THE CARP. 53 



pound cake being greatly affected by the carp. Poor old Bill 

 Kemp, now with the majority, a capital old carp fisher at 

 Teddington, used to put on a lump of this as big as a 

 large gooseberry, and fish it with ledger tackle ; and he 

 used to take a great many fine carp. He was a wily old 

 fellow, and many a good day's sport I had with him in 

 days gone by, but poor old Bill went the way of all 

 flesh, though he left many good fishermen of his own 

 name behind him, who still keep up their calling at 

 Teddington. 



The rod used for this work should be about 12ft. or 

 13ft. long for pond fishing, light and stiff, with upright 

 rings somewhat like a Nottingham traveller rod, only a bit 

 stiffer. In punting use the same as for bream and light 

 barbelling ; the line, a fine dressed one, sound and strong, 

 to run easy and stand a good strain, and yet not be too 

 heavy in the water. The gut should have as much play 

 through the bullet as the longest strand of gut you can 

 get will give it, so that there should be no check against 

 the bullet when the carp is nibbling. I always like, if 

 possible, to bait a pitch or a swim for two or three nights 

 in succession before I go to fish it, so as to draw the fish 

 well on, as in ponds particularly it might take some time 

 l>efore the fish found the bait. If there is any shelter on 

 the bank, as a bush or tree, it is as well to take advantage 

 of it, as the carp is very quick- sigh ted. If there be nothing 

 of the kind, it will pay well to stick a hurdle up on end, 

 supporting it with a couple of sticks fixed in the ground. 

 You do not need to get behind it ; it is sufficient if you 

 have it behind you. The carp will soon get used to it ; 

 but be careful not to stump about or shake the bank at 

 all, or you will see some long waves going out into the 

 depths of the pond. In fact, you cannot be too quiet and 



