FLY-CASTING PRACTICE 113 



tie the disks on at the proper places, and stretch 

 the line from platform to shore, or anchor the 

 outer end with a stone. Besides helping you in 

 distance work, the disks will be excellent marks 

 for accuracy casting. 



With any good fly-rod you can cast seventy 

 feet or more if you will keep in mind constantly 

 the principal points: straighten the line with 

 the left hand, lift quickly, stop the rod over- 

 head, give the back cast plenty of time, and 

 carry the forward cast through steadily with- 

 out the common but objectionable snap at the 

 end. Practice will do the rest, but if you cast 

 in company with other anglers, ask one of them 

 to assist you in timing the back cast. If he will 

 tell you when you carry the rod too far back, 

 and you will wait with the back cast until he 

 says, " Now," you will soon succeed in correct- 

 ing your faults and in increasing your distance. 

 At the same time you will have acquired confi- 

 dence in yourself and your tackle. 



Besides the overhead cast and the side cast, 

 which is only a modification of the former, it 

 will be worth while to learn the switch cast. 

 In fishing it is often impossible to employ the 

 back cast, because of a high bank or trees be- 

 hind you. The switch cast overcomes these 

 difficulties. Learn it by all means. 



