I would recommend that you start from the very beginning and concentrate on the basics, location, observation and watercraft, don’t get too into bite alarms etc concentrate on catching a few stalking (maybe easier said than done in winter), and you will learn far more.
Hook wise again there are many different models, depends on the size of the Carp, Drennan make some good specialist hooks, as do Nash and Korda.
Baitwise Sweetcorn, Luncheon Meat, Peperami, Maggots, pellets and Boilies to name but a few.
Tight lines
Eric
http://www.anglinginitaly.com