Carp fishing is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. That is why I enjoy it. Have a simple strategy will catch you fish, no doubt. The more you learn, and the more you can adapt the more and bigger fish you will catch. Which is the same to be said of fishing in general I suppose.
Few things I want to comment on..carp are not vegetarians. They are omnivores. They will eat a wide variety of things on a daily basis. These include but are not limited to various weeds, roots, insects, shrimp, crayfish, mussels, leeches,worms, fallen fruits/berries etc etc. They will freely take food from the surface, the bottom and anywhere in the middle. This is good for the fishermen. Carp are curious by nature and the only way to see if something is food, is to put it in their mouth.
That said most people , as have mentioned here start off with very simple baits like sweet corn or bread or oat balls. Typically on a size 6 hook ( though sizes 4 and 8's are commonly used. any size with a /0 is waaaay to big). I prefer the hair rig for the better hook ups and lack of gut/throat hooks. (
The basic hair rig ) Please try to avoid treble hooks when fishing catch and release as they do unnecessary damage to the fish. Barbless are a much better way to go as well, as regardless of how careful you are there is always more damage when barbed.
I recommend using 12-20 pound line, especially in waters known for big fish. Anything less runs too much of a risk of snapping off which is never good for us or them. Keep a loose drag or open bail..I have seen many a fishermen lose a rod on a run.
I have also fly fished for carp both off the surface and bottom...I have found that carp will take things off the surface all day long as long as you use a bit of caution when approaching them. Approach like a rampaging bull through the shore and they will not be seen
Hope this helps, feel free to ask questions or check out some of our videos and bait tutorials on
www.blackstonecarp.com
Most of all have fun..carp fishing is a slower more patient style then bass fishing and i have seen many an angler get frustrated at the lack of action. Maybe keep one rid for carp and use another for lures and fish the shoreline etc while you wait. Carp can be a great fish to go after with some really strong runs. They have a bad reputation in most areas sadly and I really do ask that if people go after them, please treat them with respect.