Let's assume each scenario is fishing the exact same area, and you have a limited amount of chum, pack bait, etc, which is important for this discussion. Also, I realize this discussion isn't about producing the largest fish, there are other tactics for that, but I was just wondering if you are looking for the most action, which scenario produces more fish? Thanks for any comments.

Scenario A: 3 Rods. Each line is about 50ft or so from each other. You're covering more area, but each area has less chum.

Scenario B: 1 Rod. You're covering less area, but you can afford to throw more chum, pack bait directly near or around your line.

I would go with B. I would rather have a larger area of chum to attract and hold more fish.

I like to fish carp in richland chambers off my dock. I usually tie a bucket of dog food (with holes) down the side of a pole and fish with 2 or 3 rods within 4 feet of each other. I get tangled sometimes, but overall seem to work. I used home made boilies on a hair rig or calf feed pellets on a rubber band. works well for me

Scenario C: 2 rods is my preference. Throw one line in the chum and one just outside. If you have any current (wind) throw the second just down from the chum area.

Agreed.

Scenario A the more lines in the water the better the chances of a hookup

I would try to implement kind of A) looking wide enough (searching)
And if I spot it, I would immediately switch to C), PLUS my former rod #3 rested close with a loaded feeder, and ready to replace the one of two active rods (the one which just caught a fish )

Id fish 3 rods closer together. That way you concentrate the chum, and can put more in the water.

Thx for the comments. I am going to start placing the rods closer together, that does make sense. I just don't like messing with the other lines if an over active fish decides he doesn't want to cooperate. lol..

A. you cover wider area you can try more than 1 bait so you can see what attracts them. some place fish get spooked once you catch one so they'll move on for a little bit. by having another pile of bait you can catch a different school of fish or the same ones that just moved from the previous pile. just my opinion at the end of the day I spent many hours on a river with clear water and watched how fish react to different scenarios.


thats why C. also works as you fish out the baited area