I'm wondering if anyone has tried replacing the crappy net that comes on the Frabill folding net with a better net that will not eat hooks so readily? I've been checking the web, but haven't found any example of someone doing this mod. I like the folding part, but digging your hooks out of that mesh is a PITA.

I was looking into getting a net from a Solvkroken as it looks like it would be a direct swap, but I can't find any info on where to get a replacement net.

I'm wondering if a net from a hoop style landing net would work. I don't see why it wouldn't as long as it is a large enough opening and deep enough. Am I missing something?

I have a Frabill Power Stow that I'm considering bringing instead of the foldable because of the better net quality and ease of use, but it is over 3x the weight and size when folded...not sure it's worth it.

I'm not looking for a debate on to use or not to use a net. I use one for larger fish, but I don't fault others that don't. To each their own.

RW

Oh crap- just got one of these for my June trip. Are they that bad?

It is difficult to get hooks out of the net -- but after our last trip to Quetico and using hooks that have had the barbs pinched down, it is much easier. We are going to continue to pinch our barbs even when fishing south of the border.

I used the net one year and had the same experience. The next year I replaced it with a rubberized net from Frabil. It works just fine. I think it was $10-12.

Yep same experience. I replaced it with a hoop net. The typical nylon one. The hooks don't snag up nearly as much.

If you have a bait with two trebles, you'll have a hard time. Crimp down the barbs on everything else and you should be fine. Keep the rod tip up and the bait shouldn't become tangled in the net.

Or maybe I'm missing something and the Frabill net is truly crappy.

I just bought one for our June trip and have already used it for walleyes off the dock near home. It wasn't a problem with a jig but I'm glad I read this thread. Now I will hold off using it on lures with trebles unless it's a fish of a lifetime.....

So jerryr and Prthd69, you both replaced just the net on the foldable Frabill, and use it with no issues now? If so, do you happen to remember what size replacement net you used?

RW

quote : "Oh crap- just got one of these for my June trip. Are they that bad?"

No they are not. The net is a fine mesh that the hooks easily sink into/through. Getting barbs to back out of the mesh is next to impossible. Your choice is to either go barbless, or to cut the net to remove them. I like my barbs, so I just cut it. For the $15, it is probably the best canoeing net for the price, and you can replace it every year if you want to. The holes in the net are small, so even cutting through a few connectors won't allow a fish to get through. I'm just looking for a little less headache.

Limit your chances of getting hooks tangled by only using on fish with single hooks, or just on big fish. The net can handle quite a bit. I brought in my 9 pound walleye with that net. I just got him in head first, then lifted with on hand on the handle and the other on the far side of the net.

-RW

quote saltdog: "It is difficult to get hooks out of the net -- but after our last trip to Quetico and using hooks that have had the barbs pinched down, it is much easier. We are going to continue to pinch our barbs even when fishing south of the border."

I agree going barbless is the way to go. Benefits include; easier to release unwanted fish, easier to release unwanted anglers, easier to remove from the net, easier to untangle from the over loaded tackle tray,,,,,,,,,, are you seeing a pattern here?

Try it, you'll like it.

The mesh on this net is terrible. Just replace the netting and it will work fine. The mesh that comes with this net is not something you want to get a hook into! I cut all my hooks out until it would no longer hold fish. :)

It's still puzzles me why a company that specializes in making nets...would still be producing a product like this.

Magic

quote RackWrangler: "So jerryr and Prthd69, you both replaced just the net on the foldable Frabill, and use it with no issues now? If so, do you happen to remember what size replacement net you used?


RW"

I can't remember exactly. If I remember right it was an inch or so bigger. 20"? Sorry.

Yes. After I first used it, I had to cut out the hooks and the net was a mess. I swapped it out for a rubber coated net. No more problems!

quote RackWrangler: "So jerryr and Prthd69, you both replaced just the net on the foldable Frabill, and use it with no issues now? If so, do you happen to remember what size replacement net you used?


RW"

I think you can put just about any sized net on this. I went with a little deeper one to handle a larger pike...if needed.

Magic

Thanks for the help guys. I bought a net for a 17 x 19 hoop and it fit easily. Also, like Magic just mentioned, the net is about twice as deep, so bigger fish will easily fit.

-RW

Promar nets

I had the same issue and found these. Promar collapsible nets have fixed my issues, haven't gotten a hook stuck since. Rubberized and small, lightweight package.

I get mine at JAX outdoors here in Ames, IA but I am sure they are available elsewhere too.

Just got back from a business trip so I'm glad you figured out the size to use. That is what I used and have had zero problems with it and it was easy to replace too.

One other point, but the Promar nets are under $20, typically $15-17 so why spend your time on renetting your Frabil when you can replace it with a better product for the same money?

Yeah, I was looking at them when I was looking for solutions. The Promar folding net description says it has a "Knotless Catch & Release Nylon Mesh". Isn't that the same crap that I just replaced? The photo looks exactly like the netting on the Frabill. I've never handled one, so all I could go off of was the description and photo.

If it is rubberized, then it is a fantastic deal.

-RW

I had a cloth net and had nothing but problems. Purchased a promar and was happy with it.

quote RackWrangler: "Yeah, I was looking at them when I was looking for solutions. The Promar folding net description says it has a "Knotless Catch & Release Nylon Mesh". Isn't that the same crap that I just replaced? The photo looks exactly like the netting on the Frabill. I've never handled one, so all I could go off of was the description and photo.


If it is rubberized, then it is a fantastic deal.


-RW"

In our group we have three of the Promar's and they are rubberized. Buddy had the Frabil and after fighting his during our first trip last year got one of the Promar's as soon as he got home.