STREAMCRAFT 



back-cast, only the flies are sent as straight up 

 in the air as possible; and the line is then driven 

 forward by a strong outward and downward 

 chopping motion, which brings the rod closer to 

 the water than at the finish of the regular over- 

 head cast. Plenty of strength with quick, snappy 

 wrist action is required for successful execu- 

 tion. 



The flip or snap cast is used with a short 

 line, under overhanging branches where free 

 casting is an impossibility. The hook, at the 

 end of leader and line withdrawn about as long 

 as the rod, is grasped between the left thumb 

 and forefinger. The rod is bowed by drawing 

 taut the line, which when released throws the 

 flies out on the water by the unaided spring of 

 the rod that is, it does unless the hook un- 

 fortunately sinks itself into the careless angler's 

 finger instead. The cast may be lengthened a 

 bit if a little slack line is held by the forefinger 

 of the rod-hand, between the reel and the first 

 guide. 



In casting the dry fly, a single fly is orthodox, 

 and is so dressed that it will float upon the surface 

 of the water. Buoyancy is further promoted by 

 the occasional application of white paraflme oil 

 or ordinary kerosene thereto, and also by greas- 

 ing the leader and some twenty or thirty feet 

 of the reel-line (with mutton-tallow), so that 

 they will not sink and drag the fly under. 

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