HOW TO FISH. 29 



softly, and before the line two most important 

 points. 



As soon as the flies have touched the water, the 

 rod should be gradually raised towards the per- 

 pendicular, the flies being kept in motion by 

 gentle upward movements of the rod point 



Each cast will of course be only a repetition 

 of the above process ; but as skill is acquired, 

 the fly-fisher will soon learn to cast the flies 

 either over the right or left shoulder with one or 

 both hands, and from any position. 



" Switching" is another most useful method of 

 casting, as by it water otherwise inaccessible, 

 owing to trees or banks, can often be fished satis- 

 factorily. 



The modtis operandi is as follows : 



By raising the rod to the full stretch of the 

 arms the flies are drawn in until they are nearly 

 below the angler's feet. Then with a very sudden, 

 strong, circling movement of the rod they should 

 be cast straight out again, up, down, or across, 

 and the first process repeated. " Switching" 

 requires practice, but it is well worth the trouble 

 of learning. 



As a rule the best mode of fishing rivers is to 

 cast down and across the current, beginning under 



