it's amazing how there's so many carp report/carp related threads on OFC nowadays
not that i have caught them while targetting something else ... but man it is tough ...
nice fish cliff! it also works if you find a Y-branch, loosen your drag and leave it on the ground ... when a fish takes your bait just grab the line+rod and gently set the hook, then re-set the drag and fight the fish. That way you won't have to hold on to your rod for the entire outing ... it can be tiring haha if you're using 12' carp rods and big reels. If you're using a hair-rig (i assume u are) the fish would hook itself most of the time so it is unlikely you'd loose a fish by leaving it on the ground.