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Posts: 32
| I am trying to decide which net is better Frabil Power Stow or the Stow Master? And what size is the smallest size I could get away with? (need the folding I don't have much room for a nonfolding one) any help would be great thanks. |
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| Thanks for asking this. I'm very interested in hearing from people who have used these nets, specially people who have used both.
Can I add a question without hijacking the thread: for solo angling, is one of these easier to open/deploy with ONE HAND (if the other is holding a bent over rod for example). Can either be opened with only one hand? |
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Posts: 112
Location: Nielsen's Fly-In Lodge, on Rowan Lake | Well first of all you have to have the net at the ready before the first cast and IMO the stow master is the last net you will ever buy
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I've used both nets a considerable amount and like both of them. I have found no difference in how these two nets deploy. Either one will serve you well, I like Frabill products so I tend to favor them. |
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Posts: 32
| What size do you guys have for those nets? |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | This is the one I have.
http://frabill.com/new-products/open-new/14-x-18-power-stow-net-9.h... |
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Posts: 112
Location: Nielsen's Fly-In Lodge, on Rowan Lake | The one the next size down from the biggest one sorry no model number
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | They should work very similar to each other. From what I understand, Frabill licensed the patent from Stow Master. Seen and held both myself and both were nice nets. I have never used either out on the water though. Still have my Big Kahuna but if that ever goes I will buy one of these for easier storage. |
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Posts: 752
| I have the largest Stow Master and have been using it for three years and its been great. Either will work great but If I had to go again I would still get the Stowemaster since its the origninal.... IN reality if I had a bigger boat I would get the Frabill Big Kahuna.... |
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Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | I've only used the Stowmaster TS116Y & love it. It was cheaper than the Frabil of the same size. Got it on Amazon for @170 w/free shipping.
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| Same net except for the yoke material and warranty.
I got the frabill because of availability (store near where i live) and love it.
It *can* be opened when fishing solo, but i partially deploy mine when fishing that way. When you're fishing solo you don't need the extra room. When you have others in the boat, and you need room, keep it stowed.
Mine is 36 x 38 and i think it's an ideal size. Maybe a little bit, but the next size down is substantially smaller. If you do go down one size, be sure to get the longer bag.
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Posts: 1716
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | I have said, and heard many times, the perfect net is a Stowmaster yoke/hoop/handle with a power catch bag. I have not seen the netting on the new Frabil nets, but it does not look to be the same as the netting on my Kahuna. I do not personally like the netting on the Stowmaster because the mesh size is too small. Baits and fish get tangled in them way too easily. |
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| I have used stowmaster for many years. It can be difficult for some people to deploy. Would suggest that anyone that has not used these that fishes with you be trained on how to stow and deploy before the fishing trip. Several lessons would be recommended. The other problem is the netting. The small mesh is a hook magnet and can result in many time consuming tangles. My recommendation is to replace the netting with a larger mesh bag.
I will always have a stowmaster because it stowed under my deck. A light coat of oil on the handle will make it deploy a little easier.
If you fish alone make sure it is in the open position and ready |
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Posts: 426
Location: Perryville, MO | I too have the largest stowmaster and like it alot. I haven't used the Frabil, but just assume (based on using other Frabil products) that its a great net as well. I fish solo for muskies 95% of the time, but still appreciate the storage advantage.
I'm somewhat embarassed about developing a stupid supersition this year about opening the net before contacting fish. By accident I left the net closed one morning, and I hooked a fish and had to battle both fish and opening my net at the same time. It worked out fine, somewhat unfortunately. Next few outings with the net opened as soon as I got in the boat like usual, I didn't contact any fish. Was thinking about what I had done differently and was laughing to myself about not opening the net. Like a dummy I decided to leave the net closed after getting skunked a couple of times. Wouldn't you know it, two fish boated and several follows. So stupid.
Only reason I tell the story is that you can somewhat effectively open the net one-handed, but its not particularly easy. After the short streak ended I'm back to opening the net as soon as I get on the water. But if I hit a really poor streak, the net will remained closed again until I need it!
BTW, I was unaware about the mesh size being different depending on the size of the hoop, but couldn't be happier with the lack of tangling with the largest net.
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| Thanks for all the feedback, appreciated. |
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Posts: 1023
| I have the stowmaster 116 and like it a lot. The fine mesh does tangle easily - I would say get the frabill if the mesh is bigger. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I'd buy the Frabill, that company is strong and stable as can be and will be there into the future to service your products. |
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| Steve - they're the same product, and the warranty on the stowmaster is WAY better than the frabill anyway.
I own the frabill and love it, but you cheer for your sponsors a little too much :-).
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| They are great nets and I believe they are basically the same (I'm guessing that Frabill makes them under license from stowmaster)
As others have mentioned make sure the netman knows how to use it prior to the fight |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Guest - 12/6/2011 7:32 PM
Steve - they're the same product, and the warranty on the stowmaster is WAY better than the frabill anyway.
I own the frabill and love it, but you cheer for your sponsors a little too much :-).
That wasn't the point. Frabill will be there, fully staffed and ready to cover your warranty issues should you have any, long into the future. I am extremely familiar with the Stowmaster, and know the founder really well. A good friend of mine worked there for quite some time as well, in fact, I talked Matt into hiring him. |
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Frabil Power Stow vs. Stow Master