advice on one man portable

[sticky_nuglets]

looking to purchase a one man portable, would like to hear any rants or raves

[ozzie]

I purchased a fish trap pro last year and aside from putting it together is is awesome!! easy to move yet comfortble and big enough to drill 2 10inch holes vexilar and heater all on the floor with room for your feet..... For a one man I wouldn't go any other way

[sticky_nuglets]

thanks for the advice ozzie, hopefully i can find a cheap used

one, otherwise i'll just have to bite the bullet and buy a new one

[hanson]

Hey sticky-

I think you are going to get a lot of opinions on this topic.

I have an Otter Den 1 man house. Its awesome!

How do you intend to use your house? What I mean is are you going to pull the house on the ice by hand, with a 4 wheeler or sled, or just drop it off the back of your truck when on the ice. I ask this because most people will bring up the issue of weight. The Otter house is a little heavier than the Fish Traps but they are also heavier duty. But honestly, weight isn't that much of a concern for me in a 1 man house.

A lot of people are going to say Otter and a lot will say Fish Trap. Maybe its because some people prefer blue houses over purple or green??

I would also take a serious look at Polar Sports houses. They are in the same class as Otter's are in reqards to durability and quality.

[vexilar65]

Like the one guy said, you will get a lot of opinions on this issue. I personally have a Fish Trap Scout. I think it's just on the small side, so i would go with the Pro. I have been in them, and they are perfect for one person. Both Fish Trap and Otter have their qualities. The Fish Trap company i think makes a better canvas, and their customer relations is great if you have to contact them about something. One thing about Otter i like better, is there sleds for the fish houses are WAY better. They are stronger, more durable, and thicker, which makes them last longer than the Fish Trap. For instance, my sled on the fish trap is already getting holes on the skids, and i have only had it 2 years. With the otter sled, you dont have to add skids, like the Fish Trap trys selling seperatly. In other words, the choice to purchase a one man ice house is your own preference, but i would look around and see which one you like the best, and will fit your style of fishing. Just keep the lines wet!

[Matt Johnson]

The Fish Trap Pro is a nice one-man fish house, I'm not going to argue that. I used one for a couple seasons until I switched over to the Otter Small Cottage. The Otter is a little more durable in my opinion and can take a beating. All the components are just as good as the Fish Trap Pro, but the beefed up sled is what sold me. I've gone through a few sleds with my old Fish Traps, but with Otter I've never had a problem. Some years there's not any snow during early ice and I have to drag the sled through the woods and gravel/rocks to get to some spots, and that calls for a tough sled. The Otter sled excels in situations like this in my opinion, as does Polar Sport.

However, Eskimo, Frabill, Fish Trap... all make nice fish houses as well. A lot of options out there for ice anglers.

I run with an Otter Small Cottage when I'm going solo. The Otter Small Den is another option, which is a little smaller...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Northlander]

Myself I would go Otter or Polar Sport for the reasons Matt listed. Im 6"6" so a 1 man isnt a option for me. I usually go with a 2 man and its a nice roomy 1 man for me.

I now have a Otter Lodge and love it. Tons of room for 2 of the biggest guys and all their gear.

If your ever going to maybe pull your house with a wheeler or snowmobile go Otter or Polar Sport for sure!

[icepike]

for myself weight in a one portable was a big issue.i choosed the frabill ultralite.weights around 20 lbs and fits perfect into my truck..they are however a little flimsy but for me defintly serves the purpose of keeping the wind off of me.

[bigswede]

I'm gonna have to agree with Northlander on this one also. I'd go with the Otter Lodge. I am also big, 6'7" and over 3 bills, and even if I'm by myself it is nice to have the extra room to move around in or not be bumping into things.

[Dan Brelje]

If you are looking for a portable, no choice will be a bad one. As for durability, i would have to say that otter and eskimo make the best sleds on the market. I believe the sleds on the larger eskimos are the toughest on the market. if you are looking for a 1 man sled, the otter would be the best choice in my opinion. Or, if you are a poor college student like myself and just want something to do the job, go with anything you find a deal on. i have a fish trap guide and can't complain. have fun shopping, and good luck.

[gvg_uwec]

i agree with dan, if you on a tighter budget like us college boys, about anything will do. for example i have a frabil xltwin and because everyone was saying that the bottoms of the non-otter sleds wear out really fast, i took some old downhill skis and glued them to the bottom of my runners(perfect width) and now i have no worries about wearing out the skids on my tub and i save a lot of money, bottom line, look for features that you likein your budget that you have and you will be pretty darn happy with your purchase in most cases.

[Northlander]

Another thing is make sure you get the Hyfax runners for your sled if you will be pulling with a ATV or snowmobile. Even if you will be pulling threw a rocky parking lot etc. You can finf Hyfax at Plastics companies. They usually have scrap that they sell cheap and you just cut it in strips. I got enough for 6 houses for way less than a tub costs.