HOW TO CAST THE SALMON-FLY. 315 



mark as in trout-fishing. You can either make the curve 

 (or the cast rather) towards the ear or away from the ear. 

 The first will be found most suitable when fishing with a 

 short line, but the latter is indispensable when fishing with 

 a long one, as in no other way can the line be got off the 

 water so quickly or neatly. This is the right-shoulder 

 cast. To ease the muscles and to suit a particular airt of 

 wind, or the direction or bank of the stream, it is often 

 advantageous to cast from the left shoulder instead of the 

 right. To do this reverse the hands the right below, 

 the left above the reel and bring the rod to the left 

 shoulder instead of the right. The other motions are the 

 same as in the right-shoulder cast, save that in the left- 

 hand cast it will be found easier to make the sweep to- 

 wards or nearer to the ear. 



The length of your cast must be governed by your 

 ability ; but always, when actually fishing, cast well within 

 yourself that is, so that you can fish the cast well and 

 thoroughly, and have perfect command over your rod-top 

 and line. A greater mistake cannot be made than to over- 

 cast either your throw or yourself. Some anglers are so 

 fond of making long casts just to show off, that they will 

 risk cutting a fly to pieces rather than move a few yards ; 

 others will so overcast their throw, that by the time the 

 fly reaches the salmon's home, if a fish should rise, the 

 rod is too upright or far back to allow them to make a 

 clean firm stroke the fish is only half hooked, and a bungle 

 is pretty sure to ensue. Begin with about twice the 

 length of the rod, not more ; and when you can get that 

 out well, increase the length. 



It is impossible on paper to teach the tyro how to cast 

 a salmon-fly. Nothing but practice will do it. Even 

 actual showing and demonstration are not of much use 

 until he can command the rod to some extent. Let him 

 note how it is done, and then flail away to the best of his 



