2 person pop up fishhouse

[ds5688]

I`m looking to get a 2 person pop up ice shelter to transport in a bag. Any recomendations on brand/models or what to look for?

Thanks!

[Cicada]

Not so much a recommendation as much as things you want to consider. How much room would you like to have? I have a Quik Fish 6. You are supposed to be able to fish with six guys in that thing. You'd have to like them a lot because you will be very close. In reality, I like it because I can fish with ONE other person and have room for all my stuff, a small table, and you can place the heater so both are comfortable and not getting burned.

I don't like the storage bag that came with it. Spend a day on the ice and you will get condensation on the inside together with the ice and/ or snow that you have around the perimeter to hold it down and it won't go back into the bag easily. I carry a large Velcro strap to bunch it up and a ratchet strap to hold it in my pickup until I can get it home and thaw it out. I don't know if other brands have a roomier storage system. At the end of the day, I would like to take it down and not have to struggle getting it back into the storage bag.

How cold will you try to fish? When it's 0° or colder, it takes a double sunflower heater to keep it real comfortable. I can get only about two full days on a 20lb propane tank when it's that cold. Mine is not insulated, so that could make a big difference.

It is very easy to set up. I can get it out of the bag and put up in less than two minutes. If there is any wind, I'll put one of the screw anchors in my pocket, so I have it ready when the thing goes up. They are very light and it doesn't take much wind to set sail.

For the money I paid, it was worth the investment. It fits my needs and wants. I will be the first to admit there are things I wish they had done a little differently, but overall I like the thing.

[Naturboy]

Yep, pretty much a 2 man is good for 1, 4 man for 2, need I say more about size? I thought I saw one for sale that had 2 doors that would be nice, but when you put any gear in one to fish they get cramped. I fished my 2 man with a friend when I first got it but was pretty tight. If you plan on fishing with some(ONE) else get the 4 man. If you fish with kids get the biggest one you can.

[RuKiddingMe]

The smallest I'd want to fish 2 guys out of would be the Eskimo 949i - my buddy has one and it's not too bad - but I recently got a Clam Bigfoot XL4000T and for 2 guys it's perfect in my mind you be bumping into each other and plenty of room for your "stuff".

I highly recommend a thermal hub.

[ds5688]

Hey thanks for all the replies! I will be using the house for one or two people. I was looking at the quickfish 2, but sounds like that may be too small. I also noticed the clam vista on sale which is a bit bigger. Anyone have one of those. How big of heater would I need. Usually dont fish when its below zero.

[walleyeking19]

Get one thats insulated. It may be a little more expensive up front, but it will make it a lot more enjoyable in the long run.

[ds5688]

I also noticed the descriptions talking about denier. How high should that be?

[RuKiddingMe]

I use a Mr Heater Buddy in my Clam Bigfoot 4000T - and it does just fine warming up the shack - the Big buddy would be better obviously - but it is BIG and not something I wanted to add size wise.

[Thorney]

I have a quickfish 2 and a clam 6 pack. Wouldn't even consider putting two people in the quickfish 2. The clam six pack is good for 3 or 4 max. I agree with the statement that you fish half the people in a hub that it is rated for. Also, on a side note, get two smaller heaters so if one fails, you still have some heat even if its a little colder than you might want.

[minky]

Good advice!

I like my quickfish2 but it is a little tight for 2 people.

I would also buy the insulted house if had to do again.

[eyeguy 54]

my eskimo quickfish 3 has served me well. set it up twice today. 2 guys on buckets can do 4 holes just fine if 4 are needed. 2 guys on chairs 2 holes is better. buddy heater works dandy. not windy and above zero it is fine. on high my 10 pounder will do about 10-12 hours. 20-30 degrees and low works good. had to shut it off a couple times today. the house is great but not the best if hole hopping in the cold and wind. I tied 4 3/8 inch ropes for the tie down, got rid of the little ones. Usually only need to use 2 with the door on the downwind side, but if it switches the others can come in handy. The screws with the eskimo are really nice and easy to get anchored. If I ever upgrade I would get an insulated one but I don't go much when really cold. I use the bag in the summer for storage. 2 bungie cords works great and I don't have the hassle of putting it back in the bag each outing.

[JayDeHay]

Get one that has 2 doors! I have an Eastman Ice Cube 2, non-insulated, and i have fished 3 people in it but it was very.... cozy lol. I fish 2 people comfortably fairly often, with a Buddy heater, minnow bucket, Vexilar, tackle bag, and rod case. The hub is 58"x58". The only problem is that the person sitting farthest from the door has a hard time getting to the door.

[ds5688]

I'm leaning towards the Eskimo Quickfish 3 insulated model. What's the lowest price you can get these for?

[eyeguy 54]

too much

[eyeguy 54]

hmmm? clam has 2 doors and 2 inches bigger. I think I would look for one of these if I was replacing mine.

[hamms-scooter]

I'm leaning towards the Eskimo Quickfish 3 insulated model. What's the lowest price you can get these for?

$219 at L and M fleet supply. Free shipping. I also was looking at one of those. The insulated canvas will last much longer too.