146 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



show of hooking a fish, in order that I may duplicate 

 actual fishing conditions, and cast by the hour. But 

 I am an old hand at the game. I learned to cast by 

 casting where I hooked an eight pound pike at my 

 third bungling attempt. That one wolf of the waters 

 taught me more about how to handle rod and reel 

 than all I have ever read upon the subject. How- 

 ever, printed instructions have their legitimate place, 

 and it is my purpose in this chapter to tell the novice 

 how to set about acquiring casting skill; perhaps in 

 due time lead him to bank and boat, and instruct him 

 in actual fishing methods. I have read many articles 

 upon how to cast, but am free to confess that they 

 have helped me little. The simple instructions which 

 "Heddon" gives in his tackle catalog are about as 

 satisfactory as anything I have seen. So, you see, I 

 could dismiss this topic with a few words, but am not 

 going to do so ; I hope at least to show the angler 

 what not to do, looking back over my schooling for 

 hints, so fore-warn him. (The reader undoubtedly 

 is acquainted with the old saw regarding the man 

 fore-warned.) Surely I have said enough in this 

 preliminary word to caution the reader against 

 expecting too much from this chapter. 



While, as I said, I learned to cast in actual fishing, 

 back-yard casting teaches the rodster how to thumb 

 the reel, and if he be the right sort of a man, 

 accuracy and distance. After once the tyro has 

 learned to handle the short rod he will derive almost 



