156 



THE CARP OR TENCH 



the spot you plumbed over night ; then rest part of your rod 

 in the forked stick, and the bottom of it on the ground. 



' You must now retire a few paces, keeping entirely out of 

 sight ; but still, near enough to observe your float ; when you 

 perceive a bite, give a little time ; indeed it is better to wait 

 till you see the float begin to move off before you strike, 

 which you may then do smartly ; and as the carp is a leather- 

 mouthed fish, if you manage him well, there is no fear of 

 losing him, unless the pond is very weedy. Be careful to 

 have your line free, that, if a large fish, he may run out some 

 of your line before you attempt to turn him ; as he is a very 

 strong fish, and your tackle rather slight, you must give him 

 careful play before you land him. 



" The extreme shyness of the large carp, makes all this 

 somewhat tedious process necessary to insure success ; but 

 I can safely assert that I scarcely ever took this trouble in 

 vain. Various baits are recommended for carp ; such as 

 green peas parboiled, pastry of all descriptions, gentles and 

 caterpillars, &c. ; but I have found the red worm the best, 

 and next to this, the gentle, and plain bread paste. Those 

 who prefer a sweet paste, may dip the bread in honey. 

 Pastes and gentles will- answer better in autumn than in 

 spring. April and May are, in my opinion, the best months 

 for carp fishing, and very early in the morning, or late in the 

 evening, is the best time for pursuing your sport." 



Walton remarks : " The carp bites either at worms or 

 pastes ; and of worms, I think the blueish marsh or meadow- 

 worm is best; but possibly another worm, not too big, may 

 do as well, and so may a green gentle ; and as for pastes, 

 there are almost as many sorts as there are medicines for the 

 tooth-ache ; but doubtless sweet pastes are best ; I mean 

 pastes made with honey or with sugar, which that you may 

 the better beguile this crafty fish, should be thrown into the 

 pond or place in which you fish for him, some hours or 



