It's a long time ago since 99, but i had both mine on 20mm Source bottom baits with a few freebies and pellets.
Not sure o the crayish levels back then, but i guess there's methods that will keep the hookbaist safe a while nowadays (meshing etc.)
I did prebait the spots or a few days beforehand, but kept things ultra simple bait wise.
Mainly because next to no one fishes or the carp on canals.
I did find that particles attracted bream like a magnet.