STREAMCRAFT 



manipulation of the tackle the same result is 

 accomplished by raising the rod-point, a little. 

 Another and more generally known wrinkle of 

 value in aiding this feathery alighting of the 

 flies upon the surface of the water, is to aim at 

 a point a few feet above the water instead of 

 directly at the surface, in making the forward- 

 cast. 



Accuracy in casting is developed gradually by 

 making it a point to aim at some definite spot 

 on the water. By constant observation of this 

 practise a complete coordination of eye, brain, 

 and rod-arm may ultimately be acquired that 

 results in the flies acting in a marvelously 

 obedient fashion. 



In making the side or underhand cast, the 

 rod travels parallel with the water, in the back- 

 cast, and but little higher than the rodster's 

 waist. The rod-hand is kept low, with its back 

 toward the water, and the line travels only 

 three or four feet above the water. The forward- 

 cast must be started quickly to keep the line 

 out of the water on the back-cast. This cast is 

 very useful under bridges, overhanging branches, 

 or other obstructions. 



The switch or the Spey casts are resorted to 

 when there is an obstruction behind the angler 

 that prevents the usual back-cast. Many 

 writers consider them identical, but our under- 

 standing of the matter is that the flies are not 

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