Should there be a minimum size unhooking mat?

Jerry Bridger (Trakker Products)

“No, as it’s impossible to expect compliance and with so many rogue products out there claiming to do this and that, it’s never going to happen. However, when we share those moments with our friends who live beneath the surface layers, I think it’s our duty to look after them as best as we can, so do the best you can by them, by choosing a product, i.e. a padded unhooking mat or a Crib that is up to the job! Choose a high-walled Crib-style mat with padding of at least 50mm and then the carp is in pretty safe hands. It’s our duty to ensure they’re comfortable and safe when on the bank, so think big mat!”

Shaun Harrison (Quest Baits owner)

“Awkward one this, as I do a lot of chub and barbel angling and I certainly wouldn’t want my mat size dictated to me by the carp fraternity. I really see this issue as the responsibility of fishery owners, fishery managers and bailiff’s etc. It is up to them to ensure their fish are looked after in a responsible manner and in my opinion should have spare mats on hand to ‘hire’ (extra income) out for the day should someone’s mat not be considered up to the job. At the end of the day, we need to protect our quarry to the best of our ability so we should all be using the right equipment to do just that.”