Frabill Hibernet

[boec0020]

I got one for x-mas and I have just got around to start playing with it. I like the idea of storing it in a rod locker when not in use and the construction seems great, however it seems that the net would be hard to deploy if you were fishing alone. For those that have one: does it loosen up with use and does the netting hold up from opening and closing?

[Northlander]

My question is how are they in the cold?

[Ed Carlson]

Very handy net.

A Tip for you is add a few drops or good reel oil to the slide and on the lock so it deploys and locks easier, as they tend to be a bit tight at first.

Leaving it in the open position for a day also makes the mechanism perform better.

Great space saver in the boat, traps fish well, a very good net system overall.

[Northlander]

So Ed how are they in the cold? Especially after getting wet. I would be worried that they would freeze closed.

[Ed Carlson]

I have not seen that concern pop up personally, or caught any of the field tests reporting it freezing up. Yet in real cold icy conditions I can see ice being a concern, and easily see your point.

In very early and late season use I would give it a shot of the old PAM or Ardent Line Butter, that should keep the icing at bay and allow the Frabill Hibernet to Lock-N-Load.

Likely be wise to keep it in an upright position to drain well in freezing conditions too, or open and locked and loaded ready for action, if it drains it should be fine. Smaller ice beads should shatter off the aluminum very easily.

That is a good point of concern and I would like to hear any feedback on this if it does pop up in the field guys/gals.

[JohnMickish]

I would think that if you are worried about not being able to open it when alone or cold, just leave it open. It's not going to take up any more room than any other net when open.

[Ed Carlson]

That's my think'n as well. If alone I will not have two hands free when I need to deploy it, so I would likely have it open and ready for action non the less.

Yet, the concern on icing is a good question, and well worth being voiced.

[JohnMickish]

I have played with them in the store, not in real life. I think that if I where fishing where icing was going to be an issue that would not be my primary net but it would make an awsome backup net that takes up very little storage space. I would also think that if it was iced up in the morning, one dip in the lake should clear the ice to open it, then keep it open for the day.

[Carpenter]

Haven't had a chance to touch and feel yet. Are they sturdy? I looked at a different one (I think) last year and it didn't seem like I could bring in a decent sized fish without it breaking by the net. Not talking ski's but eyes and nort's for sure. What do you think?

[Palerider77]

I have one and have had to find and deploy it while wrestling a 10 lb carp that wanted nothing to do with the boat, worked great! Also I really like that it is out of the way when stowed. It fits great in a side locker and functions really well. I would recommend them to anyone.

[riverview]

I bought a hibernet and i am sorry to say It is going back. The net slides around anf gets tight on one side and it wont deploy or stow. A buddy and i were out on saturday and caught 10 walleys and the net wouldnt deploy. we were laughing our a$$ off. and he is the one that talked me into it.

[Palerider77]

Update on my hibernet: I found out this weekend that if you are fishing with your not so mechanically inclined inlaws it is best to leave the net deployed while fishing and for all of the same reasons, stowed while underway. Many a good laugh had trying to explain the worlds simplest device while fighting with a 3 pound smallmouth on the line. Thank goodness for spiderwire.

[knotworking]

Does the Hibernet fit in a standard rod holder? How does the Lasso Net stack up against it?

[riverview]

The net end slides into a rod holder but not the handle end.