FLY-CASTING AND FLY-FISHING 63 



done just right and at just the right time, it will sur- 

 prise you how easily the flies may be sent for compara- 

 tively long distances. Accuracy is the thing to strive 

 for. 



The overhead cast is the foundation of all fly-casting : 

 other casts, such as the wind cast and the side cast, 



being merely variations to meet weather 



Other Casts. T i i r / 



conditions or the natural formation of 



the stream. As a matter of fact, the wind and side 

 casts, employed against the wind or when the danger 

 of hanging-up precludes the overhead cast, are used 

 quite as much as the overhead, especially the side cast 

 which is a very efficient and practical fishing method. 

 This latter cast, too, it is claimed, is the one best 

 adapted to laying down a dry-fly cocked and dry upon 

 the water, and is recommended to the dry-fly caster 

 above all others. The fly-caster who is reasonably pro- 

 ficient with the overhead cast can pick up the wind and 

 side casts very easily. 



The wind cast is decidedly not a pretty one, but in a 



strong wind, blowing directly toward the caster, it is 



the only method which will get out the 



flies any reasonable distance. Much 

 Wind Cast. ... 



accuracy under the conditions is not 



practicable, and any degree of delicacy in dropping the 

 flies impossible and unnecessary, for the ruffled surface 

 of the water hides any fault in this direction. 



The back cast is made in the usual manner the wind 

 cast is an overhead cast but the forward cast is a 

 strong downward chopping motion, moving the rod 

 hand outward and downward, with a quick, strong snap 



