creasing the speed until nearly all the leader is 

 visible. By this time your right arm and rod are 

 nearly perpendicular ; then by a slight lifting mo- 

 tion of the arms and a quick turn of the wrists the 

 rod will spring back, lifting the line and sending it 

 backward without causing the slightest disturb- 

 ance in the water. To prevent the line running 

 from the reel when lifting for the cast, hold it with 

 the first finger only of the right hand. Some an- 

 glers press the line against the rod with all four 

 fingers. This is not a good way, because when the 

 lino is released it leaves only the thumb to grasp 

 the rod. When you lift the line for a very long 

 cast it is impossible to see the leader, but a little 

 more speed and a higher elevation of the arms 

 will send the line back in the proper way. In 

 making the forward cast the lifting motion is 

 omitted; but as you spring the rod forward, 

 gently lower it, and the fly will alight softly on 

 the pool. Remember to allow sufficient time for 

 your line to straighten behind you before making 

 the forward cast, otherwise the fly is liable to 

 be snapped off. One should begin with a short 

 line, gradually increasing the length as he improves 

 in his casting. When once you have commenced 

 to draw the line toward you, keep it coming; do 

 not stop to lower the rod, as is the custom with 

 many anglers, in order to get more force to switch 

 the line out. The lowering of the rod sinks the 



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