330 THE SALMON FLY. 



extended behind the Fisherman. It follows that much less strength is 

 needed than in the " Overhand," in which case the line is fully extended. 



Observe the shape and position of the rod in the picture, wherein the 

 fly is supposed to be just leaving the water. If the Angler does not 

 permit the rod to take a lower or more slanting course, and if sufficient 

 yet not too much force be employed, the fly can scarcely help taking the 

 track depicted. 



We are told, I need not say where, that long casts can be made by 

 the " Underhand " ! To my thinking, the mind of the writer in question 

 could not have been directed to the " Underhand " proper. He may have 

 been speculating upon the results attained on the "Spey, for in his 

 arguments set forth if my memory does not strangely deceive me he 

 suggests that the rod there in general use is originally made in a curve to 

 strengthen its lifting power. Really the statement involves questions for 

 solution, which must be traced to their source and accounted for here, as 

 it has ended in the loss of much money, time, and energy. Hods have 

 thus been made, tried, and thrown aside. Even rod-racks, constructed on 

 a principle to preserve the curve in the hope of strengthening the rod, 

 have been established. But what a mistake ! In the ordinary Spey cast, 

 length is a more important factor in a rod than strength. You cannot 

 lift a long line with a short rod ; and what a Spey rod lifts it casts. 

 Besides, you want no special strength for lifting the line ; in the " Under- 

 hand " you do ; and, in the Overhand the remarks bear repetition you 

 want still more. 



Perhaps I need not enlarge upon what has been urged in this chapter 

 with regard to the distance the fly can be propelled by the " Underhand " ; 

 but I especially wish to observe that the Underhand cast is separate and 

 widely different from the " Spey." The two methods differ; the results 

 attained differ ; the local conditions compelling the adoption of the one 

 absolutely prohibit the adoption of the other ; the one is mere child's 

 play to master, whilst the other is known to master men. 



As to the origin of the curve in rods, we may think as we will, but 

 we cannot get away from the solid fact that the most common cause of a 

 rod bending up or down is use. I am convinced that this curve, come 

 how it may, is a downright defect, a positive weakness. Just for instance, 



