Anyone Use the Frabill Hiber-Nets?

[kybasser]

I've not seen one of these in person, only on several TV shows. I love how compact they are with the net collapsed into the metal tube. I've been researching them on the internet. No Gander MTNs or BassPros near by, so I do what I can virtually.

I've found several reviews, some good, some not so good. Seems the "it takes two hands to open" has been the biggest complaint.

Then I went... DUHHHHHH, you guys here have been a great source of information. I thought I'd ask you all.

BTW, yep, they do cost a lot for a net... they must be very proud of them. Also, when looking at the specs on Gander MTN, they did not match up with the specs from BassPro. One reviewer even pointed that out I noticed. So I checked the Frabill website and their specs seemed to match BassPro, but not Gander MTN. So maybe Gander has a specially made model??? I really don't know, but I obviously won't buy one there. I just hate to drive over 2 hours to test out a net, plus I know I'll spend way more on more baits I don't need!!! LOL

All help appreciated!

Danny

[Shawn 202]

I have been using mine for years and love it. It does take two hands to open.

[KY TRITON]

I have one, it is a good net! works as advertised and Always outta the way. My only complaint is the net is not rubber coated, that's why I switched. My new net is rubber coated but not collapsible. If your intrested I have my used hibernet for sale.

[fastr19]

It does take 2 hands to open and is really stiff at first but it gets easier as it is broken in. The net itself does tend to hook a lot of things but I still like it.

[Mickstix]

I love mine. And I proved the other day, it can be opened with 1 hand, while fighting a fish with the other.. Hold the handle between your legs, and with your free hand, slide it open till the tension starts, then slow steady pressure and it pops right open.. The problem (imo) that most have opening it, is they try and "snap" it open.. Aint going to happen.. It's a scissor/mechanical linkage that needs slow steady pressure applied and it'll open up quite easily..

[Gunnar]

I have the original and love it - Have it mounted under the seats - out of the way and easy to get to - A little squirt of WD-40 occasionally helps it slide a little better

[rkabusa]

I threw mine in the lake . -----

[Sharkey]

I like the storage, but it's a 2 hander as said, plus it's heavy. i've never used it to land a fish I was fighting. You don't want to stretch out there w/ one arm and try to haul one in. Just bought a much lighter net last night with the rubber material. I have the benefit of a net storage area in my new rig so that makes the folding benefits mute.

[fastr19]

I have a net in my boat too but it takes a mechanical genius to unfold it. So if I remember the hibernet goes in the boat also. It also has a long handle that is nice even if it is heavy.

[Rstrelec]

I have an S2 Slider and it's a great net but when I saw the Hibernet I was interested because of the stowability. I played with one at Gander the other day. I didn't think it was a bad net. It's a 2 hand net, a little tight but it was new, and it would slide into any rod box or compartment pretty easy. The net isn't coated but that isn't the worst thing in the world. I don't think it is priced bad. $70 at Gander but they had a few others in the $100 range. I am still considering it, but I also came to term that if I used it when fishing by myself, I would have to open it up when I got to my spot so it was ready. If you are looking for a net that doesn't take up much (hardly any) room, it's a decent net. Just my 2 cents after fondling one for ten minutes anyway.

[kybasser]

Thanks for a great review. I currently have what is called a "Great Net". It is a telescoping net that the hoop folds to make it stowable in my rod lockers. I simply hook it over my foot pedal when I am running, which means I open it up a head of time anyway. My only complaint with this net is that any fish over 18 inches is just about too big to net, plus the net itself is very shallow.

Again, thanks, I appreciate the review.

Danny

I have an S2 Slider and it's a great net but when I saw the Hibernet I was interested because of the stowability. I played with one at Gander the other day. I didn't think it was a bad net. It's a 2 hand net, a little tight but it was new, and it would slide into any rod box or compartment pretty easy. The net isn't coated but that isn't the worst thing in the world. I don't think it is priced bad. $70 at Gander but they had a few others in the $100 range. I am still considering it, but I also came to term that if I used it when fishing by myself, I would have to open it up when I got to my spot so it was ready. If you are looking for a net that doesn't take up much (hardly any) room, it's a decent net. Just my 2 cents after fondling one for ten minutes anyway.

[bassnman81]

I threw mine in the lake . -----

I like the way you think,I threw a Diawa reel in the lake once too.