DIRECTION TO CAST. 379 



example, the fly falls S E from N W as shown in the diagram. (For 

 Salmon, it is sometimes necessary to break the rule, but never for Grilse.* 

 If, for instance, a fish is lying in the bottom part of a stream in summer- 

 time, or even beside the more rapid water on the far side nearer the neck, 

 at any time of year ; or, briefly, if you cannot work the fly sufficiently 

 fast, the rule does not apply.) 



Speaking generally, as soon as the fly reaches the water at such an 

 angle, it will sink and fish immediately, by bringing the rod (horizon- 

 tally) a little more up-stream, and working it there. The stream instantly 

 tightens the line, if, by accident, there is any to tighten. Do not alter 

 the position of the rod ; but, keeping time with the pendulum of an 

 imaginary church clock, move the point of the rod (as with one beat of 

 it) some 18 inches towards S, and a little faster than the pace of the 

 stream, returning (as with the next beat) by a similar but slower move- 

 ment. Continue these backward and forward movements steadily and 

 regularly till the fly has crossed S, when the point of the rod should be 

 brought round with each beat towards S and past it, in order that the fly 

 shall fish on and reach the point midway between S and W. 



If the water flows so slowly that the fly dwells too long in front of 

 the catch as it passes, assist the pace of it by bringing the point of the rod 

 round earlier with each movement. But on the other hand, if the water 

 runs so quickly that the fly is swept hurriedly across the catch, the rod held 

 still (facing eastward) or, maybe, that a very little playing of the fly will 

 suffice to put matters right. Bear in mind that the " Eagles," and other 

 flies with such long hackles as the Hen Pheasants and Herons (black, 

 grey, and cinnamon), are more alluring to the fish when not played at all. 



The diagram should, I think, be sufficient guide for the student to 

 determine at what angle down-stream he should cast his fly. As regards 

 "mending" the cast, it may be unnecessary to enlarge upon what has 

 been said. Nor will I detain the reader by making further allusions to 

 the choice of flies than occasions demand as we proceed. 



* Grilse fishing is not what it was. I remember Craven (Keeper to Lord Arbothnut) 

 holding a little croft beside the Bridge of Feuch some thirty years since. It was lie who 

 killed no fewer than fifty Grilse at the foot of the Falls ill one day. Dceside men know this 

 favourite spot of old. 



