CASTING 141 



tended. People with a sense of rhythm learn fly cast- 

 ing quicker than others. 



THE FORWARD CAST 



If the pause between the back and forward casts is 

 too long the rod tip straightens, (loses its spring), the 

 line falls and the cast is " killed." If the pause is not 

 long enough the rearward action of the rod tip is not 

 completed and the reaction of the tip gives little as- 

 sistance in the forward cast. The too-short pause does 

 not permit the line to straighten enough behind which 

 is proclaimed by the leader cracking like a whip lash 

 and sometimes the fly is snapped off. If the pause is 

 correctly timed the veriest novice knows it as the line 

 seems to shoot forward, in the forward cast, as if pro- 

 pelled by some unseen force, which, indeed, is what 

 happens the complete reaction of the rod tip being 

 the force. 



The forward cast then must be timed to start im- 

 mediately after the pause and is a strong, forward 

 sweep of the rod, increasing in force as it goes forward, 

 aided and directed by the pressure of the extended 

 thumb. It ends with the rod in about the same posi- 

 tion as at the beginning of the back cast or a little 

 above parallel of the water. The rod is then in posi- 

 tion to manipulate or retrieve the fly or hook a rising 

 fish. 



When casting ordinary lengths it is safest for the 

 young caster to keep his elbow in and use only the 

 forearm and wrist but when a long cast is attempted 



