254 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



and now it is often fished, and the carp are wary. The other pool 

 has been drained. 



Carp are usually found in ponds, but often also in slow deep 

 rivers. It is an exceedingly wary fish, and a very little fishing for 

 it makes it hard to catch. It spawns in April and May, but 

 may be considered in season all the year round. It grows up to 

 fifteen pounds in weight, and is marvellously long-lived and prolific. 

 On warm, dull, and showery days, carp will bite all day ; but in 

 the summer, from dawn to seven o'clock in the morning is the best 

 time for the large ones. After that the little ones come on the 

 feed. Although paste and many other baits are recommended for 

 carp, a red worm is undoubtedly the best of all. A small hook, 

 fine gut, no shot if you are fishing in a pond, and a small float, 

 will form your tackle. Let a foot of the line be on the ground, as 

 otherwise the carp will be startled at the sight or feel of the upright 

 gut line. Throw in quietly, keep well out of sight, and as quiet as 

 possible, and have patience. The carp has a very small mouth, 

 and is a slow biter. He will play with and carry the bait about for 

 a considerable time before he makes up his mind to swallow it, 

 and during this time it is not safe to strike, although the float will 

 be moving all the time. If your float moves and then is still for a 

 considerable time, do not suppose that the fish has left it : in all 

 probability he has it just within his lips, considering, or cruising 

 round it, debating whether he shall taste it again or not. When it 

 moves steadily away, you may strike, and, as the carp has a leather 

 mouth, the hook is likely to be well held, and you are safe to land 

 him. 



Carp often keep a provokingly long distance from the side, and 

 in such cases I have done much execution with the ledger tackle. 

 No float is used, but the line passes through a perforated bullet, 

 which is kept from slipping down to the hook by a split shot fast- 

 ened to the line about a foot above it. This bullet can be thrown 

 a long way out, and the rod laid down with the top slightly elevated. 

 When the carp bites, he pulls the line through the bullet, and jerl 

 the top of the rod, when you strike. 





