THE SCIENCE OF CASTING A TROUT FLY 159 



line before it has fully extended itself, the end of the line 

 thus becoming dead. The same result will happen if sufficient 

 energy be not applied to extend the line fully backward. 

 This is a likely source of danger, as the forward switch of the 

 rod communicates itself to the dead portion of the line with 

 a jerk which may crack off the fly. 



Diagram 12 shows the increase of force given to the rod 

 during the forward cast. 



As the student practises and acquires the correct action 

 of casting, " shooting " the line will have to be considered 

 and will present no difficulties ; therefore, I should not 

 advise him to let this adjunct to all perfect casting engage 

 his attention just at first. 



I can now condense this lesson into the following 

 sentences : 



Starting from the normal posi- 

 tion : HORIZONTAL 



H E 





i. Raise the top of the rod vertically to 

 an angle of about sixty degrees, or if prac- 

 tising over water, until nearly all the line 

 is off the surface, don't pause, but 



2. Switch the rod with ever increasing force 

 backward, stopping it at an angle of twenty-two 

 degrees behind the vertical line of the body. 



