FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT 113 



the rod smartly backwards, so as to throw the fly 

 back in the air to the extent of the line out ; and 

 then a forward thrash of the rod brings the fly 

 forward, and lays the line out straight. It is a 

 matter of judgment, based on much practice, to 

 know when to bring the rod again forward ; but 

 practice and watching others are the only roads 



Fig. 63. 

 Proper Moment for Forward Jhrova or Cast. 



by which an elegant manner of casting 

 can be achieved. Be careful, first, to 

 throw back (or retrieve) the line quickly; 

 and, second, to not make the forward cast 

 or throw too quickly thereafter. If you do, the 

 result is shown in Fig. 62, where -the fly has not 

 got back far enough, and the forward movement 

 snaps the fly off (most probably on the principle 

 of the snap of a whip). Fig. 62 shows the im- 

 proper forward cast, and Fig. 63 the proper mo- 

 ment at which the cast should be made. 



Again I say, practice, practice, practice ! If you 

 do so on the grass, tie a little tuft of wool yarn 

 on your line end ; and I have found the snow in 



