Yeah, that is how it is at the lake where I caught that big carp. In certain spots you can actually see their dorsal fins sticking out above the water. Crazy. The funny thing is, I have no idea when they like to eat. I mean, I've dangled bait right in front of their mouths and they don't bite. Other times, they are like frenzied. I have only ever been able to catch carp on live earthworms. I've tried chicken livers (great for catfish however) and dough-balls with zero success.
Bart