156 FLY FISHING AND SPINNING 



Under average conditions I have determined that, with 

 eighteen yards of line out, this pause should be about four- 

 fifths of a second, which is about equal to the time we take 

 in saying " and thumb " a shorter line requiring a quicker 

 and a longer line a more drawn out enunciation. If, then, 

 the forward cast be made immediately after these two words 

 have been uttered aloud, the rod being forced down- 

 ward by the thumb, and the downward motion checked 

 dead as the hand reaches the level of the elbow (see 

 Diagram 12), a perfect forward cast of the line should be 

 achieved. 



This forward and downward motion should start from 

 inertia and gradually increase in force until it is thus 

 checked. 



The action of the rod, when commenced, will be accelerated 

 more rapidly in the forward than in the backward motion. 

 In the latter, the line, being on the ground or water, cannot 

 suffer by falling any lower, however slowly the rod may be 

 moved in raising it, whereas unless the forward acceleration 

 of the rod follows fairly quickly on the back stroke, the line 

 will fall to the ground, and the forward cast will suffer in 

 consequence. Exactly the same proportionate increase of 

 force must, however, be applied to the backward or forward 

 switch when once the line is in the air. 



When possible the line should always be allowed to extend 

 itself backwards before the return stroke is made, as this 

 is the most certain method of making an accurate and 

 delicate cast forward. In practice, although the perfect 

 extension of the line backward at the moment the forward 

 cast is made may not always be effected, yet the attempt 

 will be one which enables the fisherman to extend and shoot 

 his line further than in any other style of overhead or side 

 casting. This style has another advantage, in that it offers 

 less difficulty to the beginner. 



