Hi mate, I fish millride on a regular basis and I have recently done a night fish there on the first pool. I had two carp during the night, one of 9lb. I have to agree with you, there are not many fish over 8lb. I fish a lot of waters around wolverhampton but the majority I fish are syndicate waters. I recommend you try Leighton Pools. There are plenty of double figure carp in the main pool but you must contact the baliff to reserve a peg. Also, regarding bait, I recommend cheese and meat.
All the info is on this website http://www.leightonpools.co.uk/
Tight lines, Tom