Barbel Spots ....

Hi,

Fancy a change from the usual carp/pike this bank holiday.
So a couple of mates & myself fancy targeting the old bearded bottom
scavenger.... (fnar).
We're in the middle of Oxford, Swindon, Newbury & Reading, but I've heard
that the Thames ain't that great for Barbel.
Can anyone recommend some where not to far, that may be an easier fish for
barbel ?
I'm guessing that pellets and paste and fairly standard carp rigs are as
good as anything else for targetting these beasties as well ?

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Cheerz - Brownz