Locking Pit – Weston Angling Association Guide

Locking Pit is a small but rewarding public (Green classified) water run by Weston Angling Association. Known for its excellent head of silver fish, it offers plenty of bites and can provide very busy sessions, especially during the winter months when nets of 20lb+ are achievable.

At 2–4ft deep, Locking Pit is relatively shallow, so anglers must account for the soft silt bottom. Regular plumbing up is strongly recommended to keep presentation accurate. When carp fishing, lighter lead weights are the best choice to ensure rigs sit on top of the silt rather than sinking into it.

Venue Details at a Glance 

• Location: Locking Pit, Weston-super-Mare
• Classification: Public (Green)
• Depths: 2–4 ft
• Number of Pegs: 6 (including 4 wheelchair-accessible pegs)
• Fishing Restrictions: No pike fishing, no lure fishing

Species and Stock

• Carp – up to 15lb
• Bream – to around 3lb
• Tench – to around 4lb
• Roach – up to 1lb
• Rudd – up to 1lb
• Perch – up to 2lb
• Eels – to around 3lb

Locking Pit is particularly popular for its silver fish sport. Regular feeding keeps the roach and rudd coming, with bream and tench often providing bonus weight. Carp are present too, offering variety for those who want to mix their session.

Best Tactics

Carp Fishing 

• PVA Bag Method – A reliable way to present bait neatly over silt.
• Light Leads – Prevent rigs from sinking in and improve bite indication.

Coarse & Match Fishing

• Pole Work – Using groundbait with chopped worm, maggots, or micro pellets keeps silver fish feeding steadily.
• Float Fishing – Fishing the near margins is productive for roach, rudd, and tench.
• Feeder Fishing – Small cage feeders with groundbait work well when fished carefully.

Why Fish Locking Pit?

Although small, Locking Pit offers variety and action all year round. The large head of silvers makes it a popular choice for busy sessions, while the carp add extra excitement. With 4 wheelchair-accessible pegs, it’s also one of WAA’s most inclusive venues.
 
Whether you’re after a net of roach on the pole, or hoping for a surprise carp on light tackle, Locking Pit guarantees a rewarding day’s fishing.

For Carp Angling

• Rods & Reels: 9–11ft carp rods with 2–2.5lb test curve, matched with a freespool reel and 8–10lb mainline
• Rigs & End Tackle: PVA bag setups with short hooklengths (6–8 inches); size 8–10 barbless hooks
• Other Gear: compact 36–42” landing net, unhooking mat or cradle, light banksticks or small pod

For Coarse & Match Fishing

• Poles & Whips: 9–11m poles with elastics rated 6–10 for silvers and bonus tench
• Float Rods: 12–13ft waggler rods with 2–4lb mainline; fine hooks (size 16–20) for roach and rudd
• Feeders: Light feeder rods (9–10ft) with small cage feeders, 3–5lb mainline, and fine hooklengths (0.10–0.14mm)

General Essentials

• Plummet and disgorger (essential due to silt and busy silver fishing)
• Seatbox or chair system
• Keepnet (when permitted, especially for silvers)
• Lightweight umbrella or shelter

Carp Baits 

• Bright Pop-Ups or Wafters – Stand out over the shallow, silty bottom
• Pellets – Micros or small hard pellets work well in PVA bag

Coarse & Match Baits 

• Maggots & Pinkies – Perfect for roach and rudd
• Casters – Help pick out the better silvers
• Chopped Worm – Effective for tench and bream
• Sweetcorn – A strong all-round option, especially in summer
• Soft Hooker Pellets – Useful for both carp and silvers

Groundbait

• A light groundbait mix with natural colour blends in well with the lakebed
• Adding small amounts of chopped worm, casters, or micros boosts attraction