What Types of Unhooking Mats Are Available for Carp Fishing?
Carp cradles are versatile, lightweight, and specifically designed to meet your needs as a carp angler. At the M&R Shop, you’ll find a variety of models – including cradles, simple flat mats, inflatable air mats, and other innovative designs.
Unhooking Mats with a Frame – Carp Cradles
Carp cradles with an additional frame provide maximum protection for the fish. The frame creates a secure cradle that reliably shields the fish from contact with the ground and prevents it from jumping out during handling.
Renowned brands like Fox, Nash, Mivardi, JRC, Shimano, and Trakker offer cradles in various sizes.
Inflatable Carp Unhooking Mats
Inflatable unhooking mats combine the best features of all types in a single model. The air-filled tubes provide excellent padding while remaining extremely compact when packed down.
Additionally, inflatable unhooking mats float reliably, making them especially appealing for boat anglers by saving valuable onboard space.
Finding the Right Unhooking Mat for Your Needs
When choosing the right unhooking mat, you should consider your specific needs as well as the expected size of the catch and the conditions at your fishing spot.
Regardless of the mat’s type or structure, we believe it should be at least 100 cm long. An adequate padding of at least 4 cm, along with raised sidewalls, should be a given to ensure the fish’s well-being. Many models can also be folded for compact transportation. In contrast to unhooking mats used for predator or catfish fishing, carp cradles are generally designed for stationary use and are therefore more elaborate in terms of features and padding.
Affordable Carp Mats – Our Best Value Picks
Affordable carp cradles under €80 are available from well-known brands such as Korda, Fox, Mivardi, and Sonik.
These usually meet all the basic requirements for proper fish protection. However, you may need to make small compromises regarding compactness and materials. These mats are often not very water-repellent, which means they may require a long drying time after a session.
Premium Carp Cradles – Our Top Models
High-end carp cradles over €200, such as premium models from Fox or Poseidon, typically feature fully waterproof and extremely durable materials. This ensures that your unhooking mat not only dries within seconds but also serves you well for many years to come.
These models are especially appealing to dedicated carp anglers who place a high priority on the quality and longevity of their gear.