FLY-CASTING PRACTICE 105 



at a considerable distance above the line of the 

 caster's middle during the longest part of a 

 cast. Control of the line is greatest when it is 

 above the waist. Therefore, in my humble 

 opinion, the nearer one stands to the water 

 level, the better will be his control of the line. 



If possible, cast along the shore, so that the 

 floating marks may be placed at known dis- 

 tances, to inform you as to the progress you 

 make ; or so that some friend may tell you how 

 far or how accurate are your casts. 



Joint up your rod, attach the reel and thread 

 the line through the guides and top. Attach a 

 leader of ordinary length to the line, and put 

 on an old fly with the hook cut off at the bend. 

 A fairly heavy leader is best, and this should 

 be well soaked and straightened. 



It is conceded that a tapered line is em- 

 ployed, as this is the proper sort for fishing. 

 The best size is E, but if the rod be powerful, 

 with plenty of backbone, a D line may fit it 

 better. By " fit " is meant that the weight of 

 the heavier line will cause the rod to spring 

 forward and back nicely when under perfect 

 control of the wrist, and not compel you to 

 put into the cast the full-arm motion that is so 

 often seen, yet which is both unnecessary and 

 fatiguing. Let the rod do the work. 



