Answer to simple rig!!
Steve, my reasoning is this..........
The lengh of the hair on a hair rig, can produce different effects (i know you know this)This is over complicating the presentation to start with, as the hook is exposed. side hooking allows for both a more natural presentation (especially if tied with a fine wire spade end) and covers the hook! but i would be filling it with worm anyhow!!!
Paternoster because the bite detection is fantastic, but i also get a good indication of what is happening at the terminal end. most probably though, at this lake, i'd start with a touch ledger, then maybe a running ledger, depending on wheather i'd had, runs and drops, or bites, no takes....
my fishing day to day is........
turn up at lake.... locate fish.....(5 acres,,,, about 1/2 -3 hrs)
get them feeding, i use the same as hookbait, so if worm then a very few chopped to get a feed.... if they don't feed i move!
once feeding, if castable then freelined 8-20 worms. centrepin reel with 8-12lb mono with a leader of about 6lb fluro. cast over then pulled in to fish.... nailed!!!
simple and effective!
i have always fished for carp the wrong way, presenting not finding!
now i've changed, after trying and failing for river carp! had a 18 common at the weekend tho, freelined sweetcorn... was after a barbel and bang!!!!! chuffed to bits!!! i had to catch one and took a leaf out of some barbel anglers book!!! increased my catch rate no end..... defo 1 carp a session......... unless i blank!!!!! lol