Unhooking mats are essential tools for protecting fish whilst you have it on the bank. The best unhooking mats for fishing provide a soft, padded surface that minimises the risk of injury to the fish's delicate scales and fins. By using an unhooking mat, you can ensure that your catch is handled with care and returned to the water in optimal condition which is paramount for catch and release fishing.
Best unhooking mats at a glance
Best Carp Fishing Unhooking Mat - Fox Carpmaster Air Mat - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Best Coarse Fishing Unhooking Mat - Guru Mat Bag - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Best Predator Fishing Unhooking Mat - Fox Rage Unhooking Mat - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Best Compact Unhooking Mat - ESP Quickdraw Unhooking Mat - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Most fisheries in the country require the use of an unhooking mat in their rules, however, even at fisheries that don't require their use, it is good practice to take one and use it for the well-being of the fish you catch. There are several different shapes, sizes and designs on the market so our guide has been put together to help you find the best unhooking mats for your fishing...
Best Carp Fishing Unhooking Mat
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The Fox Carpmaster Air Mat is an inflatable product designed to provide optimal care for your catch. With its innovative features and durable construction, this mat offers unparalleled protection and convenience. One standout feature is its two interchangeable heavy-duty air chambers, allowing for easy inflation and deflation. The air valves are strategically positioned at the end of the mat to ensure complete air expulsion when rolling it up.
Available in two sizes, the Fox Inflatable Unhooking Mat can be used in both traditional and upside-down configurations. When used upside down, the one-piece heavy-duty fabric base allows anglers to slide their arms underneath the fish, providing greater control and reducing the risk of injury. The cover can be easily repositioned and securely fixed with Velcro when using the mat in this way.
Constructed with heavy-duty PVC and 210D polyester fabric, the mat is both durable and stylish. Its removable 50mm high-density foam base offers excellent cushioning for your catch. Pegging points prevent the mat from moving in strong winds, ensuring stability during use. Additionally, the mat features an elasticated and Velcro safety flap to keep your fish secure. Polyester carry handles make transportation easy, and the included carry bag provides compact storage.
Pros
- Inflatable offering customisable padding for protecting your catch
- Supplied with foot pump for quick inflation
Cons
- As inflatable, if it has a leak then not really useable
Best Mobile Unhooking Mat
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If you want a compact, portable, and durable solution for caring for your catch, The Solar Tackle SP Rapid Unhooking Mat is a superb option. Its padded design with raised sides provides a safe and comfortable environment for unhooking fish, minimising the risk of injury.
This mat is designed for quick and easy setup and breakdown, with its lightweight and durable construction ensuring easy transportation and long-lasting performance. The top cover doubles as a kneeling mat, providing comfort when tending to your prize.
Metal-eyed pegging points allow you to firmly anchor the mat in place, preventing it from shifting or tipping over. The mat comes with a zipped storage bag for convenient transportation and storage.
Pros
- Quick and easy pop up design
- Packs away flat and compact for easy storage
Cons
- Would benefit from better drainage
Best Oversized Unhooking Mat
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The Sonik Bank-Tek Carp Unhooking Mat is crafted with a hybrid construction of high-density foam and micro beanie balls, providing exceptional cushioning and protection for your fish.
Designed with angler convenience in mind, the Bank-Tek features a Velcro-secured top flap to keep your fish calm and secure during unhooking. Its heavy-duty 420D PVC-backed polyester construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance. For added comfort, the mat includes a fold-back padded kneeling pad, offering support for your knees during extended fishing sessions.
To keep the mat securely in place, four corner pegging points allow it to be firmly anchored to the ground. The removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and transport to your fishing spot. Additionally, the super heavy-duty wipe-clean base material ensures effortless maintenance and easy cleaning.
With generous dimensions of W120 x D78 x H12 cm, the Sonik Bank-Tek Carp Unhooking Mat provides ample space for handling and measuring your catch while ensuring optimal protection.
Pros
- Top flap to cover fish to calm in bright conditions
- Kneeling pad if ground is unsuitable to kneel on
Cons
- Large size may not suit some anglers
Best Compact Unhooking Mat
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If you are a mobile angler, the ESP Quickdraw Unhooking Mat is a compact and innovative tool designed to provide optimal care for your catch, on-the-go. It’s simple yet ingenious design allows you to quickly transform the mat from a rolled-up state to a flat surface or a cradle, offering versatility for various fishing scenarios.
Crafted with a soft, wipe-clean contact surface and tough camo outer material, the Quickdraw Unhooking Mat provides a protective and hygienic environment for your fish. Reinforced carry handles make it easy to transport carp back to the water after weighing and photographing. The drawcord at one end can be slackened off to effortlessly slide the fish back into the water.
The Quickdraw Unhooking Mat features drainage holes in each corner to minimse water collection, ensuring the fish remains comfortable and healthy. Available in two sizes, the Compact version is ideal for travel, while the Large version can accommodate even the biggest carp.
Pros
- Can be used flat or with the sides lifted to create a cradle for increase protection
- Can be rolled up for compact storage
Cons
- Draw cord can become dirty and difficult to draw closed
Best Crib Style Unhooking Hat
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The Trakker Sanctuary Compact Crib V2 is an unhooking mat designed to provide optimal care for your catch during the weighing and photographing process. Its reinforced padded walls, extra thick foam base, and fish-friendly materials offer superior protection and comfort.
The V2 edition features additional mesh venting and drainage holes to ensure the fish remains healthy and comfortable. Two large carry handles make transportation easy, while the roll-top carry bag allows for compact, scent-free storage.
Pros
- Reinforced padded walls to protect lively fish
- Carry bag offers compact and scent free storage
Cons
- The crib style may not suit some anglers
Best Versatile Unhooking Mat
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Designed as a practical tool for carp anglers who prioritise fish care and convenience, the Wychwood Tactical Sling Mat has a fully zipped, folding design, allowing you to use it as both a storage solution for your essentials and a protective unhooking mat in one.
Crafted with lightweight and durable materials, the Tactical Sling Mat ensures easy transportation and long-lasting performance., while the fish-friendly materials used in its construction provide a safe environment for your catch. The 60mm high-density foam base offers ample cushioning to protect your fish during the unhooking process.
Additionally, the mat features a mesh pocket for storing small accessories, adding to its versatility and convenience. With its compact dimensions of 850mm x 700mm x 70mm, the Tactical Sling Mat is easy to carry and store.
Pros
- Doubles as a sling
- Has pockets for additional storage
Cons
- Compact design may not be suitable for some anglers
Best Cradle Unhooking Mat
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The Avid Pro-Tect Safeguard Cradle is a framed unhooking mat designed to provide optimal care for your catch. Its low-to-ground frame and shallow mattress make it easy to lift and handle fish, while the oval frame with generous padding ensures maximum protection.
Key features include a camo retention pullover flap for added security, mesh drainage grids for quick water runoff, foldable legs and frame for easy transport, durable fish-friendly fabric, adjustable legs and mud feet for stability, and a heavy-duty carry bag.
Pros
- Elevated frame offering protection and support
- Individually adjustable legs to ensure level on sloped terrain
Cons
- Unsuitable for a mobile angler
Best Pleasure Fishing Unhooking Mat
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The Daiwa N'ZON Unhooking Mat is a compact, durable accessory designed to provide optimal care for your catch. This fish-friendly mat features thick padding, offering excellent protection when unhooking larger fish and capturing memorable catch shots.
One of the standout features of the N'ZON Unhooking Mat is its portability. Designed to fold neatly, it fits conveniently into the front pocket of the N'ZON EVA Keepnet Bag MK2, making it easy to transport to your fishing spot.
With its thick padding and protective design, the N'ZON Unhooking Mat ensures the well-being of your fish during the unhooking process.
Pros
- Easily stored in the pocket of a net bag
- Foldable design
Cons
- Not suitable for big carp
9.
Guru Mat Bag
Best Coarse Fishing Unhooking Mat
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The multifunctional and soft padding of the Guru Mat Bag, makes it ideal for safely unhooking fish, while the zipped section provides ample storage for tackle and accessories.
Crafted with high-density foam, the Mat Bag is lightweight and portable, allowing you to easily carry it to and from your fishing destination. The removable shoulder strap adds to its convenience, making it easy to transport, making it a great option for using to weigh matches in.
Additional features include a bean-filled outer rim for added protection, a wipe-clean 210D outer material for easy maintenance, and a rear zipped pocket for storing extra accessories.
Pros
- Doubles as a unhooking mat and nets/tackle carry bag
- Shoulder strap for ease of transport
Cons
- Not suitable for larger specimens
Best Predator Fishing Unhooking Mat
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The Fox Rage Unhooking Mat is a lightweight and compact fish care solution, designed to make it easy to transport and set up, while its protective features ensure the well-being of your fish.
One of the standout features of the Fox Rage Unhooking Mat is its integrated 130cm measure, allowing you to easily record the length of your catch. The mat's fish-safe protective cover and flexible frame provide a secure and comfortable environment for unhooking fish. The raised sides of the mat help to enclose the fish, further protecting it from harm.
The Fox Rage Unhooking Mat is designed for easy setup and pack away, making it convenient for anglers on the move. The included lightweight carry bag provides a convenient way to transport.
Pros
- Built in measure for easy measurement of catches
- Quick pop up design
Cons
- Not suitable for some fish
What to look for in a fishing unhooking mat
When selecting the best unhooking mat for your fishing needs, there are a few key design features to consider. Firstly, the size: if the mat isn’t large enough to comfortably accommodate the fish you’re targeting, it won’t be of much use to you.
Next, consider the padding. If you fish for large, old, or delicate species, a mat with extra padding is usually the best choice. Not only does it provide better protection for any fish you catch, but it also makes the mat more versatile, allowing it to be used on both soft and hard ground while still offering excellent protection for your quarry.
Lastly, think about portability and design. If the mat is too large for your needs, you may be less inclined to bring it with you. For those who catch larger fish or find it difficult to hold or control fish on the bank, consider a mat with raised sides. These sides help retain the fish on the mat, even if it begins to flap and try to escape.
Glossary
Unhooking Mat: A specialised piece of equipment designed to protect fish when on the bank.
Fish-Friendly Material: Materials used in unhooking mats that are gentle on fish's delicate skin and scales.
Padding: The cushioning material used in unhooking mats to protect fish from injury.
Drainage Holes: Holes in the unhooking mat that allow excess water to drain, preventing the fish from becoming stressed.
Carry Handles: Handles attached to the unhooking mat for easy transportation.
Storage Bag: A bag or case used to store and carry the unhooking mat.
Foldable Design: A design that allows the unhooking mat to be folded for compact storage.
Pegging Points: Points on the unhooking mat that can be secured to the ground to prevent it from moving.
Cover: A removable cover that can be used to protect the fish from sunlight or other environmental factors.
Measure: A built-in measuring tape or ruler on the unhooking mat.
Zipped Section: A section of the unhooking mat that can be zipped closed to create a storage compartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an unhooking mat?
An unhooking mat is a specialised piece of equipment designed to protect fish during the unhooking process. It provides a soft, padded surface that minimises the risk of injury to the fish's delicate scales and fins.
Why is it important to use an unhooking mat?
Using an unhooking mat is essential for responsible anglers who want to protect the well-being of their catch. It helps prevent damage to the fish's slime coat, reduces stress, and facilitates safe unhooking.
What features should I look for in an unhooking mat?
When choosing an unhooking mat, consider factors such as size, padding, portability, and additional features like raised sides, mesh panels, or built-in measuring tapes.
How do I choose the right size unhooking mat?
The size of your unhooking mat should be appropriate for the size of fish you typically catch. A larger mat will provide more space for handling larger fish.
Can I use an unhooking mat for other types of fish besides carp?
Yes, unhooking mats can be used for all types of fish that you could catch.
Are there any specific care instructions for unhooking mats?
Most unhooking mats are made of durable materials that can be easily cleaned. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.
Can I use an unhooking mat in all fishing conditions?
Unhooking mats can be used in various fishing conditions, but they are particularly useful in situations where the fish may be struggling or sensitive to handling.
Is it mandatory to use an unhooking mat?
While not always mandatory, using an unhooking mat is highly recommended by fisheries and experienced anglers. It is a responsible practice that helps protect fish populations and ensure their well-being.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.