FLY-CASTING AND FLY-FISHING 71 



proper stand from which to cast cross-current ; and, too, 

 the method naturally requires a current to carry the 

 flies. This last precludes the use of the cross-current 

 cast over pools and still-waters. 



In places of this sort it is necessary to impart natural 

 action to the flies by manipulation of the rod and line, 

 but anything in the nature of fussiness or too obvious 

 motion should be avoided. The cast should be made 

 lightly and the flies allowed to remain for a moment 

 where they alight and then withdrawn a little and 

 quietly. Over pools and still-waters it is best not to 

 allow them to remain in one spot too long; that is, they 

 should not be dragged any considerable distance from 

 the point where they first fell. It is better to cast fre- 

 quently, relying upon repeated casts to cover the pool 

 thoroughly. 



A very important thing is to be careful always about 

 the first cast you make over any likely spot. The ten- 

 dency, even with experienced fly-casters 

 The First w j 1Q ^ now b etter) j s to ma ] ce t j 11 - s rst 



cast rather carelessly and as a sort of 

 experiment. Consequently a good fish is often raised 

 and lost on account of the angler's not being ready for 

 him. As a general thing every fly-fishing rule has its 

 numerous exceptions a trout that is in a rising mood 

 will come for the first or second cast, and it is rather 

 more apt to come for the first than the second. In view 

 of this always make the first cast over any new place 

 fully prepared for trouble. If the trout rises when you 

 are only at half-attention and is missed, or is pricked 

 and lost, the chances are numerous that you have seen 



