Bullock Farm Fishing Lakes

Introduction to the fishery

Established in 1995 by Phil and Jude Simmons, Bullock Farm Fishing Lakes has grown from a humble farm diversification project into one of the most respected coarse fisheries in the South West. Situated in the tranquil, coastal village of Kingston Seymour—repeatedly voted North Somerset’s “Best Kept Small Village”—the venue is steeped in rural charm. The fishery spans several acres of lush Somerset countryside, framed by the Mendip Hills and the Severn Estuary.

Over the last three decades, the Simmons family has transformed the site into a premier destination, earning consistent accolades from the Angling Times and Angler’s Mail. Its history is rooted in providing a peaceful environment where wildlife thrives alongside the fishing. Whether you are staying in the 300-year-old barn conversion cottages or just visiting for the day, the fishery offers a sense of escape that is rare to find so close to the M5 corridor.

The lakes, features & pegs

The complex boasts five distinct waters, each offering a unique challenge across 143 well-maintained pegs. The North Pool is perhaps the most famous, featuring the iconic “Hovis” peg where Aardman Animations filmed national television adverts. This lake is rich with islands, reeds, and overhanging marginal cover. For those seeking a personal best, the Specimen Carp Lake is a two-acre water with 22 spacious swims. It reaches depths of eight feet and is stocked with mirrors and commons to nearly 30lb. Rush Pool and Middle Pool provide classic pleasure fishing with plenty of silverfish and medium-sized carp, featuring stable, level platforms that are ideal for pole or feeder tactics.

The Match Lake is designed for consistency, with even spacing and uniform depths that ensure a fair competition for all. Most swims across the site offer level access, making the fishery highly accessible for disabled anglers. The banks are beautifully landscaped, and the inclusion of paddle aerators ensures the lakes remain healthy and oxygenated even during the height of summer or the depths of winter.

What you can catch

The variety of species at Bullock Farm is a major draw for local and visiting anglers alike. The Specimen Lake is home to large Mirror and Common Carp reaching over 27lb, alongside hard-fighting Grass Carp. In the North and Match pools, you will find a prolific mix of ‘pasty’ sized carp, F1s, and stunning Crucian Carp. Silverfish enthusiasts can target quality Roach, Rudd, and Skimmer Bream, while the venue also holds a surprising stock of Tench, Golden Tench, Golden Orfe, and Chub. Average pleasure bags often exceed 50lb, with match records on the North Pool reaching a staggering 305lb.

Proven tactics & recommended baits

Success at Bullock Farm often depends on reacting to the time of year and the specific lake you choose. On the Specimen Lake, modern carp tactics prevail; however, because of the 1kg bait limit, quality over quantity is key. High-attract hookbaits like wafters or small PVA bags of pellets fished toward the islands or in the deeper gullies are highly effective. For the North and Middle pools, the margin is your best friend. Fishing a top-two kit or a short rod with corn or meat over micro pellets can produce arm-aching sessions as the carp move into the edges late in the day.

On the North Pool, the “Hovis” peg responds incredibly well to banded 6mm pellets fished over a steady stream of 4mm feed. If you are targeting the silverfish and Crucians, a more delicate approach with a light pole rig and soft 4mm expander pellets or red maggots will keep the float dipping all day. Soft hook pellets and paste have also proven to be “match winners” here, particularly in the warmer months when the fish are feeding aggressively. Remember that boilies are restricted to hookbaits only, and a strict 1kg limit applies to all other baits, so make every handful count.

Top tips for success

To really master Bullock Farm, you need to think like a regular. First and foremost, don’t ignore the “near bank” margins, even in deeper lakes; many of the biggest bags are caught just feet from the platform. Use the wind to your advantage; the carp here often follow a warm breeze, so look for the ripples against the bank. Another essential tip is to stay mobile with your feeding—start small and only increase the volume of bait once you have the fish competing. Owners Phil and Jude suggest checking their “How’s it fishing?!” board or website update before you head out, as they provide real-time advice on what has been “tripping them up” that week. Lastly, keep your tackle balanced; while there are large carp, the water is clear and the fish can be “line shy,” so dropping your hooklength diameter can often lead to more bites.

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