What am I fishing over?

[TretheweyPewey]

Hey guys, I am a total carp newbie so if I sound really stupid when asking this then please forgive me!

How can I tell what type of bottom I am fishing over? Weed, gravel, silt... How can I tell? I need to know how I can figure it out so I can use the right end tackle!

Thanks

[Maddison_Twatter]

Marker float, dont ask me how as Ive never used one myself lol, google it

[Mark78]

when you pull your lead along the bottom watch your tip it will indicate gravel by bouncing, you will also feel it in your hand. if its silt it will be tougher to pull through and bend your rod more but in longer sweeps.
if you're gonna fish on silt its a good idea to smell your lead to see if it smells of rotting vegetation, silt does smell anyway but you will be able to tell if its a good or bad spot. carp tend not to feed in the smelly bits.

hope this helps mate

[TretheweyPewey]

Thanks very much mate, that helps a lot!