Weigh Slings & Sacks

eTackle checks weigh slings, retention slings and carp sacks at reputable online tackle shops and puts the lowest in-stock offer at the top of each listing. Look at the length, whether a sling floats and how it zips or folds, so the one you pick suits the size of fish you expect and the way you weigh them.

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Each sling is listed with how many of our verified shops stock it, so the price you open is the best in stock right now. Reviewed slings carry an eTackle score for sorting by how they performed.

Length and width, the mesh or fabric, whether it floats and how it packs away are the details that set one sling apart from the next, and each listing shows them next to the price.

Explore related weighing kit:

Fishing ScalesCradles & Unhooking MatsCarp Care Kits & TreatmentsLanding Nets
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Weigh Slings, Retention Slings and Sacks

A weigh sling cradles a fish while it hangs from the scales, with handles that keep it level and a zip or open side to get it in and out. A retention or retainer sling adds mesh panels and a long cord, so a fish can rest safely in the margins before a photo.

Carp sacks are the older and simpler form of retention, a mesh bag with a drawcord that holds a fish in the water for a short time. Many waters now ask for a retention sling instead, so check the rules where you fish.

A sling mat combines a padded unhooking mat with sides that zip up into a sling. One piece of kit then covers unhooking, weighing and a short rest, which suits stalking trips and short sessions.

Size, Floatation and Materials

Standard slings suit most carp caught in the UK, while XL and continental sizes give longer and heavier fish room to lie flat. A sling that is too short bends the fish, so choose one that fits the biggest fish your water holds.

Floatation panels keep a retention sling at the surface and stop it sinking into silt or weed. Coated fabric drains quickly and rinses clean, while mesh lets water through so the fish stays wet and breathing.

Weighing and Returning the Fish

Wet the sling before the fish goes in, and zero the scales with the wet sling already hanging from them. Lift steadily from a kneeling position over the mat, and return the fish as soon as you have the reading and a photo.

A sling works hand in hand with the scales it hangs from, so our best fishing scales guide is worth reading alongside the slings here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a weigh sling used for?

It holds a fish securely while it is weighed, hooked onto the scales by its handles. A wet sling protects the scales and slime of the fish while it is off the mat.

What is the difference between a weigh sling and a retention sling?

A weigh sling is made for weighing and for carrying a fish back to the water. A retention sling adds mesh panels, floats and a long cord so a fish can rest in the margins for a short time.

What size weigh sling do I need?

A standard sling suits most carp in the UK. Choose an XL or continental size for waters with long or very heavy fish, so the fish can lie flat.

Are carp sacks still allowed?

Many fisheries now ban sacks or limit retention to a short time, often in favour of retention slings. Check the rules of the water before you use one.

How do I dry and store a sling?

Rinse it in clean water after the session and let it dry fully before it is packed away. A sling put away damp starts to smell and can rot the stitching over time.