Fish Care

Unhooking mat or carp cradle?

An unhooking mat is a thick, padded surface that keeps the fish safe while you remove the hook and take photos. A light, folding mat is easy to carry, while a model with raised sides holds the fish in place more securely.

A carp cradle is a mat on legs or with high sides, so the fish cannot roll off onto the ground. It is a good choice on uneven banks and when you are targeting really big fish.

A carp care treatment is applied to the hook hold and any small grazes before the fish goes back into the water. Keep the bottle right next to your unhooking mat so it is to hand as soon as the hook is out.

Wet the mat or cradle before use and keep the fish wet throughout. The sooner it is back in the water, the better it recovers.