CARP AND TENCH. 99 



best bait both for Carp and Tench all the year 

 round. 



In open waters, however, I employ it in a some- 

 what different way to that adopted by Professor 

 Owen, placing the shot at about two feet from the 

 bait and allowing the latter to rest, with about sit 

 inches of the line, on the bottom. The hook for this 

 purpose should be a No. 7, and the collar of fine 

 round picked gut, stained of course. The float 

 should be a light porcupine quill, and it will com- 

 monly be found expedient to use a reel, as the 

 Carp is remarkably powerful, and without this 

 precaution, the first rush of a heavy fish is very 

 likely to carry away the tackle. A few broken 

 worms thrown in from time to time are the best 

 ground bait ; or whole worms, if the place is to be 

 baited beforehand, in which case the depth also 

 should be very accurately plumbed, so as to avoid 

 any disturbance in the water when the angler 

 comes to fish. Having thrown in the bait, it is 

 the best plan to lay down the rod until there is 

 a bite, and not to strike until the float goes under, 

 or the more common result moves steadily 

 away. 



