Angling with the Fly. 265 



only within the lever power which the angler has 

 at command. If necessary, I can cast and control 

 from 20 to 30 yards of line. It is only now 

 and again, however, that there is any necessity 

 to cover such a stretch of water. If it is desired 

 on an occasion to send the fly to a spot which the 

 length of line that can he cast and recalled would 

 fail to reach, the angler may unwind a yard or so 

 more, allowing it to hang loose at the reel, and cast 

 as usual, when the slack portion will run out with 

 the impetus of the cast ; but this additional line 

 has only to be taken in again before another ven- 

 ture can be made. 



The mode of casting in fly-fishing is the same 

 for salmon as for trout; but as the salmon-line 

 is longer, it will, of course, be extended farther 

 behind, and more effort will be required to cast 

 it forward. In making the backward movement, 

 however, the rod must not be allowed to get far 

 behind, if the obvious dangers attendant on a long 

 line are to be avoided. The cast is always made 

 over the shoulder, and every angler should be able 

 to make it either from right or left as circumstances 

 require. When there are no obstacles in the way, 

 I always cast from that shoulder which is next the 

 river. In all fly-fishing, whether for salmon or for 

 trout, see that the fly alights gently and invitingly 

 on the surface. 



