Being a bit OCD I'm looking to upgrade some bits but want the same brand
Can anyone recommend a thickly padded unhooking mat cradle style and retainer
Thanks
Can anyone recommend a thickly padded unhooking mat cradle style and retainer
Thanks
In reply to Post #1
Can't go wrong with ESP. They do a nice big flat mat and a retainer
Can't go wrong with ESP. They do a nice big flat mat and a retainer
In reply to Post #1
Wychwood another decent brand to look at. Used their carp care gear on and off for quite a few years and is good quality and good value
Wychwood another decent brand to look at. Used their carp care gear on and off for quite a few years and is good quality and good value
In reply to Post #1
its fair enough the whole matching bits and think we've all fallen for it - I have to say how refreshing it is when or if you shake it off.
Whilst still an absolute tart I now really embrace the miss-match and getting the best (for my use) available - no longer do I have to compromise on some elements of kits.
its fair enough the whole matching bits and think we've all fallen for it - I have to say how refreshing it is when or if you shake it off.
Whilst still an absolute tart I now really embrace the miss-match and getting the best (for my use) available - no longer do I have to compromise on some elements of kits.
In reply to Post #4
True
So far I'm Thinking Anglers on luggage. Ridge on cooking and Now sorting carp care
True
So far I'm Thinking Anglers on luggage. Ridge on cooking and Now sorting carp care
In reply to Post #1
When I was looking I narrowed it down to two (for my style of fishing), being the TA Unhooking Matt and the Korda One. The TA on was the best for padding though and it has a handy knee pad if that comes into your thoughts, and size is big enough for all UK Carp and still folds in half, but is bulky.
I eventually went for the Korda Basix cradle style one, as I can store my scales, bank sticks, alarms, care kits etc in it (fully zipped up, so don't risk dropping some). I'd say good for fish up to 40lb, which was fine for where I go atm.
When I was looking I narrowed it down to two (for my style of fishing), being the TA Unhooking Matt and the Korda One. The TA on was the best for padding though and it has a handy knee pad if that comes into your thoughts, and size is big enough for all UK Carp and still folds in half, but is bulky.
I eventually went for the Korda Basix cradle style one, as I can store my scales, bank sticks, alarms, care kits etc in it (fully zipped up, so don't risk dropping some). I'd say good for fish up to 40lb, which was fine for where I go atm.
In reply to Post #1
OK I'm subsidised, but it is my genuine choice
unhooking mat linkything
camo sling
There is also a standard and XL green version. You might have to shop around
OK I'm subsidised, but it is my genuine choice
unhooking mat linkything
camo sling
There is also a standard and XL green version. You might have to shop around
In reply to Post #7
Honest question Nick. Is your subsidy with whoever owns RH now based on forum suggestions or catch result photos? I don't have social media so possibly don't see the later if they are out there.
Honest question Nick. Is your subsidy with whoever owns RH now based on forum suggestions or catch result photos? I don't have social media so possibly don't see the later if they are out there.
In reply to Post #8
I use the mat myself, had it for a few years now. Had some decent high 20's carp and pike from Alton Water and my syndicate in it, so it is my genuine personal choice, not just because I'm subsidised.
Call me old fashioned, but if I use an item of tackle, it is because it suits me, not just because I get it cheaper than rrp. You are welcome to ask Bivvybug about my bedchair, which one I recommend, and I paid rrp for that 😉
However the OP was for a mat and retainer of the same brand so I did give the RH one.
At the same time, when my current retaining sling needs replacing, having seen the RH one in the flesh, I will be comparing value for other good brands that I trust.
I hope that covers your question
I use the mat myself, had it for a few years now. Had some decent high 20's carp and pike from Alton Water and my syndicate in it, so it is my genuine personal choice, not just because I'm subsidised.
Call me old fashioned, but if I use an item of tackle, it is because it suits me, not just because I get it cheaper than rrp. You are welcome to ask Bivvybug about my bedchair, which one I recommend, and I paid rrp for that 😉
However the OP was for a mat and retainer of the same brand so I did give the RH one.
At the same time, when my current retaining sling needs replacing, having seen the RH one in the flesh, I will be comparing value for other good brands that I trust.
I hope that covers your question
In reply to Post #9
It doesn't really does it? But never mind.
It doesn't really does it? But never mind.
In reply to Post #1
I've just recently got a camo prologic inspire unhooking mat with sides. First impression is really good, thick padding and seems well made. For sensible money as well. They also to a weigh/retaining sling to match
I've just recently got a camo prologic inspire unhooking mat with sides. First impression is really good, thick padding and seems well made. For sensible money as well. They also to a weigh/retaining sling to match
In reply to Post #7
Dear God - my bed chair is smaller than that mat and the sling is like a 4 man tent!
I just don't think you can ever have all bases covered. Retainers should be a really seldom used item of tackle - in the old days of sacks it was very occasional use until 1st light. Now with the advance of cameras, lighting and fish care I don't think I have used mine in the last couple of years.
I use a Korda basix mat and old solar zip sling. 90% of the fish I catch are unhooked in the water, many released immediately- if I want a photo then net stays in the water with peg - sort out the bits then onto mat - photo - sling - weigh - return via sling.
The mat is big enough and has sides - I wouldn't use on a gravel path but unsure why anyone does. I have a korum retainer that is so small it zips inside the mat as does the solar sling. So far the korum sling is unused but there just in case.
Matching wise it doesn't matter to me as they are all stuffed in the under barrow bag unless in use.
If I had a fishery I would have the old aqua / taska bean mats at various points for people to use. The flexibility in the poly beans mean the fish can't use muscle to flap - it absorbs this. Any mat with any amount of padding gives a stable base for the fish to move.
Dear God - my bed chair is smaller than that mat and the sling is like a 4 man tent!
I just don't think you can ever have all bases covered. Retainers should be a really seldom used item of tackle - in the old days of sacks it was very occasional use until 1st light. Now with the advance of cameras, lighting and fish care I don't think I have used mine in the last couple of years.
I use a Korda basix mat and old solar zip sling. 90% of the fish I catch are unhooked in the water, many released immediately- if I want a photo then net stays in the water with peg - sort out the bits then onto mat - photo - sling - weigh - return via sling.
The mat is big enough and has sides - I wouldn't use on a gravel path but unsure why anyone does. I have a korum retainer that is so small it zips inside the mat as does the solar sling. So far the korum sling is unused but there just in case.
Matching wise it doesn't matter to me as they are all stuffed in the under barrow bag unless in use.
If I had a fishery I would have the old aqua / taska bean mats at various points for people to use. The flexibility in the poly beans mean the fish can't use muscle to flap - it absorbs this. Any mat with any amount of padding gives a stable base for the fish to move.
In reply to Post #9
Thank you. Bigger is better imo as I can double up as a dog bed when blanking 🤣
Thank you. Bigger is better imo as I can double up as a dog bed when blanking 🤣
In reply to Post #2
esp retanier does'nt have any padding on the bars, a poor design i think!
esp retanier does'nt have any padding on the bars, a poor design i think!
In reply to Post #14
The bars don't come into contact with the fish,my trakker one doesn't have padding all the way across either
The bars don't come into contact with the fish,my trakker one doesn't have padding all the way across either