Catfish Pro Unhooking Mat With Flap

How well is it built?

So, the Catfish Pro is a simple design, and for me that's its strength. It uses high-density foam, which keeps the mat less bulky than a thick, soft foam mat while still giving the cushioning a big fish needs.

The zipped flap is the main feature, and it doubles the area of the mat when you need the extra room.

There are pegging points to secure it, and it comes with a stink bag to keep it contained in the car and in storage, which I think is a really useful extra for a mat that's going to get slimy. The surface looks smooth in the photos, which should make it easy to rinse off.

It doesn't have the inflatable walls or replaceable parts of the RidgeMonkey ProCare, but there's less to go wrong. Overall, I think it's solidly made for what it is, and it should last if you rinse it and let it dry after each trip.

Protection

Protection comes from size and foam rather than walls. The high-density foam cushions the fish, and with the flap out, the XL gives you a 66 x 60in working area, which I think is ideal for a big catfish that needs plenty of room to lie flat.

The XXL goes to 86 x 60in for the really long fish.

The zipped flap is the clever bit. You can use it to extend the area or to cover the fish in heat or bright light, and for me that's a big plus for a fish that's on the bank while you get the camera and scales ready.

The downside is that there are no raised sides, so a fish that kicks has nothing to stop it rolling off apart from the size of the mat.

Compared with walled mats like the Wychwood Walled, that's why it scores a little lower here, although it's still a very good score for a flat mat.

Ease of Setup & Portability

Is it easy to use? On the bank, yes, because there's nothing to inflate or assemble. You just lay it out, peg it down if you need to and open the flap out when you want the extra room, and it's ready.

Moving it around is a different story. Even the XL is 65in long before you open the flap, so it's a big thing to carry, and the photos show it packed into a large, flat package with webbing handles.

You'll want space for it on the barrow or in the car, and I wouldn't fancy carrying it far.

The stink bag helps once the session's over, because you can bag up a wet, slimy mat without it soaking the rest of your kit. For me, it's fine for anglers who set up near the car, but it's a bit of a faff for anyone who likes to move swims.

Is it good value for money?

So, is it worth the money? I think it is. It costs a little less than the Wychwood Walled and a long way less than the inflatable mats, and for that you get high-density foam, a flap that doubles the area, pegging points and a stink bag.

The NGT Deluxe Catfish mat costs less and also has a flap and a big working area, so it's worth a look if budget is tight. For me, the extra money on the Catfish Pro goes on the high-density foam and the choice of XL or XXL sizes for really long fish.

Overall, I'd recommend it to catfish anglers first and foremost, and to anyone who needs a big flat mat for very large fish. If you mainly fish for carp and want sides around the fish, a walled mat like the Wychwood Walled will suit you better.