yes i think you do, i think cork is often what is used for critically balanced baits bit obviously if you overdo it and dont want it standing up too proud you may still need to balance it out with weight. to be honest its only something i've played around with, could really do with someone else's explanation
hi ste,
critically balanced just means the bait has no weight to it, the idea, i think, is that the carp will be take the bait in easier, where as a pop is very bouyant and will try to float up from the last point of weight on the rig.
i love it, fake bread is often the way if you have to cast a bit of a distance, i'd just advise to use a fairly small hook and look for the line tightening as bite indictaion. alternatively you could use a float but your way just freeling is more fun