METHODS OF CASTING A SALMON FLY 319 



of the rod is centred. The upper hand will make similar 

 curves to that of the hand when using a single-handed rod. 

 (See Diagram 17.) 



DIAGRAM 17. 



The sides i, 2, 3 of the triangle ABC represent the upward, back- 

 ward and downward motion of the upper hand in the overhead cast 

 with a salmon rod. 



The object of moving the rod in a vertical plane is to give 

 absolute accuracy to the forward cast. Even if the rod, as 

 in some of the other methods of casting, be moved from one 

 plane to another, it should always when possible in order 

 to insure accuracy be brought down in the vertical plane 

 in which is situated the spot at which the fly has to alight. 



The power in this backward pull of the right hand is 

 derived from the weight and movement of the right hand side 

 of the body as it turns or twists on the ankles to the right, 

 until the shoulders are square with, i.e., facing the point, 

 to which the fly has to fall, and the force thus originated is 

 applied to the rod through the right shoulder, arm and hand. 

 Neither the right nor left arm in this backward movement is 

 straightened. The right elbow is raised and moved back- 

 wards sideways, and the rod, brought vertically back, is 

 checked directly above the top of the head, the line of sight 

 being to the right side of the handle of the rod. The spinal 

 column acts as a vertical centre, the left shoulder and left 

 arm are thrust forward during the movement, the head being 

 kept absolutely steady and the eyes fixed in the direction in 

 which the fly has to fall (see Plate XXXVII.). 



