CARP AND TENGH. 53 



Carp gave quite as much play as Trout. These were all 

 taken with the lobworm, using chopped worms for ground 

 bait. 



As a general rule, the redworm will be found the most 

 killing bait, but they will at times prefer a well-scoured 

 marsh worm or lob.. The majority of Roach-baits also are 

 used for Carp. 



Use a light stiff rod with fine running tackle and a light 

 float, ascertaining the depth, if possible, the day before, when 

 ground-baiting ; as recommended in the Chapter on Bream ; 

 so as to keep out of sight when you commence fishing, and 

 disturb the water as little as you can. Throw in a few chop- 

 ped worms, occasionally, while angling ; fish on the bottom, 

 and if in a stream strike immediately there is a bite, ; but if 

 in still water, or a pond, wait a second or two, till the float 

 goes steadily under and then strike gently, as Carp do not 

 take the bait so quickly in deadwater as in a stream, where 

 unless it be taken directly, it is carried away by the current 

 and is gone. 



When you have hooked a good fish, use him gently and 

 patiently ; giving him line, winding in and letting out, till 

 he is exhausted. He is an exceedingly strong and artful fish, 

 and will try every possible means to get round a post or a 

 stump, or into the weeds so as to break the line. 



The grand secret in Carp-fishing is to keep quiet and fish 

 fine. Some anglers expatiate on the great merits of boiled 

 green peas and pieces of cherries, as very taking baits. One 

 writer advises a worm and gentle to be used on the hook at 

 the same time, so as to offer the Carp a choice of baits ; pro- 

 bably, had he suggested that a green pea and a cherry be 

 first placed on the hook, it might have been better still ; the 

 Carp could then have taken vegetables with his dinner and 

 dessert to follow. 



There is another species of this fish, termed the Prussian 

 Carp, which seldom reaches a pound in weight; in shape 

 and color is similar to the ordinary Carp, partaking very 

 much of the nature of the gold and silver fish, and like them 

 may be kept when small, in a globe. They are easily caught in 

 ponds during the summer months with a small red or blood- 



