Article by Larry Jock
Frabill Hyber-Net XL
Early in 2010, Frabill introduced the Hiber-Net, a retractable fishing net designed to “stow like a broomstick and deploy as easily as an umbrella”. During the summer we tested the product and loved it, but worried that the net wasn’t strong enough to handle larger inshore species and opening the net would be hard for young anglers.
Well, Frabill must have heard this concern from others because they just introduced the Hiber-Net XL, a beefier cousin of the original Hiber-Net that seems easier to open.
Like the original, the Hiber-Net XL is opened by sliding the rubber grip forward until the net emerges from the handle and locks into position. Pull the handle back and the net retracts back inside the handle. Ingenious!
The triangular knotless poly mesh netting on the new Hiber-Net XL is 31 by 27-inches and 32-inches deep. The handle was also extended to 72-inches from 52.5-inches on the original model.
The handle and hoop frames are made from heavy, extruded aluminum and the Slide Grip uses fiberglass springs. The company claims that there is no tension when the net is retracted.
This is the rare case where a company took a very good product and made it better. Hats off to Frabill for their new Hiber-Net XL.
Coleman GolfCat Catalytic Propane Heater
Being a striper fishing fanatic has it’s pluses and minuses. Having to fish in very cold weather is definitely a minus, but I recently found a product that makes it much more bearable. The Coleman GolfCat Catalytic Propane Heater is just that product.
The Coleman company has been around since 1905 has is known for innovative products that are very well made.
The GolfCat heater, as the name implies, was designed to fit in the cup holder of a golf cart, to keep golfers warm in the early spring and late fall months. The heater has 3,000 BTU output and will operate for up to 7 hours on a single 16.4 oz. propane cylinder ($3.00 at Walmart). The GolfCat comes with a battery powered InstaStart ignition for easy lighting, a metal stand for use on flat surfaces and a carrying case that will also tote a couple of propane cylindars.
I purchased the heater for use in the enclosed helm of my 27-foot World Cat. I tested it out the other day and it took my helm from 33-degrees to 49-degrees in 30 minutes. which would definitely make the trip out to the fishing grounds more comfortable.
The heater retails for $86 and can be ordered through your favorite tackle shop or online at coleman.com.
Shimano Tekota 600LC
When it comes to fishing for stripers, I love to liveline eels but I will troll if it is absolutely necessary. One challenge that comes with trolling is setting your lines so they won’t get tangled, especially when making turns.
To dramatically reduce the chance of this happening, I purchased four Shimano Tekota 600LC reels. The Shimano Tekota comes in 2 models with the “LC” obviously being their line counter model. This completely takes the guess work out of setting your lines. Sure, you can count the number of times your level wind moves across the spool, but it is a lot easier to read the line counter.
The Tekota has a diecast aluminum frame, aluminum spool and rod clamp, anti-rust bearings, dartainium drag, counter balanced handles, a non-disengaging levelwind system, a Super Stopper system that eliminates backplay and is rated for use with mono, fluorocarbon and and braided lines.
I found that the Tekota 600LC is a great rod for trolling, with a line capacity of 240 yards of 25 lb. mono or 510 yards of 50 lb. braided line. It has a maximum drag of 18 lbs. and a gear ratio of 4.2 to 1.
A few of my friends have also purchased the Tekota 600LC and share the same feelings I have towards the reel. It is well made and makes the trolling experience more enjoyable. The Tekota 600LC retails for around $190 and can be found in the majority of local tackle shops.
G. Loomis NRX Saltwater Fly Rods
Every summer, the top fishing tackle manufacturers gather in Las Vegas at the ICAST convention to display their products and vie for the coveted “Best In Show” award for the top fishing related product at the show.
In 2010, G. Loomis won the honor with their new NRX fishing rods. The rods come in two models, one targeted towards fresh water fishing and the other for fly-fishermen.
The 4-piece NRX Saltwater Fly Rods come in 6 models, all 9-feet in length and in line weights ranging from 7-weight to 12 weight.
According to the company, the rods are made by “utilizing a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin systems... making the rods lighter, yet more durable, extremely sensitive and yet stiffer.” The new material makes the NRX rods 15% lighter than G. Loomis’ GLX rods. All of the NRX rods feature black Ion coated REC Recoil guides, custom reel seats with no exposed threads and grips that feature the G. Loomis “HD cork” design where the cork transitions to provide more sensitivity and durability where needed.
The rods are far from cheap, with a suggested MSRP ranging from $750 to $855.
Suffix 832 Advanced Superline
After 6-years in development, Suffix, in partnership with GORE, the makers of GORE-TEX®, created the Suffix 832 Advanced Superline and won “Best Fishing Line” honors at the 2010 ICAST show.
According to the company, Suffix 832 is made up of three technology features. The first is Dyneema® fibers which contribute to the lines small diameter, high sensitivity and strength of the fishing line. The GORE Performance Fibers add improved abrasion resistance, noise and vibration reduction along with improved casting length and accuracy. The R8 Precision Braiding and fiber technology adds strength, roundness and line consistency. Using GORE’s rope testing technology, the Advanced Superline retained 95 percent of it’s rated strength.
The line comes in two colors, Lo-Vis Green and Neon Lime and is available in 150, 300 and 600 yard spools. Line weights vary from 6 lb. test up to 80 lb. test with equivalent monofilament diameters from 2 lb. test to 20 lb. test. The 150 yard spool retail for $19.99 while the 300 and 600 yard spools have an MSRP of $34.99 and $59.99 respectively.
Shimano Trinidad A
The winner in the “Best Saltwater Reel” category was won by Shimano with their redesigned Trinidad A conventional reel.
The silver, outside shell of the Trinidad A is made of ultra-lightweight cold forged aluminum and the spool is constructed from Magnumlite. It also features a new Dartainium II woven carbon fiber drag for high pressure and durability, E.I. Surface Treatment for extreme corrosion protection, manual metal clutch lever with corrosion protection pad, adjustable handle shank and a white lightweight ergonomic handle knob (who puts a white knob on a fishing reel??).
The reel comes in 7 different star-drag models with maximum drags ranging from 17 to 25 lbs., and gear ratios of 6.2:1 or 6.3:1. resulting in line retrieve per crank of 38 to 46 inches.
The Shimano Trinidad A reel has an MSRP from $450 to $500. Check with your favorite tackle shop for availability.
Frabill FXE Stormsuit
The winner in the “Best Apparel” category was the Frabill FXE?Stormsuit. Although it is pricey, with an MSRP of $209 for the jacket and $219 for the bibs, both sport some really nice features.
The jacket features:
•Rugged, waterproof, windproof, breathable oxford nylon shell, 100% seam sealed, treated with DuPont™ Teflon® fabric protector.
•Articulated sleeves for ease of movement.
•Dolphin Skin wrist enclosures with internal and external hook-and-loop cinch stops water from running down arms.
•4-way adjustable, vented hood and oversized chin flaps lock hood in place at high speeds.
•Water-resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers plus internal Dolphin Skin barrier keep water out.
•Parka length plus drop back design, internal cord lock adjusters.
•2 large internal Lycra pockets stretch to store gear.
•Internal sunglasses pocket and attached sunglasses towel.
The bib features:
•Wear areas reinforced with rugged 500 denier nylon.
•Leak-proof seat design.
•Bunker gear style bib straps, fully elastic with cam buckles.
•Fully adjustable waist cinch design with internal elastic.
•Extended length leg zippers with Dolphin Skin backing to keep water out.
•Side zippers provide access to pockets and serve as vents to regulate body temperature.
•Articulated knees with internal 3mm neoprene padding.
•Waterproof “Spillway” crotch design so you don’t have to take the bib off when you need a “pit stop”.
•Fully adjustable pant cuffs.
Both the jacket and the bib are available in regular and big & tall sizes. They also come in two colors, terra (shown) and russett.
As always, check with your local tackle shop for any of these products.
