Years ago on Taverham, a mate and I were told that it was not fishing and just a few freebies would be the best way to catch. Dave and I had taken up a 10kg base mix bucket full of hemp. We put the lot in the plateau swim to the astonishment of other anglers. In the morning I think we had 10 carp between us, all over the hemp. All night there was rarely a quiet hour, the carp really got on it.
You can fish one rod on limited bait and one on the heavily baited spot.
Personally I prefer fishing over bait, you get the bottom constantly being stirred up when the fish are on it, and that can disguise the rigs.