Article by Larry Jock
A couple of weeks ago I received the new Hiber-Net from Frabill, a company that has been producing fishing gear for over 70 years.
This concept behind the net is very unique. The main selling feature is that the net retracts into the handle, making for easy portability and storage. The handle, which is 52.5-inches long, can easily fit into a storage locker or rod holder.
To open the net, all you need to do is slide the rubber grip forward and the net emerges from the handle and locks into position. Slide the grip back towards the handle and the net disappears. It’s that simple.
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, so it never wears out. The entire net is corrosion resistant, with aluminum and stainless steel hardware throughout.
The netting is a black, knotless poly mesh, triangular in shape, 24 by 26-inches by 24-inches deep.
I asked Capt. Nick Clemente and Mate Tyler Hasenei on the “Get Sum” to put this net to the test, and it came back with flying colors. They loved the net, especially its ability to retract into the handle. Capt. Nick said that this feature made it very easy to store and since the net was retracted into the handle, hooks and rods couldn’t get snagged while the net was in the rod holder.
The only concern from both Capt. Nick and Tyler was that opening the net requires some strength. Both doubted that a child angler would have enough strength to open the net fully. The last inch, where the net locks into place requires a good push. However, we found that lubricating the hinges with WD-40 made the process significantly easier.
Other than that, both said that they would love to have the Hiber-Net on the boat everyday.
The net retails for $79.99 and probably isn’t in local tackle shops at the moment. However, check with your favorite tackle shop to see if they have one in stock. If they don’t, one can easily be ordered for you.
