I CHAPTER I 



A FIRST LESSON IN CASTING 

 To attempt to learn how to cast from printed 

 structions is like learning to swim from photo- 

 graphs of expert swimmers in action. You remem- 

 mer Sir Somebody-or-other who placed a frog in a 

 basin of water, and, mounting his library table, 

 copied as best he might the actions of the amphibious 

 animal; all in order that he might become an expert 

 swimmer without going near the water. I imagine 

 the gentleman met his death by drowning. 



There is just one road leading to casting skill, and 

 that is, much casting. While I strongly urge "back- 

 yard casting," I realize full well that mere skill and 

 accuracy will not make an expert fisherman, though 

 you may become a successful angler without either of 

 these important requisites. You can learn how to 

 get out your line without creating a back-lash and 

 how to thumb your reel the former depends upon 

 the latter to a great extent but you will never learn 

 how to cast with skill and purpose until you actually 

 begin to fish. 



I enjoy practice casting in the back-yard, and often 

 go down to the pond when there is not a ghost of a 



MS 



