Peter,
I have yet to utilise either deadbaiting or livebaiting methods at one of the fish-ins, or other get together. Let alone use a Carp bait in your esteemed company.
However I am no longer blanking in company, having taken the day's honours at Suffolk Water Park in 02, and at Bainton in 03.
At this year's Suffolk Water Park gathering, I managed to catch a Jack of around 4lbs from the casting deck of Trev's new boat. Thus christening her, before Trev had even stepped aboard or taken her afloat.
I have a few aspirations, and inspirations for this coming season, so you had better watch this space.
I going down to visit my parents in Pembrokeshire this coming Whitsun. There are a few really astoundingly beautiful Sea Bass marks within easy walking distance of their home. So a float ledgered or drifted Carp deadbait just might be tried instead of a more normal Sand Eel bait, alongside the lure fishing for them.
Just out of interest, do you know how much salinity a Carp livebait could endure, before expiring and becoming a deadbait?