Cradles & Unhooking Mats

Browse the cradles and unhooking mats here, each one price-checked so you can see who is selling it cheapest right now. The brand and price filters narrow the list down to the protection you want in a few clicks.

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The grid shows every cradle and mat we list, from a light folding mat for the bank to a full padded cradle for big fish.

For each one you can see the lowest live price and how many of the shops we track have it in stock.

Sort by review score to put the best-rated fish-care kit at the top before you compare prices.

20 products in this category
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How to Choose a Cradle or Unhooking Mat

Fish care gear splits into three broad types: flat unhooking mats, padded roll-up mats, and raised cradles. Each gives a different level of protection, so the choice often comes down to the size of fish being targeted and how much kit can be carried.

A flat mat is the lightest and cheapest option, fine for smaller fish and short sessions. A roll-up mat adds thicker foam and folds down small, which makes it a common pick for anglers moving between swims.

Cradles raise the fish off the ground and hold it inside padded sides, so it cannot roll or flap onto hard surfaces. This extra protection suits larger carp and catfish, where the weight of the fish makes a fall more likely to cause damage.

Padding depth and the size of the laid-out surface are the specs that matter most. Deeper foam absorbs more impact, while a larger area gives room for a long fish to lie flat without its tail hanging over the edge.

Weight and packed size decide how easy it is to carry alongside the rest of the setup. A bulky cradle is no problem from a barrow or a fixed swim, but a long walk to the water tends to favour a roll-up mat that straps to a rucksack.

The guide linked below helps match a type to the fishing being done.

Cradle and Unhooking Mat Prices and Reviews

There are 20 cradles and unhooking mats on this page, with 9 carrying a full eTackle review. Every product shows its lowest live price and the number of stocked shops we found it in.

Our reviews judge each mat or cradle on padding, build, fish protection and ease of use, the points that decide whether it does its job on the bank. To see how the different styles compare and which suits your fishing, read our guide to the best carp cradles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an unhooking mat and a cradle?

An unhooking mat is a padded surface the fish lies on, while a cradle has raised sides that hold the fish in place. Cradles give more protection for larger fish, as they stop it rolling onto hard ground.

Do I need a cradle or will a mat do?

A padded mat is enough for smaller fish and shorter sessions on softer ground. A cradle is the safer choice for big carp and catfish, where the weight makes a fall more damaging.

What is a roll-up unhooking mat?

A roll-up mat has thick foam and rolls or folds down into a compact shape for carrying. It is a popular choice for anglers who move between swims and want protection without much bulk.

What size unhooking mat or cradle should I get?

The surface should be long and wide enough for the target fish to lie flat without its tail or head hanging over the edge. Anglers chasing larger carp tend to size up so a big fish is fully supported.

How do I keep an unhooking mat clean and in good condition?

Rinse it after use to remove slime and grit, then let it dry fully before storing to stop mould forming. Wetting the mat before laying a fish on it also helps protect the fish and the surface.

Are inflatable unhooking mats worth it?

Inflatable mats and cradles add air cushioning for extra impact protection and often pack down small. They suit anglers handling big fish who still want kit that is easy to carry to the swim.