoulder for making the usual forward overhead 

 cast. The body must, if necessary, have been so 

 moved prior to the forward cast as to be facing the 

 required position. 



152 



