Bait recipes

Question
Howdy - I'm a bass fisherman, but have caught a few carp in my time and they ARE a fun fish to catch! I have a 2-part question:
1 - Usually I see Carp sucking stuff off the surface, if that the best place to put your bait?
2 - What is a good recipe for Carp bait - I don't mind if I have to cook it or mix it up, I'm willing to go through the trouble if it works.
Thanks!
Michael

Answer
Hiya Mike,
Many Bass fishermen are converted to CARP ANGLERS, as pound for pound they are an excellent fighting fish.
Carp are OMNIVOROUS and will eat just about anything, and they are rapidly becoming a sportfish for fly fishermen as well.  If you should see them feeding on the surface, try coaxing them into biting with some bread, on a #6 or 4 hook.
usually however they feed off the bottom as that is why they have sophisticated BARBULES..very sensitive to taste,
Carp have what we call pharyngeal teeth ( located in the throat) so what the do is suck in the bait, and oftentimes just spit it out, that is why we , as carp anglers have developed what we call a "Hair Rig", I will give you directions to visit my web site at the end of this and you can see what I'm referring to.
Dough baits are about as plentiful as hairs on your head ( say your head because my roof need re-shingling) :), but the best all around bait is simply a few kernels of corn on the hook or Hair rig, fished with a sliding barrel sinker.
If however you want to use something a little more sophisticated, you can get a box of CORN FLAKES and a bottle of BIG RED, or any cherry flavored soda pop.  Stick your hand into the corn flakes and pull out a fist full, then wet that with the soda, and knead it until it becomes a ball, this will stay on the hook or the HAIR RIG for quite a long time ( you'd be surprised)
I'd try one of these 3 methods first, develop a confidence in what you are doing, then I can turn you on to the world of Never ending CARP bait concoctions.
If you are fishing for them on the bottom, be certain to put your rod in a fork stick, and LEAVE THE BAIL OPEN, or the drag Very weak, CARP have been known to give vicious runs, and many a rod and reel have been lost.There I've warned you !!!
My website is
www.TEXASCAG.com
cruise the site, it is literally loaded with extremely valuable information that it has taken me years to compile.
Any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask....
tight lines !
Dr. Neil Stern