I'm a carp addict. As far as bait goes sweet corn, chickpeas, cooked field corn, butter beans, dough baits and my favorite boilies all have a time and place. I'm a huge fan of the hair rig. In rivers I usually fish 2-4oz with a longer leader (12-24") depending on current. Or if your fishing light baits like corn you could float fish. Chuming is especially effective, in fact it's an art form. Toss a few baits up current, then cast your float right on top of the spot you chumed. Let the float drift with the current until you get a take. It's as addictive as striper fishing!!