Carp Care

With this test series we take a look at unhooking mats and of course, protection is paramount here. As much as we all love a pocket-friendly product, we honestly believe that this is one product that no angler should scrape on, ever! What we are looking for here is the complete protective package, how much padding is on offer, can the carp be retained for short periods without flapping off or out of the mat and how mobile the entire bundle is. Yes, before you say it, the carp we have used for illustrative purposes is rather large, measuring in at a whopping 84 centimetres long and 56 centimetres from dorsal fin to pelvic fin, hence the tight fit.

Weighs: 4.9kg With a heavy-duty Velcro retaining system that boasts high-density foam-filled walls, the XL Hi-Care Mat is probably the most protective on test. Made of 420D waterproof material with a perforated rubber mesh lid and base for maximum drainage, the mat won’t take long to dry despite its size. As the name would suggest, the Hi-Care XL is suited for fish up to 65lb, making it more than capable of retaining most fish in English waters. Other features you will also find are a removable 5cm-thick foam mattress, along with zips on either side of the mat to release the fish.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 9/10 PROTECTION 10/10 VALUE FOR MONEY 8/10 TOTAL: 24/30

£84.99

FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO www.jrc-fishing.co.uk