108 FISHING TACKLE 



water, and put it in motion to lift. This is 

 a very important thing, for the full power of 

 lifting is attained in this way, instead of wast- 

 ing one-third of the retrieve in straightening 

 a slack line. 



No body motion is needed in cast or re- 

 trieve, though the involuntary slight bending 

 forward and backward is not objectionable. 

 The right arm from the elbow up might as well 

 be tied against the side, for its function is 

 merely to steady the wrist. The thumb per- 

 forms an important function, too. Do not 

 grasp the rod as you would an umbrella handle 

 as some anglers do but keep the thumb 

 parallel with the grasp. In this position the 

 thumb helps materially in stopping the rod at 

 the end of the back cast, and in keeping the 

 rod at the proper angle. Do not cant the rod 

 toward the right, but retrieve and cast straight 

 over the right shoulder. This makes for ac- 

 curacy. 



Of course the side cast should be practiced, 

 too, for there are places where the overhead 

 cast cannot be employed, as in wading along 

 a shore overhung with low growth. Later on 

 it will be well to practice casting with the left 

 hand. There are many times when one must 

 use the right hand to help himself over or 



