I used to Carp fish when I lived in ontario and I found the best time to catch carp are by river mouths in mid - end of May as they spawn in the rivers in June and this is the time when they go on a super feeding frenzy (Would hook into carp within 5-10 minutes)... Otherwise, it's a 2-3 hour wait to lure the carp to your bait. But I found the best bait for me as either corn, bread, cornbread, or worms. To be honest, they feed based on scent, so the stinkier it is, the quicker they will be attracted to your bait. But if you want bait that won't dissolve and stay on the hook, just use good ol canned corn. It gives off so much scent and won't whip off your hook was easily as a dough ball. Also fish the bottom... after all they are bottom feeders. This will also make sure that you only target Carp/catfish and not trout or bass. But if you guys want, I could post a few pics when I get home from work...