BAIT FOR CARP. 141 



and worms, are to be found in the singular catalogue. 

 In Germany, where carp abound, grains of wheat, steeped 

 in water, until they swell and split the outer skin, are 

 considered tempting luxuries. A small grasshopper 

 has occasionally proved successful; but no artificial bait 

 will ever seduce the carp. Yet notwithstanding this 

 array of dishes for the epicurean carp, perhaps, after all, 

 a clean tough red worm, or a big blue-bottle fly, will be 

 found the most generally attractive bait for this singular 

 fish. 



The rod for carp-fishing should have plenty of spring, 

 because the line must be as thin and fine as possible, con- 

 sistent with the size and strength of the fish. Running 

 tackle must be used for carp, as indeed it ought to be for 

 all fish, big or little ; and the line, which should be of 

 horse-hair, must be only three hairs thick. The bottom, 

 of the finest gut, should be the length of the rod ; and the 

 hook, about No. 8, must be covered over with the bait, 

 shank and all. If, however, you bait with a blue-bottle, 

 no matter how small your hook, but it must be put across 

 the body, just under the wings. 



The float you are better without one should be very 

 small; a bit of quill an inch long will do, and the bait 

 must rest upon the ground. 



When thus prepared, conceal yourself effectually be- 

 hind a tree or bush; drop your bait as gently as if thistle 

 down were falling on the water; sum up the whole stock 

 of your patience, and calmly await the event. As soon 

 as you see the float or line move, let the fish run away 

 a short distance, and then check him very gently. All 

 attempts at striking will be merely ridiculous, as your 

 extremely light tackle will be snapped in a moment. 

 Only give him plenty of play, just keeping pressure 



