Fish Care

Unhooking mats are an essential part of the river specialist's equipment. If you are targeting specimen sized fish then you should always carry an unhooking mat. Where little or no soft grass is present on the bankside, your unhooking mat will offer a soft and protective surface on which to place your prize.

They should always be wetted prior to use to help protect the mucus covering the fishes body. It is also essential that they are the right size for your chosen quarry. It is pointless having one designed for tench if you are fishing for big pike or barbel.

They can also double up as a very comfortable cushion for sitting on the bank, for those of us that don't bother with lugging a chair around!

Many people like to weigh their captures. If you are targeting specimen sized fish you will need to weigh them in either a plastic bag or a specially designed weigh sling. Always ensure that they are thoroughly wetted prior to use and are large enough to support your capture securely.

They also offer a secure means to carry your fish back to the river for release.