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Noddy unhooking mat question
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OatcakeFred

Posts: 1427

#5 1 Apr 2026 at 0.26am

In reply to Post #1
I've got loads of different types of unhooking mats/cradles. And I use the all dependant on the situation:

Cradle on a metal frame - probably the best one I have and use most. Use when I'm on my own because they're great with the velcro lid for self takes, help to retain your fish if you have to go away from the fish for a short period. Only downside is it's the bulkiest and heaviest.

Korum cradle (basically a flat mat with sides). Very lightweight, but you can't leave the mat with the fish flapping around unattended. Same with any cradle of this type, though I think you can get these with a lid on now which unfolds and becomes a mat to kneel on.

XL Beanie Mat, tend to use this now just for catfish as it's mahoosive. Pretty lightweight but bulky, even when it's folded in half.

Just a simple fold-up flat mat, not the crappy thin ones, the one I have is about 2" thick. Nice and lightweight, fits inside a chair, OK when there's someone with you to take pics.

TBH, think I'd just get a framed cradle one if I was getting one now.

Baitman

Posts: 4934

#4 31 Mar 2026 at 9.11pm

In reply to Post #1
Fox easy mat XL.

kells

Posts: 5804

#3 31 Mar 2026 at 5.07pm

In reply to Post #1
If you want the best of both worlds I don't think you can beat the draw string cradle mats by ESP and Cotswold Aquarius. Obviously can be used flat. Draw the sides in you've a cradle. Also roll up fairly compact as well. Which is handy as everything these days seems to be unnecessarily bulky. Some of these cradles I've seen seem to be the size of a baby's cot...

scozza

Posts: 18101

#2 31 Mar 2026 at 7.39am

In reply to Post #1
Its a good question, not just France but in the UK. Some waters seem to dictate cradle types in their rules, i have one for this purpose and this purpose only, otherwise its a sling mat for me. Just bought a scope one, tidy bit of kit. In summary i would check with the fishery

Flip side is pack down size and you end up with a dirty great stinking cradle in your car, i have a Nash one, i would go for one that dry's quick and has a stink bag

VLT

Posts: 8970

#1 31 Mar 2026 at 6.45am

I'm going to France this year, first time in a while and I need a bigger unhooking mat. I'm a bit out of the loop, What's the general consensus on cradles? Are they any good?

Or anything else that folds up compact that I might get use of back in the UK?


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