Unhooking mats have become bigger, thicker and more complicated over the years, but one thing that has genuinely improved fish safety is the move towards high-sided designs.
A decent walled mat gives you far more security when dealing with an energetic carp.
Anyone who has had a fish suddenly kick or roll while unhooking it knows how quickly things can go wrong.
The problem is that not all walled mats are equal.
Some have sides that look impressive in photographs but collapse the moment any pressure is put against them.
Others are incredibly bulky and end up taking up half the car.
For me, the ideal mat needs thick padding, strong sides, a waterproof base and enough room for a large carp without becoming ridiculous to carry.
A retaining flap is useful as well, especially if you are fishing alone and need a few seconds to sort scales or a camera.
Drainage is another underrated feature. Mats that hold a gallon of water after washing become horrible to transport.
I would always prioritise fish safety over saving a bit of space, but there has to be a sensible balance.
What walled mat are you using at the moment?