The ideal carp cradles should prioritize the fish’s safety, ensuring it remains protected from harm during unhooking, weighing, and photographing.
Carp cradles come in various styles, including low-profile designs that keep the fish close to the ground while you kneel on a padded surface. Others, known as cots, feature a raised frame with fish-friendly fabric for added support.
No matter what type of cradle you prefer, I’ve selected a range of styles, shapes, and sizes to suit your needs.
If you’re looking to upgrade from a standard unhooking mat and enhance your fish care, check out my top picks for the best fishing cradles below!
1. NGT Pop Up Cradle
The NGT Pop Up Cradle is a lightweight, compact, and highly practical option for anglers looking to improve their fish care. Designed for convenience, this cradle features a quick pop-up mechanism, allowing for easy setup and packing away in seconds. Made from fish-friendly, padded material, it provides a safe and cushioned environment for carp during unhooking, weighing, and photographing. The high sides help prevent the fish from sliding out, while the waterproof base ensures easy cleaning after use. Ideal for mobile anglers or those with limited storage space, the NGT Pop Up Cradle offers excellent protection without compromising on portability.
- Quick folding Pop-Up design
- Lightweight – Only 1.65kg (including the case and bivvy pegs)
- A detachable, well-padded mat for maximum fish protection
- Size: 108 x 50 x 20cm
2. Leeda Rogue Cradle
The Leeda Rogue Cradle is a durable and well-padded option designed to provide maximum protection for carp during handling. Constructed with a fish-friendly, soft-touch material, it ensures the fish remains safe and comfortable while unhooking, weighing, or photographing. The raised, rigid sides help prevent fish from sliding out, reducing the risk of injury. Its folding design allows for easy transportation and storage, making it a practical choice for anglers on the move. With a sturdy yet lightweight frame, the Leeda Rogue Cradle is a reliable and affordable solution for improving fish care on the bank.
- The Rogue carp cradle has been designed to deliver excellent comfort and protection to fish whilst they are being unhooked. The specifically developed frame suspends the fish inside the cradles hammock whilst being unhooked. The cradle design ensures that the fish is retained safely within the product. Excellent comfort and protection to fish
- Suspends the fish inside the cradles hammock
- Stable three leg aluminium frame
- Model number: H8051
3. Nash MK3 Cradle
The Nash Carp Cradle is an unhooking mat with deep padded sides that is suspended OFF the floor via a metal frame so that the carp is safely held above the ground – no matter how much it thrashes or beats its head it is away from the contact of hard ground and safely suspended in mid-air. Its lightweight frame means it assembles in seconds, and offers our beloved carp total protection. It has cover flaps to protect the fish when returning to the water and for when the fish is thrashing around. Fantastic product, every angler should have one. Designed to retain water Keeps carp wetted andamp; comfortable whilst out of the water Locking leg pins keep the cradle secure on any ground In seconds folds away flat to transport with ease on a barrow Finished in a carp friendly smooth PVC Includes tough Velcro secured retention flap All legs adjust independently Mud feet will keep the cradle level on any bank
4. JRC Cocoon Hi-Care Cradle
The JRC Cocoon Hi-Care Cradle is a premium choice for anglers who prioritize fish safety and convenience. Designed with a fully padded, fish-friendly lining, it provides exceptional protection for carp during unhooking, weighing, and photographing. Its raised, rigid frame ensures stability, while the soft mesh drainage system allows excess water to escape, keeping the fish comfortable. The high sides prevent fish from slipping out, reducing stress and the risk of injury. Despite its sturdy construction, the cradle folds down compactly for easy transport and storage. With a focus on high-quality materials and practicality, the JRC Cocoon Hi-Care Cradle is an excellent investment for responsible anglers.
5. Fox Carpmaster Cradle
The Fox Carpmaster Cradle is a top-tier option for anglers seeking maximum fish protection and ease of use. Featuring a fully padded, fish-friendly lining, it ensures carp remain safe and comfortable during unhooking, weighing, and photographing. The strong yet lightweight frame provides excellent stability, while the high-sided design prevents fish from slipping out. A built-in mesh drainage system allows excess water to escape quickly, keeping the cradle dry and reducing stress on the fish. Designed for convenience, it folds down compactly for easy transport and storage. With its durable construction and thoughtful design, the Fox Carpmaster Cradle is a reliable choice for serious carp anglers.
- Model: Standard, folds compactly
- 70mm foam insert for very good fish protection, rigid
- Rubber net base for easy drainage of water, soft inner material, firmly sewn cover with Velcro fasteners
- Material: Main outer material: 100% polyester Padding/filling: 55% polyethylene, 45% polyurethane
6. Avid Carp Folda Cradle
With a unique fold-flat design, padded side panels and an integral fish calming cover, these Folda-Cradles offer unrivalled levels of fish safety. The design makes transportation easy while still retaining the complete all round protection. The integral mats are extremely well padded and removable. These Folda-Cradles come supplied complete with carry bag, webbing straps and handles, and are made from hard-wearing 150 denier Breathastop fabric, for the ultimate in big fish care. Fold-flat design. 150 denier Breathastop material. Removable central mat. Padded and stiffened side panels. Webbing straps and handles. Built in fish calming cover. Complete with carry bag. Two versions available: Standard: Dimensions: 87cms x 21cms x 47cms. Weight: 2.2kgs. XL: Dimensions: 107cms x 25cms x 70cms. Weight: 3.3kgs.
- Unique fold-flat design
- 150D Breathastop Material
- Stiff Side Panels
- Removable, wipe-clean Mat
- Built-in Fish Calming Cover
Conclusion
When choosing a carp cradle, it’s essential to consider factors that prioritize fish safety, practicality, and durability. A fish-friendly, well-padded lining ensures the carp remains protected during handling, while high sides or a secure frame help prevent the fish from slipping out. Water drainage systems, such as mesh panels, are useful for keeping the cradle dry and comfortable for the fish. Additionally, portability and ease of setup are important, especially for mobile anglers—foldable or pop-up designs can make transport and storage more convenient. Whether you opt for a low-profile design or a raised cot-style cradle, selecting a well-made, secure, and easy-to-clean option will enhance fish care and ensure responsible angling practices.
**At Cally’s Carpy Customs, you can purchase a variety of high-quality, custom-made carp fishing rigs, all hand-tied using the finest industry components. Their selection includes popular rigs such as Ronnie Rigs, Slip-D Rigs, and Blowback Rigs. Additionally, they offer Pellet PVA Mesh Balls, Crushed Boilie PVA Mesh Balls, and Leaders to enhance your fishing experience.**