I think the water conditions are the key factor when surface fishing. Yesterday, i used about an 8 foot hooklength of 8lb line and when it was choppy I degreased the line and had a 11lber and then the conditions calmed at about 5oclock and when the water was totally still, i noticed the carp sucking dwn the freebies like there was no tomorrow yet turning away at mine. So I used some vasaline to grease it right upto the bait and the 21lber sucked my bait dwn beautifully. It may have been the way the fish approached the bait, it didnt see my line, i really dont know but ive had alot of fish on the floating hooklength in the past on this water and alot of turn aways when fishing with a sinking hooklength. It may just be the water, fish on different waters may spook differently or something. I think if i'd stayed into till 7 or 8 ish yesterday i would have had more fish. Was gonna go again today but the weather isnt good enough for carping down ere in the south east today, anyway theres always tomorrow.
Cheers lads!