Kids in a portable?

[sparetime]

Last year I took my kids out in a Clam 5600 suitcase style shack. It’s the older version, but overall not much different size wise than the newer models. The kids are 6 and 5, and the shack seemed to work ok. It was a little cramped, I had them sit on one side and I sat on the other, the ridge didn’t allow me to sit between them, which would be nice for helping bait hooks, reel in fish, keep the peace, etc.

I was thinking of getting a larger flip over with a bench seat, but I am a little more concerned with having the holes between the seat and the door. I don’t know if a leg going in a hole is more of a risk in the flip over style vs. the suitcase style or not. The bench seat would allow me to sit between them.

Anyone else taking younger kids out in a portable? What works for you?

[DaSwede]

I have a Yukon that I take my two boys out in. I put a 5 gallon bucket (with seat fusion) between the two swivel seats. Never had much trouble with the holes being in the way. Not sure what size auger you use, but mine is an 8 inch. I also don't let them get up and go out 50 times while we are fishing. Had more problems with them stepping in older holes left by others than the ones in the shack.

It's a little tight. The biggest problem is when someone catches a fish, the lines tend to get tangled. Other than that, it works pretty well.

[pushbutton]

I got a hub, the open floor plan allows for the best positioning of the holes, heater, and him. Not the best durability/warmth wise and a pain on windy days, but also have a perm. and just use the porty for short trips from there. As, with anything there is always a trade off. My gut tells me the bench would be better, have had a few trips cut short by Jr. stepping in the hole, but part of fishing with kids Like DaSwede mentioned, just use a smaller bit. With two of them, good luck and have fun

[mnguy152]

think it depends on the kids mine do fine in my yukon. just got to limit the in and out

[Random guy]

When I take kids out I use the bigger Otter with the bench seat. Nice thing with the Otter is the storm flap lets me just flip it up to let them out the without stepping over the holes or heater and I just flip it back down once back in. No need for banking. If you just put in the back support the Otter will stay open at half mast allowing you to just give it a flip and not worry about it.

[Moose]

I have a Trap Voyager and haven't had a problem with stepping in the holes. I have three boat seats in it and the way the door works you can zip it from either side. I use 8" holes and we drill 3 1 for each of us. The only complaint I have is loading it into the truck. I'm 6'3" and work for a living and had a hard time loading it until the boys got big enough to help. Now their getting to big to go (to many other things going and graduating) and I'm trying to load it myself again and getting older. I do like that there is a bar above where my heater sits to shove wet gloves and mittens to dry them.

[Larry3760]

We started with the 5600 last year and worked but little cramped, then we bought a clam sleeper which is very much like the 5600 only its a 8x8 and looks like a coffin when folded up, worked great for 3 or 4 kids/people

[Acemac]

get one with the rear spearing door.

[Matt Johnson]

My son and I have been using the Clam Command Post Thermal the last couple years and it's by far the most cost-productive option I've come across ($449 is tough to beat!)...

We have a TON of room for fishing and other activities. I've even had 6 people in there fishing comfortably. My brother-in-law brings his two boys all the time and we have a blast fishing inside of it! Very warm and easy to set up. We put a couple of the Hub Wall Shelves up to store misc items and life is good

It's a full-thermal option that is 6x12 once setup. Two zipper doors makes for easy access no matter where people are fishing (I zip it shut from the bottom up and throw the boys on one side that way they can't run out ). We've learned in recent years that sometimes half of the shelter is designated to "play area" instead of fishing... this allows the adults more time to fish (we also don't punch holes is the "play area" so that no one gets wet ).

A lot of reasons to go with the Clam Command Post Thermal and for the person looking to house a group of people--or just a play area--then this is an excellent option!

[mr.z 1972]

I use a 2 x 8 plank on a couple of 5 gal buckets to make a bench that fits over the center hinge. Works good for us.

[Jim Uran]

Ive had good times in my Team Wild 3 by Otter! The bench is big enough for you and your kids, the price is great and the quality is unmatched!