Gear hub: Landing Gear → /landing-gear/
Direct answer: landing gear isn’t about looking “pro.” It’s about protecting the carp. A big net, a proper mat/cradle, and a calm routine reduce damage, prevent dropped fish, and get carp swimming away strong. In warm Michigan summers and rough banks, good fish care is non-negotiable.
If you only improve one thing in your carp fishing this year, improve your landing routine.
Quick Start
Minimum safe setup:
- 42–50″ landing net
- Thick unhooking mat or cradle
- Forceps + cutters (always)
- Weigh sling (if you weigh fish)
- Water for the mat (keep fish wet)
Fast routine:
1) Net → 2) Mat/cradle (wet) → 3) Unhook → 4) Quick photo/weigh if needed → 5) Straight back
Step-by-step: a safe landing routine (every time)
1) Set the area up BEFORE you cast
- Mat/cradle laid out and wet
- Forceps/cutters within reach
- Camera and scales ready if you’ll use them
No scrambling. No “hold on, let me find…”
2) Net the carp calmly
- Lead the fish over the net cord
- Lift only when the fish is properly over the mesh
- If it surges, give line and let it settle
3) Move the fish safely to the mat/cradle
- Keep everything low to the ground
- Support the fish—no dragging across bank/rocks/grass
- Wet fish and mat if needed
4) Unhook properly
- Use forceps
- If the hook is awkward, slow down
- If you ever need to cut, cut the hook, not the fish
5) Photos (keep them quick and low)
- Have the camera ready first
- Lift the fish only when you’re set
- Keep it low over the mat/cradle
- One quick shot is better than ten risky ones
6) Weighing (only if you’re doing it right)
- Wet the sling first
- Zero the scales with the empty sling
- Lift low and steady
- Get the number and put the fish back down
7) Return the carp safely
- Carry the fish in the sling or with two-handed support
- Hold it in the water facing into current/wave push
- Let it kick away strongly—don’t “throw” it back
Do This / Avoid This
Do this
- Keep fish wet and low at all times
- Use a big net and a proper mat/cradle
- Carry cutters for emergencies
- Pre-plan the photo and weigh so the fish is out for seconds, not minutes
Avoid this
- Beaching carp on rocks, riprap, sand, or dry grass
- Standing up holding a big carp high (classic drop risk)
- Long photo sessions in sun/wind
- Weighing without zeroing scales
- Leaving gear behind you and scrambling
Common Mistakes
- Net too small for big fish (folding/banging fish into the frame)
- Mat too thin on gravel/rocks
- Dry mat + dry fish (removes protective slime fast)
- Forgetting cutters (then panicking when you need them)
- Trying to “save time” by skipping the setup step (it never saves time)
Michigan Notes
- Many Michigan banks are rough: rocks, sticks, riprap, sharp debris. A thicker mat or cradle is a real upgrade here.
- Summer heat is the enemy. In July/August, keep handling time as short as possible and get fish back quickly.
- Weed can bring fish in dirty and stressed. Calm handling and a wet mat help a lot.
- If you fish rivers, return fish facing into the current and wait for a strong kick.
FAQ
Do I really need a cradle or thick mat?
If you fish rough banks, yes. A proper unhooking surface prevents damage and reduces drop risk.
What’s the right net size for big carp?
42–50 inch. Big fish + small net = chaos.
How long should a carp be out of the water?
As short as possible. Have everything ready and aim for seconds, not minutes.
Should I weigh every fish?
No. Weighing is optional. If you do it, do it properly with a sling and zeroed scales.
Do I need antiseptic gel for hookholds?
It can be useful. It’s not magic, but treating obvious hook damage is sensible fish care.
Next Steps
- Landing Gear hub: /landing-gear/
- Gear hub: /gear/
- Terminal Tackle hub: /terminal-tackle/
- How to land carp near weed and snags (internal link)
- Weighing carp properly: sling, scales, and quick photos (internal link)