Prefer Mussels to Cockles, though they are harder to keep on the hook, tend to fish those with a forward facing swing arm indicator sat close to the rods match style. Belly Pork is 1 I've had good results on, it swells to 3 times the size in water and goes really soft, I can only assume it covers the hook because a lot of takes are savage.

Also had a lot of luck using Korums bait cages, also Solars of yester year, lets you use a lot of baits that you couldn't on their own.

Let us know how you get on

In reply to Post #6
The old boy was more than 20 years behind the times, we were using cockles, prawns and cat food based boilies in the 1970's and 80's.

To OP good luck, I would be suprised if prunes work but there's plenty of other things to try.

Cheesey pepperamis used to be amazing, had 100s on it until they discontinued it. The look on the till workers face when you come through with about 100 of em was priceless.

Various dog reward type chew sticks, cheese strings were good too.

In reply to Post #17
Iv'e got few items in mind to try, and they're all black or very dark. My mind is open to all possibilities when it comes to bait. If you can catch carp on a tiny bit of black foam with no added attractor or flavour , then surely everything and anything is possible. As I said before Carp are like Pigs of the lake.

In reply to Post #12
Brazils are a good one or fishing over particles.. A balanced bit of Cork.