Carp 101 - The First 2 Weeks

[alex_fish]

I went out last night to the Bluffs to try my hand at some carping. I baited with some corn near the boat launch and could see bubbles emanating from several spots near the baited area. I was using a simple hair rig and was clearly getting bites as my float would momentarily dip down from time to time. So the fish were there. Note that I couldn't sight them as it was getting dark. Now, although there were lots of bites, it seemed that no fish wanted to commit to the bait so none were getting hooked. I did at one point notice that the float slowly started moving and I managed to set the hook but it was shaken free moments after.
So I am wondering: Why so many bites but no commitment. Could it be I was doing something wrong?
Also, I had the float set up quite high from the sinkers to allow them to bottom out. I am assuming this is typical as opposed to having the bait suspended and floating above the bottom.