ao THE SCIENCE OF DRY FLY FISHING. 



it in a light and delicate manner ; the more suited to one 

 another are the rod and line, the better the result. The 

 weight of the rod and line should always be relative to 

 each other, a light rod a light line, a heavier rod a 

 heavier line, and so on. A tapered line is perhaps the 

 best to use ; it not only increases the distance to which a 

 fisherman can cast his fly, but in my opinion gives a 

 more delicate and pleasing result. 



In long distance casting, when endeavouring to " get 

 out " a particularly long line, you must always remember 

 that you can cast a greater length of line than you can 

 lift off the water. The final cast but one should be ot 

 such a length that you are absolutely certain of not only 

 lifting it off the water, but of extending it behind you in 

 a live state, i.e., so that every portion of the line is still 

 under the influence of its initial backward impetus when 

 you make your final forward cast. 



The secret of long distance casting, therefore, consists 

 in the actual knowledge of the greatest length of line 

 which you can lift and cast backward, and the ability to 

 shoot (see page 107) the greatest amount of line when 

 returning this length in your forward cast. To be able 

 to cast a long, and at the same time an accurate and 

 delicate, line is of inestimable use at times when dry fly 

 fishing ; the greater the distance at which you can reach 

 your fish, the less necessity there is of having to crouch, 

 crawl, etc., etc. 



