TF Gear Unhooking Mat
The TF Gear Unhooking Mat is a top-quality yet affordable product that will enable you to follow fish care best practice without having to shell out a lot of cash. The mat is made from thick padding with a fish-friendly that’s designed to go easy on the delicate scales and protective mucus layer of fish.
No matter what fishing discipline you partake in, you should own an unhooking mat. It’s every angler’s responsibility to ensure they return fish to the water in the same in condition in which they caught them. By ensuring no harm is done to your catches, you’re doing your bit for the future of angling, as healthy fish will live for a long time and grow to a large size, and go on to produce big, healthy offspring, increasing the size and quality of the population at your favoured venue.
It’s a common misconception that fish care products are expensive; as the excellent value for money the TF Gear Unhooking Mat offers demonstrates, this is not the case. A small investment in an unhooking mat, weigh sling, care kit and bucket can make a big difference to the wellbeing of the fish you catch. Fish care is vital from the moment you get a bite - it is crucial to the health of the fish that you have the right equipment and take great care when landing, unhooking, weighing, photographing and releasing it. By being prepared you can ensure fish will not be damaged while in your care.
Many fisheries require anglers to use an unhooking mat while on the premises, which is why it’s an essential piece of kit to take with you on every session. One thing to keep in mind is that, if your mat is dry, it defeats the object of having it, as a dry mat will pull the layer of mucus off the fish that protects it from disease. So, when you’re setting up, one of the first things you should do is pour water over your mat until it’s nice and wet, and then continue to do so throughout your session, especially if it’s a warm day.
The thick padding and fish-friendly finish of the TF Gear Unhooking Mat mean that, as long as it’s wet, it won’t take any mucus or scales off your catch and will protect it from itself if it begins to flop around, giving you peace of mind that you will be able to return it to the water unharmed. If you’re making your first foray into fishing, one of the first things you should know is that placing your catch on the ground while you prepare to weigh and photograph it isn’t an option - whether you’re on grass, gravel, rock or dirt, it will pull off the mucus and expose the fish to bacteria when it is returned to the water.
This mat, produced by Brecon-based high-performance carp, coarse and sea fishing tackle brand Total Fishing Gear, features Velcro straps for compact storage, so while it may seem like a relatively large piece of kit when unfolded, it will actually take up a minimal amount of space at home, in your vehicle, in your luggage and in your shelter or bivvy. These straps can also be used to secure the mat to a rucksack, carryall or barrow bag.
The mat has been praised by TF Gear customers for its brilliant quality and excellent performance for the price, and has proved to be a firm favourite. It is ideal for roving anglers and river anglers given its lightness and its compact size when folded. Overall, the TF Gear Unhooking Mat provides great value for money considering the quality it offers, and no matter what style of fishing you do, it enables you to care for the health and wellbeing of your catch for a very reasonable cost.