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Expert advice on all types of fishing situations & tackle.
At Gerry’s Fishing, we believe that the most important piece of tackle you will ever own isn’t the rod that catches the fish—it’s the equipment that ensures its safe return. Fish care is the foundation of modern angling. Whether you are cradling a 40lb specimen carp or unhooking a delicate river roach, your handling process dictates the health and longevity of our waters.
From our massive showroom in Morecambe, we provide a professional-grade selection of fish-safety gear from industry leaders like Trakker, Nash, Fox, Korda, and Aqua. We only stock products that meet the highest welfare standards, ensuring that every fish you catch is protected from the moment it leaves the water to the second it swims away.
Modern fish care equipment is engineered using non-abrasive materials and high-density impact protection to prevent scale loss and internal damage.
| Feature | Specification Details | Welfare Benefit |
| Material | Fish-Friendly PVC or 210D “Soft-Touch” PU-coated polyester. | Protects the vital slime coating and prevents scale lifting. |
| Padded Depth | 50mm to 90mm High-Density Foam or self-inflating air cells. | Provides a “shock absorber” for heavy fish on uneven or hard ground. |
| Retention Tech | Mesh Drainage Panels and “Fast-Flow” fabrics. | Allows oxygenated water to circulate while the fish recovers. |
| Antiseptic Formula | Propolis-based or specialized Anti-Bacterial liquids. | Seals hook holds and treats sores/scale damage instantly. |
| Sling Geometry | Full-Length Support Bars and centralized weighing points. | Ensures the fish’s weight is distributed evenly, protecting the spine. |
1. The Specimen Carp Session (Cradles & Slings)
For the modern carp angler, a “walled” cradle is the gold standard. These “off-the-ground” systems ensure that even if a fish thrashes, it cannot slide off the mat or come into contact with the earth. Paired with a high-quality weigh sling featuring “floating” support bars, you can weigh, photograph, and recover the fish with minimal handling time.
2. The Predator Hunter (Large Mats & Medicated Kits)
Pike and Zander are notoriously fragile despite their fierce appearance. A large, padded unhooking mat (minimum 120cm) is essential. Because predator fish are often caught in colder months, their recovery can be slower; using a “Floating Recovery Sling” allows you to hold the fish in the water safely until it has regained the strength to swim off under its own power.
3. The Roving & River Angler (Compact Mats)
If you are walking miles of riverbank for Barbel or Chub, “Lightweight but Large” is the rule. We stock high-quality roll-up mats that clip directly to your rucksack. These provide a clean, soft surface for unhooking on rocky or muddy banks without the bulk of a full-sized carp cradle.
Pro Tip from the Gerry’s Team
The “Bucket of Water” Rule: Never put a fish on a dry unhooking mat or cradle. Even “fish-friendly” materials can be abrasive when dry and will strip the protective slime from the fish’s body, leaving it vulnerable to infections. Always keep a dedicated Collapsible Water Bucket filled and ready. Drench the mat, the sling, and the fish itself throughout the unhooking and photography process. This keeps the fish cool, calm, and fully protected.
Why do I need a “Floating” weigh sling?
A floating sling features foam inserts in the support bars. This allows you to place the fish back in the water while it is still inside the sling. It acts as a temporary “corral,” allowing the fish to stabilize its breathing and equilibrium in the water before you unzip it for release.
What is the difference between a “Mat” and a “Cradle”?
A mat sits flat on the floor, while a cradle has raised sides or is suspended on a frame. Cradles are generally safer for larger fish (20lb+) because they prevent the fish from sliding off onto the grass or gravel if it becomes lively during unhooking.
Does “Fish Antiseptic” actually work?
Absolutely. Specialized treatments like Korda Carp Care or Nash Medi-Carp are designed to adhere to wet scales and skin. They act like a “liquid bandage,” sealing the hook wound from bacteria and parasites. It is a small investment that makes a massive difference in the long-term health of the fish.
How do I clean my fish care gear?
To prevent the spread of diseases between different lakes (such as KHV), you should always dry your mats and slings in direct sunlight. UV rays are a natural disinfectant. Many top-tier fisheries now insist on “Dry Mats” for this very reason. If your gear is particularly smelly, use a specialized “Luggage & Mat” cleaner that won’t harm fish.
We’ve been at the heart of the UK fishing community for over 40 years. We’ve seen the evolution of fish welfare first-hand, and we only stock gear that we use ourselves. We believe that leaving the bank knowing every fish you caught was returned in perfect condition is the mark of a true angler. Whether you need a starter mat or a flagship Trakker Sanctuary cradle, the team at Gerry’s is here to help you protect the future of our sport.
