132 DRY-FLY FISHING 



required. As an alternative, the angler may select 

 the method of Fig. 4, which is simply a repetition 

 of the switch from left to right shown in Fig. 3 of 

 the previous set of diagrams, but in this case the 

 cast is made from the opposite bank. 



In all cases where the angler anticipates that 

 drag will occur, he should consider carefully whether 

 success would not be likely to follow an attempt 

 to dap a fly either from the water or from some 

 point on the bank. 



Though we have not gone into the problem of 

 drag very deeply, yet we have tried to suggest 

 means of avoiding it, and therefore it may surprise 

 some to know that we at times endeavour to cause 

 it. The River Clyde, which, we hasten to say for 

 the benefit of those who are so unfortunate as not 

 to know its magnificent attractions, is inhabited 

 by a race of highly educated trout, is characterised 

 in its highest reaches by stretches of water, such 

 as are shown in the diagram opposite. 



The water is deep and of smooth flow, the angler's 

 bank is low and gravelly, while the opposite bank 

 along which the trout lie and rise with infinite 

 gentleness, is high and grassy. Many a time, in 

 such a place, we have floated a fly perfectly over 

 a trout and received a flat refusal. Accidentally, 

 we admit, we once discovered that these annoying 

 trout, which delighted in ignoring our best efforts, 

 were attracted by a dragging fly. 



Our method is to cast a wriggly line, so that the 

 fly falls a yard, or sometimes more, above the trout, 

 allow it to float down straightening out its coils, 

 until the fly is just on the point of dragging, and 

 then to push the rod forward. The fly at once 



