Reception - Weighing

The Carp Care & Weighing category brings together all the essential gear you need to safely cradle and weigh your carp in the best possible conditions. The goal is simple: protect the fish, ensure accurate weighing, and let you handle your catches safely on the bank.

Why carp care and weighing are essential

Proper carp care equipment reduces injuries, stress and the risk of fish falling. A good unhooking mat or cradle, combined with a reliable weigh sling and a stable weighing system, lets you manage the hardest-fighting carp with confidence, from netting all the way to release.

Investing in quality carp care and weighing gear helps preserve fish stocks and lets you fully enjoy every capture, whether it’s a new personal best or a more modest carp.

How to choose your unhooking mat or cradle

The unhooking mat is the foundation of any carp fishing setup. To choose it well, several criteria matter:

• Thickness and padding to cushion the fish’s movements on hard ground.
• Generous dimensions to safely accommodate big carp.
• High sides on cradle-style models to prevent the fish from sliding off the mat.
• Soft, waterproof material, easy to rinse and keep damp during photos.

Depending on your fishing style, you might prefer a compact, lightweight mat for mobile fishing, or a bulkier cradle for longer or static sessions.

Weigh slings, tripods and scales

The weigh sling is the link between the mat and the scale. It should be robust, well-draining and fitted with secure handles. Floating models can also make it easier to prepare the weighing right at the water’s edge.

The weigh tripod provides stability and accuracy, especially with heavy fish. Paired with a suitable scale (analog or digital), it lets you get a reliable weight without straining your arms and without shaking the fish during weighing.

Practical accessories to keep carp safe

Around the mat and weigh sling, a few accessories make a real difference:

• Strong straps and clips to close the weigh sling securely.
• Rings or attachment points to hang the sling safely on the tripod.
• Compact storage to transport your gear easily, whether wet or dry.

These technical details improve your comfort on the bank and reduce unnecessary handling of the fish.

Tips for use and maintenance

To get the best from your carp care and weighing gear, follow a few simple best practices:

• Always wet the mat and the weigh sling before placing the carp on them.
• Prepare the scale, tripod and camera before lifting the fish out of the water.
• Keep weighing and photo time to the absolute minimum.
• Rinse and dry your gear after each session to avoid bad odors and extend its lifespan.

Well-maintained equipment stays effective, more hygienic and more pleasant to use, season after season.

Carp Care & Weighing FAQ

What size unhooking mat should I choose for carp?

Choose a mat that is long and wide enough for the size of fish you usually catch, with a good safety margin for bigger carp. It’s better for a mat to be slightly too big than too small.

Should I always wet the mat and weigh sling?

Yes, a damp mat and sling reduce friction on the fish’s protective slime and lower the risk of injury. Wet them before every handling, even in wet weather.

Is a weigh tripod essential?

It’s not mandatory, but it offers great stability and better accuracy, especially with big carp. It also saves your arms and avoids moving the fish around unnecessarily during weighing.