148 CASTING TACKLE AND METHODS 



With rod held firmly in right hand, thumb press- 

 ing against the reel-spool to prevent its turning, the 

 student should bring the rod back over his shoulder 

 until the lure hangs slightly back of his head. He 

 should not throw the rod far back, as it is bad form 

 and unnecessary. Just beyond the perpendicular is 

 right. When he brings the rod up for the prelim- 

 inary cast, he turns it so that the reel almost stands 

 upon its head and keeps it in that position during the 

 entire sweep. "There is a reason," as Post says. 

 If the reel is held on top of the rod, the thumb point- 

 ing along the rod becomes anxious to aid in the 

 cast to u do something" presses down without the 

 caster's knowledge, bringing the cast to an unex- 

 pected end. My friend, the Professor of Psy- 

 chology up at the college, explains this involuntary 

 act of the thumb, using many high-sounding and 

 mouth-filling words which I am sure explains the 

 thing to himself; however, because of the lack of 

 space, I accept the fact, and let it go at that. About 

 the only successful way of obviating the trouble is 

 the one advised, holding the reel almost vertical dur- 

 ing the entire sweep of the rod. In bringing the rod 

 down from the upright position, it should be accom- 

 plished with a quick, snappy movement. It is not 

 strength that counts, I say that even remembering the 

 ball-pitcher-like gyrations of certain casters I have 

 watched in action. Let the rod do the work, that is 

 what it is for. The amateur will be surprised, once 



