I was using a heavy weedless spoon and dragging along the bottom..
Did you snag a carp at least? :~)
Next time try fishing structure up there, mid-depth or top-water with depth-raiders or dark colored buck-tails with reflecting (silver) spoons.
I don't use live bait because I like to release after catch, but I've heard that a large sucker positioned correctly will do the trick. I'm guessing you should watch the bait fish and put the sucker a few feet below.