332 THE SALMON FLY. 



as the upward curve proceeds from Spey casting, so does the downward 

 curve from Overhand casting, and the explanation of it is simply this : 



In both methods there is the up and the doicn stroke. The principal 

 strain on the rod in Spey casting is generated in the down stroke, and, as 

 a perfectly natural sequence the top joint, in due course, bends upwards ; 

 on the other hand, the principal strain on the rod in Overhand casting is 

 generated in the up stroke, and so, just as naturally the top joint bends 

 downwards. But from a comparative standpoint, the difference between 

 the up and down strain is greater in the " Spey," and so it takes 

 less time for the "Spey" rod to get bent than for the "Overhand" 

 rod. 



It is quite immaterial what the rod may be ; in every case, Salmon 

 rods are affected in this way when persistently used for the one or the 

 other method only. The remedy for such weakness is very simple : Spey 

 casting cures the Overhand weakness, and Overhand casting cures the 

 Spey weakness ; but this treatment is, of course, recommended to Anglers 

 who use the tackle advocated in these pages, rather than to others whose 

 rods are not built for making both casts. 



As, however, the novice may entertain some doubt in regard to the 

 final position of the rod engaged in the " Underhand," I would now submit 

 a few further details for his guidance. 



The Angler completes the forward movement, or "thrash-down" as 

 we call it, without that sudden checking which is imperative in the 

 " Overhand." The rod is thrashed through and reaches quite a horizontal 

 position. In making this cast even experienced men sometimes beat the 

 surface of the water with the rod at the finish ; but is not the practice 

 one that shows a want of order and neatness ? I think so. 



It is a proviso, which perhaps may be attached with advantage to 

 these details, that in whatever way the line is propelled, " playing 

 the fly" in the water as subsequently explained should be generally 

 observed. 



Suffice it, however, for the present purpose to state that, in working 

 the fly round over the area of the cast made, the rod pointing to where 

 the fly fell, maintains a somewhat horizontal position; at any rate the 

 rod should be only slightly elevated. This is for two reasons : first, the 



