First off you need to have an idea as to where the carp are!. Then its a safe bet that either corn, pellet, worm or dead red maggots will attract some interest. At this time of year if i know i,m on fish but i need to set the tip up this is what i do. A Nice soft all through action tip rod, 4/5lb reel line. and if you click on the link below there is a very basic diagram of the sort of set up you need.
www.anglersnet.co.uk/rigs/legerrig/htm