SUNFISH, CARP, CATFISH AND SUCKERS. 175 



netted in large numbers for the market, finding a ready sale 

 in the Jewish quarters of the large cities. 



The carp usually, when full grown, weighs live or six 

 pounds, but specimens of ten or even fifteen pounds have 

 been taken. The fish does best in stagnant, mud-bottomed, 

 and weedy streams and ponds. It feeds on the bottom, in 

 deep water usually, eating both vegetable and animal food. 



The only successful way of catching carp with hook and 

 line is by the old-time English method. A very light, but 

 strong line is used, and a six-foot single gut leader. The 

 hook should be very small, about 10 or 12, and the sinker is a 

 single split buckshot. A quill float is used. It is not neces- 

 sary to have a reel, and the rod may be of common cane, but 

 a bait rod and reel may be used. The sinker is placed about 

 six or eight inches above the hook and the quill float so 

 placed that the sinker will just reach the bottom when the 

 line is stretched up. This outfit is prepared and the feeding 

 place of the fish looked up in advance of the actual fishing, 

 and the place is well baited the evening before to get the 

 carp to working there. Green corn, angleworms, minced 

 meat, bread and small dough balls are used for baiting the 

 water, and for baiting the hook a red worm or a pill of half 

 baked dough, or a piece of clam may be used. The hook 

 should be well covered so that the fish cannot feel it when 

 he takes the bait, or he will eject it. Early in the morning 

 and late in the evening are the best times to fish for carp. 

 Approach cautiously and drop the bait at the proper place 

 with as little noise and disturbance of the water as possible. 

 Then place the rod in the rests, which should also be placed 

 there beforehand, and retire to a little distance where you can 

 see the float and not be seen or heard by the fish. When 

 the float goes under water go and get your fish. If you have 

 a reel on your rod you can handle him easily, but otherwise 

 you should have a limber cane or wood rod, so that the line 



