Phil L wrote in message
Holly, in France wrote:

::
:: What is a u/h mat please?
::
An unhooking mat.
Basically, it's a padded er...mat on which you place the landed fish
for
unhooking, some of them double over and seal with velcro making it
into a
weighing sling as well, the fish can then be carried in it to the
water for
release with less chance of injury.
They are a nessecity for big fish as their own body weight can cause
injuries if plonked down on gravel, rough grass or any other
unsuitable
surface.

HTH

Yes, indeed it does, thanks Phil and Steve. Now I know what they are I
realise I have seen them on TV. Great idea for a present methinks, and a
good idea to have around in case we have visitors who don't come well
prepared. I am a little worried that someone may catch one of our big
carp and be unable to handle it if they are not used to it, or not very
strong. My 12 yr old son caught our biggest one, but luckily my husband
was around. I don't let the children fish with boilies now unless my
husband is close enough to home to be called back if necessary. I guess
the same rule might have to apply to visitors if they are not very
experienced or very confident. But anyway, a mat will be useful, thanks
again.
--
Holly, in France.
Holiday home in the Dordogne,
website: http://la-plaine.chez.tiscali.fr