Description
The Solar Worldwide Hi-Line Walled Mat combines the flat, stable surface of a traditional unhooking mat with raised walled sides, giving anglers at Gerry’s Fishing extra peace of mind that an active, flapping fish stays safely contained on the mat rather than risking a roll onto bare ground. It’s a sensible middle ground between a basic flat mat and a full cradle.
The raised ‘Hi-Line’ walls run around the mat’s perimeter, creating a genuine barrier that keeps the fish centred and contained even if it makes a sudden, powerful movement during unhooking or photography, exactly the moment when an uncontained fish is most likely to come to harm on hard or uneven ground. Underneath, the mat retains generous, protective padding to cushion the fish throughout handling.
Detailed Specifications
- Design: Flat mat with raised walled perimeter
- Range: Solar Worldwide
- Construction: Padded base with retaining walls
- Best suited to: Extra-secure fish handling and unhooking, particularly with lively or larger fish
Gerry’s Pro Tip
Position the mat on the flattest, most level ground you can find before the fish arrives, rather than adjusting after netting. The walled sides do a great job containing lateral movement, but they work best on a stable, level base rather than trying to compensate for an already uneven pitch.
3 Examples of How and Where to Use It
- Handling Lively or Larger Fish: The raised walls give a genuine safety margin against a fish flapping or rolling off the mat during unhooking.
- Solo Bank Sessions: Extra containment is particularly reassuring when you’re handling a fish alone without a second pair of hands to help steady it.
- General Unhooking and Photography: A practical, padded surface for the everyday business of unhooking and briefly photographing your catch.
FAQs
How is this different from a standard flat mat?
The raised walled sides add a physical barrier around the mat’s edge, giving extra containment for an active fish compared with a completely flat design.
Is it as portable as a flat mat?
It’s slightly bulkier than a basic flat mat due to the walled sides, though it’s still designed to fold or roll for transport; check the current listing for pack size.
Does it need wetting before use?
Yes, as with any unhooking mat, wet it thoroughly before placing a fish on it to protect its slime coat.
Is it suitable for very big carp?
Yes, it’s built with generous sizing and secure containment specifically to give confidence when handling larger, more powerful fish.
