I have a similar issue on a park lake I fish - some shallow areas with ****loads of coots and swans (the latter can reach the spots by upending - the sight of swan's arses in the air makes my heart sink). The solution was straightforward, but mainly because it fits well with my midweek overnighter style of fishing. I get the range to wherever I'm fishing with a light lead and clip up. Towards dusk, I use a mini Spomb or spod to put out a little bit of hemp as accurately as possible; not much, maybe three or four loads. Then I fish a small solid bag over the top with a very dark mix and a dark or at least neutrally-coloured plastic hookbait (lots of crays). The important bits are timing - setting the trap just before dark - minimal disturbance and accuracy.

In reply to Post #15
Problem with that is twofold.
Tufties and coots will 'remember' where your bait is and come back for it later when you are not looking, (even in the dark).
Boilies hitting the surface might actually spook the carp.

In reply to Post #16
That would scare me off,

In reply to Post #16
The 2nd most common owl in the UK...

The most common is of course the 'teet'

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Say it out loud

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In reply to Post #1
I don't mind the bird life at all. Coots will show where the weed beds are, Swans will show you where the channels in the weed are. No coots in an area will show you where the deeper areas are. Quick chuck about of a lead just to make sure.

Not an exact science, and I ain't no Davey Attenborough, but it'll give you a rough idea of a lakes topography.