Good luck with getting people to divulge their spots on the Thames....the guys i know fishing it, wont tell you a thing, and they had some stunning Carp
Tackle wise, i would be on 30lb sinking braid with min 4oz leads to hold bottom, bait wise mixed particle, pellet/tigers/pigeon conditioner/maize hooks look at the Drennan continental boilie hook, strong as fook, rod wise any 3lb T/C will do, you can drop your rigs from your boat, so no need casting, which will help with presentation
Also there's a load a cray fish to deal with so plastic baits, will help, like plastic maize or tige