I had the same problem last week. Lots of bites but couldnt connect with anything. I started to get a bit desperate and tried something I would never have done before. Using luncheon meat I pulled the hook through the meat, but didnt pull it back, leaving the whole hook exposed underneath. Didnt think I would get a touch with the hook so proud, but to my surprise the bites increased and managed to hook the fish each time. Results were two roach at 1lb, a perch at over a 1lb and about 10 of about half a pound, several tench arond the 5lb mark and loads of rudd between half a pound and a pound. One bite was very shy but then took off across the lake and snapped me with ease. I know the carp in the lake are only small (no more than 6-8lb) and I was loaded with 6lb line on the spool (result of forgetting most of my reels!!). Back agin this weekend to try it again.