ok guys thanks for the advice, went to a local lake (south hill park) and caught some carp! the fight
was brilliant, even though it was only about 5lb according to the bailiff. in total i caught 4 that day, and 6 the next time i went. 2 were on float with sweet corn, and 4 were ledgering with pva bags with groundbait, sweetcorn, and fishmeal pellets with a pellet hookbait. all 5-10lb, with one 2-3lb.