DRIFTING FOR CARP

There are a lot of ways to fish for carp. Even though a majority is bottom baits there are many techniques. You said you used a centerpin already but carp will actively feed on the top and all ranges in between. I would try using a float. I have fished this way on rivers and its a lot of fun seeing them rip off with it. Sometimes I will weigh the float a little with splitshots to slow the speed down. and adjust the length to my desired depth. Just like bass if you focus near structure a lot of times they will be in that area waiting for the food to come right to them.In many ways they will position themselves like a bass for freebies.

In lakes I will chum and on rivers if you chum you want to use something that will be a little more solid so it doesn't break down quickly and surge downstream. I know you said tidal but do you have any calm at all or is the entire river tidal. Also how far out do you plan to fish for them? Just trying to get a feel for what your river is like to give you some info.

I would say use some chum that is not light so it doesn't get swept away but stays in a certain area and wil spread a little. Maybe some boiled field corn but not a lot. Just enough to get a few feeding. Just a little here and there will keep them in the area. When they start to feed it triggers a frenzy among the smaller ones. Usually the larger ones will be nearby but cautious and will hang away from the main feeding area.The smell also will drift downstream and lure them to the food source.I think the strain of carp plays a big role in how hard they fight. Some fight food but then others fight like a freight train.Some of my battles have lasted over 40 minutes and thats on heavy duty gear.It seems they just didn't lose any energy.I am not sure if you are familiar with different chumming materials to use but if you need some ideas let me know.

Thanks accordbw and joe. The only thing im afraid of is snags. There is alot of crap in this river. Its called the hackensack river, we call it the crapensack. From a boat we have killed the stripers in the bigger part of the river(brackish and deep 60+feet) My friend with the boat moved so carp it is. Thanks again.
fishon

just a little more info for you, lift a rock see what bait is in the river. If there are crabs, you can have the time of your life. catch a couple crabs and rip the tails off and use them they will look like a ball when placed on the hook. and carp are BIG on scent, find a slower deep channel and use a slip sinker and bounce off the bottom. AHH, my secret is out in the open. just make sure you hold on tight!!!