Offering much more protection than a standard unhooking mat, carp cradles are all the rage in carp fishing right now and this huge Carp Kinetics Cradle is one of the best buys of 2011.

It measures a long 40ins and is 20ins wide with superb foam padding around the sides and a thickly padded base which has a strong mesh panel underneath to allow drainage.

Covering half of the cradle is a velcro on/off top cover which creates a dark environment to keep your catch calm while it’s on the bank.

Made from a tough nylon outer and smooth inner lining to protect your fish, there are also strong webbing handles you can use to take the fish back to the water in the cradle.

Carp Kinetics think of everything and there’s even a velcro pocket on the side for your to keep unhooking tools.