228 THE VERTICAL LOOP CAST 



THE LOOP CAST 



The cast which is known as the loop cast is one in 

 which a complete loop should be made with the line, 

 and although the point of the rod does not describe so 

 complete a circle as that taken by the line, yet its 

 whole movement is a circular one which is directly 

 responsible for this result. 



If the position in which the fisherman stands with 

 regard to natural or artificial dangers does not permit 

 his rod coming behind the vertical line of his back, 

 either in the side or the overhead casts, the line may 

 still be extended in front of him by making the loop 

 cast. The fisherman must face his extended line as it 

 lies on the water, and if he wishes to cast to the right 

 of this position, the rod, held left hand up, is brought 

 steadily back to a nearly vertical position slightly over 

 the left shoulder, and as the line comes back in a slight 

 curve behind the rod (see Plate XXXIII.) to his left 

 side, well clear of his shoulder, he turns towards the 

 direction in which he has to cast. As the rod attains the 

 vertical position the elbows should be raised, and as the 

 line curves in a loop behind his rod (see Plate XXXIII.) 

 the upward movement should be continued into a cir- 

 cular forward thrash down from the elbows, which are 

 advanced slightly and drawn downwards slightly and 

 backward toward the body as the rod is checked at an 

 angle of about 20 degrees above the horizon. If the 

 cast is properly made, a perfect loop will run along the 

 water, unrolling itself ^as it goes, finally extending the 



