Author Topic: Measuring/Landing Mat - How To Make Your Own (Read 13399 times)

Mangi · « **on:** November 16, 2010, 10:18:45 AM »

We are all part of a public fishing forum and therefore many people will look at the way we handle fish. When it comes to catch and release, we all know that the least amount of direct contact with your fish will ensure a better survival rate. This is where these mats come in handy. You throw a bit of water on it, place the fish ontop, measure, and release. All with minimum contact.

What you will need:

Tarpaulin (Tarp) - Size: 75cm x 60cm

Dowels - 2 x 75cm

Chipboard Nails

Hamer

Contact Glue

Rapid Epoxy (Optional)

Measuring Tape

Aluminium Flat Bar - 80cm in Lenght

Mangi · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:19:29 AM »

Using the Contact Glue, glue the dowels to the ends of the tarp. It will make it easier to roll later.

Mangi · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:20:15 AM »

After the dowles are glued down, roll the tarp over the dowel about four times.

Now take the chipboard nails and knock a few in the lock it into place. I like doing this as it makes the mat even stronger for carrying your catch back to the water.

Mangi · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:20:51 AM »

Next you take your flat bar (80cm) and bend the first 5cm so that it forms a 90 degree angle.

Mangi · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:21:36 AM »

Now glue the flatbar and mat where it will fit. Use the instructions of the Contact Glue. Leave to dry for 15minutes and then glue it in place.

Mangi · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:22:32 AM »

Using a knife, carpet knife, scissors to cut out handles in the tarp.

Mangi · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:23:33 AM »

Once again, using the glue, attach the measuring tape ensuring it sits flush with the flatbar.

Mangi · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:24:59 AM »

Once in place, I put a little bit of Epoxy over the tip of the measuring tape as it usually rusts very quickly.

Mangi · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:26:46 AM »

And here is the finished product ready to measure and release your PB!

REEFMAN · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:33:03 AM »

Awesome post Mangi... thanks for sharing this!

Have some cred.

Tommo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2010, 10:36:37 AM »

Great post Mangi, I am going to follow your instructions and make one!

Kumz · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2010, 11:01:31 AM »

Superb ...

....

for sharing ....

BigG · « **Reply #12 on:** November 16, 2010, 11:06:49 AM »

What a nice post Mangi, inexpensive, nice and easy to roll up and strap to ones tackle bag as well
I really like the idea especially when one is fishing from the rocks, less damaging to the fish

Have some credit mate

WalkersKiller · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2010, 11:46:30 AM »

Awesome stuff Mangi

RusticRainman · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2010, 12:02:34 PM »

Brilliant post

LUPO · « **Reply #15 on:** November 16, 2010, 12:29:05 PM »

Thanks for that post Mangi. I too will make my own.

icstuff · « **Reply #16 on:** November 16, 2010, 02:25:45 PM »

Ultimate guide you have created(clap)
Now for us computer nerd fisherman how easy is it to bent the aluminum bar and how should we approach it?

Mangi · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2010, 02:42:14 PM »

Bending the aluminium bar is by far the trickiest part of the entire operation.

When looking at flatbars, go for a thin bar. 15mm or 10mm. Bends very easy on a kitchen counter or such which has a 90 degree corner.

I used 30mm flat bar for mine, because it was all I could find at the time, but I still got it to bend. Just take it slow and make sure it bends nicely.

Thanks for the replies guys!! Wish I could take credit for the design, but I actually saw one made by Sailfish for the Cape Town guys and decided to make one for myself using a few of my own ideas. I'm glad if I helped a few of you to make your own.

Sailor · « **Reply #18 on:** November 16, 2010, 08:19:46 PM »

Nice post Mangi. Now we all have no reason to keep under size fish. Have some credit.

jaenswart · « **Reply #19 on:** November 16, 2010, 09:39:13 PM »

Ok so I have watched this thread and now I'm gonna listen to my grade 5 math teacher who said "There is no question like a stupid question"

What the hell do you do with that thing. From the name it implies you weight fish but I just cannot get around why something so elaborate? Why not just a scale skip net ??