At a place I go to all the time I see carp tailing at the surface in < 3 feet of water when the wind is calm and the surface is smooth.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have carp bait or equipment to target them on those days.
I’ve tried fishing for them on a day with waves rolling in and then today with just little half foot waves and no luck either day.
Do carp not like waves and move deeper by any chance? Maybe waves muddy up the bottom too much? The bottom is short grass and weeds < 6 inches tall.
Maybe it’s my bait too. I’ve always heard Wheaties, Big Red, and bread is great but not from what I see. I added some brown sugar to help it clump together. I don’t think that would turn them off.
I’m gonna make it a point to carry my carp gear with me every time I go.