Unhooking mat

[Neil Smart]

So if we have a mat we are first and foremost caring after our fish? I prefer to unhook etc with the fish in the net, barbel not as tough as carp, and have seen too many belly up barbel sadly.

 

[Gavin Burt]

Hi Gavin, I had one 2 seasons ago and didn't really get on with it, it gets harder to draw the string after a few uses , and also let's water in via the holes ....

That’s the feedback I’ve heard from others too, and some YouTube reviews.

 

[Gavin Burt]

This is similar to the Korum one but larger and likely better quality. 10% off first purchase too.

I’ve got a few bits from this brand (carp net / retaining sling) and the quality is second to none.

Speedflex Cradle - Green

Rapid setup and pack down High density foam base Hydra-Tec fabric Reinforced carry handles Pegging loops Supplied in waterproof carry bag The

www.carpertackle.com

 

[Barry Peck]

This is similar to the Korum one but larger and likely better quality. 10% off first purchase too.

I’ve got a few bits from this brand (carp net / retaining sling) and the quality is second to none.

Speedflex Cradle - Green

Rapid setup and pack down High density foam base Hydra-Tec fabric Reinforced carry handles Pegging loops Supplied in waterproof carry bag The

www.carpertackle.com

I hope you catch one to fill that out the Avon. Gav

 

[Richard Isaacs]

So if we have a mat we are first and foremost caring after our fish? I prefer to unhook etc with the fish in the net, barbel not as tough as carp, and have seen too many belly up barbel sadly.

It’s the ideal way yes I 100% agree but you need the ideal situation to do this safely for both the angler and the fish.

It works in wading situations and banks that taper off nicely into the river like nice inside bends. But off the top of my head I can’t think of more than just a couple of swims certainly on the river nene where this actually is a better option than extracting the fish from the water.

There’s also the main objective or point to catching to consider…… we want to look at it.

Now don’t get me wrong i really don’t feel the need to admire every little barbel i catch and like I say in wading situations I’m not gonna walk any of them back to the bank but should a special fish be caught and need to be extracted from the water, I do firmly believe a well equipped angler with his gear to hand, can comfortably weigh, photo and return said fish without detrimental effects.

Obviously more to consider there again ie temperature and generally how the fish is responding in the net before it’s extracted.

You can’t really hard n fast rule follow on this as each situation is different. From my perspective the most important part is the first rest (for both fish and angler).
That’s a step that i would never encourage anyone to skip or be impatient with.

I’ve always found that if that part is done properly then the rest of whatever is needed to be done in the water or on the bank, it always goes much better.

If I catch a good one wading, I still want to look at her but these are about as good as the photos will ever get

 

[Colin Dapp]

I, like you have the same problem re. King's Weir. Which mat have you decided on?

I have an old TFG one but I wouldn't recommend it only the size is good , the sides are not high enough on a sloping bank as found on many swims. it's also very bulky to carry

 

[Victor Davis]

Thanks, just received a Guru Fusion folding mat to try.