Hi looking for a new unhooking mat and have decided on the Fox Easy Mat but am unsure on the size to purchase? Is the Standard ok for fish upto around 50lb or would i be better going with the XL?
Cheers
Cheers
In reply to Post #1
I would say xl
I would say xl
XL for sure ...but despite owning one I think i'd prefer to have a proper kipper in one of the solid sided cot type mats tbh.. just that much more solid than the easymat. Alternatively something like one of the big Aqua or Army Andy mats
In reply to Post #1
I've got the xl easy. I think you'd struggle to get a decent sized 50 in it. My mate has the big aqua one that folds flat. I'd personally go for that. It's definitely better. The one I liked the most was the Gardner asylum, but it's just no where near big enough. Wish they did an xl version.
I've got the xl easy. I think you'd struggle to get a decent sized 50 in it. My mate has the big aqua one that folds flat. I'd personally go for that. It's definitely better. The one I liked the most was the Gardner asylum, but it's just no where near big enough. Wish they did an xl version.
In reply to Post #1
The XL is the only one to go for as stated by others , the small one is pushing your luck with just doubles
Although I wouldnt use the XL if you expecting fish over 40lbs , I also have the Shimano Olive Protection Mat which will do what you are looking for.
The XL is the only one to go for as stated by others , the small one is pushing your luck with just doubles
Although I wouldnt use the XL if you expecting fish over 40lbs , I also have the Shimano Olive Protection Mat which will do what you are looking for.
In reply to Post #2
Agreed, had fish to 50 and found that there's been plenty of room. Plenty of padding and packs down well.
Agreed, had fish to 50 and found that there's been plenty of room. Plenty of padding and packs down well.
In reply to Post #4
As wayne said , i've had fish over 40 on the xl and its to small . the ends pop up quite high as well which then forces you to lift the fish slightly higher to get them out the picture frame so then defeats the objective of being safe . I sold mine in the end and bought the aqua combi cradle , massive improvement on the fox one even if it is a bit bigger to carry
As wayne said , i've had fish over 40 on the xl and its to small . the ends pop up quite high as well which then forces you to lift the fish slightly higher to get them out the picture frame so then defeats the objective of being safe . I sold mine in the end and bought the aqua combi cradle , massive improvement on the fox one even if it is a bit bigger to carry
The Fox Carpmaster unhooking cradle (boat shaped) is much more substantial than the easy mat version.
In reply to Post #5
Thanks everyone for your advice. My water rules states you must have a mat with sides and i am not keen on those with zips as my experience is they are usually the first to go on these things. Quite a lot of the time i will be carrying my gear to the swim (barrow not practical due to banks) so looking for something quite compact but as the water contains multiple 40lb plus fish it has to be able to hold and protect a kipper.
I currently own the trakker oval sanctuary and its bigger than my bivvy in its bag, any suggestions keeping the above points in mind?
Thanks everyone for your advice. My water rules states you must have a mat with sides and i am not keen on those with zips as my experience is they are usually the first to go on these things. Quite a lot of the time i will be carrying my gear to the swim (barrow not practical due to banks) so looking for something quite compact but as the water contains multiple 40lb plus fish it has to be able to hold and protect a kipper.
I currently own the trakker oval sanctuary and its bigger than my bivvy in its bag, any suggestions keeping the above points in mind?
In reply to Post #9
Have a look at the Avid compact carp cradlle XL.
Have a look at the Avid compact carp cradlle XL.
In reply to Post #10
I have the Solar version is also very good,which I do like you can use the end bars to hold up the ends and there are rods you can insert to make the sides stiffer. plus the case is good quality and easy to carry, its the reason I purchased it to be honest, as need to be mobile.
I have the Solar version is also very good,which I do like you can use the end bars to hold up the ends and there are rods you can insert to make the sides stiffer. plus the case is good quality and easy to carry, its the reason I purchased it to be honest, as need to be mobile.
In reply to Post #11
Thanks! This looks interesting, the size seems in between the Fox Std and XL as well
Thanks! This looks interesting, the size seems in between the Fox Std and XL as well