Unhooking mats...

[Darren Smith 2]

Hi, i appeciate its probably been discussed loads. But im after a new unhooking mat. Currently torn between the esp quickdraw mat and the cotswold aquarius roll up cradle.

Anyone got either of these or any opinions on them? Or other suggestions.

Thanks
Darren

 

[Nigel Whittingham]

I’ve got the drennan & ESP one (basically the same with different size clips to suit the rucksack) and find them excellent. Light & well made, pegging points and can use either flat or cradle style

 

[Jim Brook]

I’ve got the Cotswold Aquarius specimen roll up cradle Matt which is perfect for my needs when fishing for bigger fish on the Trent etc, i use an old lone angler one which is a lot smaller for roving around which was made by Cotswold and is well made as are there other products that I use I can recommend there stuff

 

[Tim Marks]

There is a recent 3 page thread on unhooking mats if you use the search function or scroll down a couple of pages…..

 

[Kevin Brown]

I have the Drennan one , use it on the Trent and carping , also have the Korum one for smaller rivers .

 

[Etienne Harvey]

I picked up a Gardner sling/unhooking mat second hand. Lovely bit of kit as its plenty big enough to weigh the fish with but not so bulky that it cant be stuffed into the side pocket of my carry bag. I think there available for about £39.99 new.

 

[Chris Belcher]

I've got the Drennan Specimen (same as smaller ESP Quickdraw but with different clips to attach to the Specialist Rucksacks) and the much more compact Specialist mat which attaches with the same clips . . . . to be honest I tend to use this more primarily because its smaller and lighter however for more static fishing (eg Trent) the Specimen is great with its roll up sides / thicker padding etc

Lots of bs about the cord on the quickdraws perishing and the eyelets rusting - I've had mine since release and like all things if they're looked after / dried out properly after use you'll have zero issues . .

 

[Jim Gregory]

I've got the Drennan Specimen (same as smaller ESP Quickdraw but with different clips to attach to the Specialist Rucksacks) and the much more compact Specialist mat which attaches with the same clips . . . . to be honest I tend to use this more primarily because its smaller and lighter however for more static fishing (eg Trent) the Specimen is great with its roll up sides / thicker padding etc

Lots of bs about the cord on the quickdraws perishing and the eyelets rusting - I've had mine since release and like all things if they're looked after / dried out properly after use you'll have zero issues . .

If your eyelets on your esp quick draw mat aren't showing any signs of rust, your mat must never get wet. .
I always hang mine up in the garage from said eyelet, and sometimes even after a week drying it's still damp inside!!!

 

[Chris Belcher]

If your eyelets on your esp quick draw mat aren't showing any signs of rust, your mat must never get wet. .
I always hang mine up in the garage from said eyelet, and sometimes even after a week drying it's still damp inside!!!

Lol - tru dat! Do you also fish the WAvon? In all seriousness the eyelets are slightly corroded - but not to the extent that the mat is unusable / not worth considering etc!

 

[Gavin Burt]

I was recently in the same position and wanted a new mat.

I’m after a cradle type mat that was lightweight to suit my rod / bumbag / landing net style approach to fishing.

As much as I don’t like Korum (separate story) I’ve gone with their “Fast Mat” as it’s super small and a decent size for my needs on the W.Avon. £35 seamed a fair price too.

 

[John McGough]

Korum supalite.
Its a different mat to the korum fastmat.
No water retention with this one which is a big plus.
Recently used it on the Trent catching loads of fish all day and the water just runs off.
Best mat I've had