hub style ice houses

[fishane]

Who has experience with these? I have several other flip over style portables which will still be my go-to houses. I am mainly interested in the hub style houses for portability, in that they will fit in a narrow sled that can be pulled easily behind a man on ski's or snowshoes for going into remote lakes. I would be interested in the smallest one made. How much do they weigh, how hard to set up, how hard are they for one man to set up in the wind, etc. I am thinking about day trips into the BWCA for trout and that sort of thing. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions?

[BigWadeS]

I got the Clam Base Camp hub style last year and love it. Very roomy for 2 guys and gear (I am 6'5" 320 and take up some space) with 4 holes also. Very easy to set up and take down, if it is windy I face the door into the wind to hold it up/open until I get all the braces extended. The anchors go in very easy as well. I banked up around the skirting and they stay very warm, nice vent holes and pockets for little things. I purchased some frabill velcro hooks to hang up my ice scoop and such to keep them off the ice as well. I would highly recommend them.

When I was looking at the ice show last winter, I was between the Clam and Eskimo and I felt the Clam had a more durable heavier material and I also felt their pole system seemed more sturdy.

[TiNK3R]

I was just at the thorne bros portable mod get together. I already had a command post (big one from clam) pre-ordered, but never had the chance to actually get in one and SEE it till then.

After seeing it, and talking with the guys about it.. I am VERY excited to test this thing out. I've heard nothing but good reviews.

The new smaller one clam has is also insulated.. VERY nice imo.

[shizzy]

I picked up an Eskimo quick fish 3 last season. I dont have a sled or 4 wheeler so Im stuck pulling my gear by hand. Im also a small guy so weight on the lake and loading in my truck is an issue.

As already stated, anchor one corner if its windy and it will set up just fine. It will never replace a flipover style, but I was looking for portability and the option of including a second person and didnt have cash for both a flip and hub style house.

in reality one could strap the house and hand auger to your back, put your jig cases in your pockets, put your rods and tip ups in a pail and carry your buddy heater in the other hand and have evrything you need.

[NCLaker]

Hub's are awesome for all the reasons mentioned. Needed a shack for 4 plus people last year - picked up a Eskimo QF6. Worked great! Won't replace my flipovers but is a great option when portability is a priority.

[St_Croix_Banks]

Eskimo Quickfish 3 and love it. I can hang lightwight coleman lantern from top hub for lighting, plenty of room for Marcum, heater, minnows, etc.

[fishmon]

I have an Ice Cube which is the same as the Eskimo got it from Sams Club for $69.00 a couple years back it works great when you want to get out on early ice and also for going long distances with the wheeler I put it on the front rack with the auger and you can go anywhere, over gravel blacktop etc..at any speed with no problems. The diadvantage comes when your hole hopping a flipover is much easier/quicker.

[mrpike1973]

just bought a eskimo quick fish were do you guys put your letters on for dnr number i dont want to put holes in it

[NCLaker]

If I remember correctly they give you a pouch w/ a clear window to put that information in. The pouch has a big safty pin on it, it goes in a sewed in wide loop of material on the hub tent. So you should NOT have to put holes in the tent.

[mrpike1973]

thanks nclaker i found it it was in the bottom of the carry bag thanks again

[St_Croix_Banks]

No DNR #'s needed are are there...unless you're leaving up overnight.

[OnAFly]

All fish houses need a DNR# or a drivers license number or a name/address.

Got checked last year with a brand new shelter, was let off by a very nice CO.

You need to get a license/register it if you intend to leave it on the ice unattended overnight.

[McGurk]

No DNR #'s needed are are there...unless you're leaving up overnight.

This is incorrect; ALL houses need some sort of identification on the outside of them, whether it is portable or permanent, long term or short term. It can be a name and address, MN DL #, or MN DNR #, in 2" or larger letters/numbers.

What you won't need is a Fishhouse License on a portable unless it is set up overnight.

Onafly beat me to it!

[Spearing Machine]

I too have the quickfish III. I will be going on my fourth winter with it and I am not talking one time use per winter. I record everyouting and early this winter I will be topping the 200 outing mark with this house. I use it for everything from early ice craappies, to spearing and just as a place to warm up when fishing tip ups. I have put this house through some ultimate tests and it passes with flying colors. 40mph+ on red lake, setting it up at 4:00am in january at -35f, and teh contant wet and dry of the canvas. The one thing I recomend is that after each use you dry it out completly. I think this is what has really helped my preserve this house for so long. I just bring it to the basement and take it out of the bag for a few hours laying next to the wood stove and then its good to go the next day.

[TiNK3R]

Great advice Spearing Machine!

[OnAFly]

Great advice for any portable!

[mrpike1973]

i just got the quick fish 3 when i put the anchors in does it go on the out side of the tent and does it work to put all 4 in then pop it up when its windy thanks

[St_Croix_Banks]

Originally Posted By: St_Croix_Banks

No DNR #'s needed are are there...unless you're leaving up overnight.

This is incorrect; ALL houses need some sort of identification on the outside of them, whether it is portable or permanent, long term or short term. It can be a name and address, MN DL #, or MN DNR #, in 2" or larger letters/numbers.

What you won't need is a Fishhouse License on a portable unless it is set up overnight.

Onafly beat me to it!

Hey Hey now.....take a Gill Pill (I mean chill pill) I thought he was referring to FISHHOUSE LICENSE, which as you indicated is required only on Permanent houses. You are both correct.

[Spearing Machine]

i just got the quick fish 3 when i put the anchors in does it go on the out side of the tent and does it work to put all 4 in then pop it up when its windy thanks

To tell you the complete truth I rarely even use the anchors. Much of the time when i am out and there is little to no wind I just bank it up I like to use the slush from the holes unless its really cold because then the house is froze down hard. I dont even use the side ropes either much of the time but I use them more often then the anchors as the sides tend to pop in when you get a quick gust or a steady breeze. When I do use the anchors I put them on the outside to help strech out the house. Much of the time when it is really windy I am with someone so we double team the house-opn it up then just stake it down. But when I am along I just pop out like one side then stake down thecorner and finish opening it up then put the other corner stakes in as well as the guide rope stakes.

[McGurk]

Hey Hey now.....take a Gill Pill (I mean chill pill)...

I won't settle down until I'm walkin' on water!

Didn't mean to jump your case, it just seems like that gets brought up over and over and everyone has a different "opinion" on what the regs are supposed to mean. Like putting an identifying name/number on a house is such a big inconvenience! Just trying to help out. Besides; you were wrong!

[B-man715]

Who has experience with these? I have several other flip over style portables which will still be my go-to houses. I am mainly interested in the hub style houses for portability, in that they will fit in a narrow sled that can be pulled easily behind a man on ski's or snowshoes for going into remote lakes. I would be interested in the smallest one made. How much do they weigh, how hard to set up, how hard are they for one man to set up in the wind, etc. I am thinking about day trips into the BWCA for trout and that sort of thing. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions?

Buy a hunting blind and pull double duty with it.

Same thing, different color.......

[Spearing Machine]

Buy a hunting blind and pull double duty with it.

Same thing, different color.......

[shizzy]

I usually just anchor 1 corner then open it up. that allows me to get it square and point the door in the proper direction.