Couple questions

[UMDDogs]

I found the Clam 2000 for 199.99 seems like a good price. Are these pretty well built and do they have a good reputation?

Also I am looking for a portable handheld depth finder to use ice fishing. Can't afford a vexilar. Is the Hawkeye one good? If not does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jeff Bulau

[only ice]

SUP DAWG!! The clam 2000 is not a bad price. There isnt a bad house I dont think! They all have there goods and bads about them. I have a vex so cant help you there! Good luck!

[Captain B.R.K]

I think that is a fair price for the Clam 2000, but let me throw a few questions back in your court:

1. How many people are you planning on fishing with from time to time?

2. How portable do you want to be?

3. With #2, how much hassle do you want to deal with setting up a house? (Portability issue)

There are a couple other options out there for you to take a look at it. The Clam 2000 is a nice option, but isn't practical for bigger/taller guys. It weights 45 pounds, so pulling it isn't a issue. But putting it up and taking it down is a pain. But if you are looking for a 2 man house, then this is probably the best option on the market.

I would stir you into a one man shelter if you plan to fish mainly by yourself. Save yourself hassel in putting up a Clam 2000 if it's just you on the ice. A Fishtrap Scout or the Frabill Ranger Solo. Great little houses that are easy to break down, come with comfortable sitting and make you more portable! Both options will be right around $199, probably closer to $220. Definately worth spending a few more dollars on something like this.

As for a depthfinder, I am unfamiliar with the Hawkeye product you mentioned about. However if you are looking for a handle held unit, I would definately take a look at Marcum's LX-i Hand Held Sonar.

You can't beat Marcum's technology and customer service. I can guarentee you can't beat their service and quality.

But if you can spare some extra money, I would definately take a look at a flasher, Vexilar's or Marcum's line of products. If you are on the ice quite a bit during the year, this piece of equipment will make your life easier and will allow you to catch more fish!!

IT will actually make ice fishing that more enjoyable...I'm serious

[H20fowlr]

Captain, good reply. The only other thing I would add is that as far as depthfinder/flasher there are other options. The Zercom Clearwater Classic set up for ice fishing is pretty durable and they can be found in good shape for a decent price. They are easy to use and work well for new users as well as experienced fishermen. I actually use one for friends and new people I bring into the sport. My LX-5 can be a bit much for people getting used to flashers. Just my$.02

[YakHead]

If you are going to spend 199 for a fishhouse and 60-100 for a handheld look at getting a used fishhouse. I bought my first scout(which I still have) for $75 and just a week ago bought a clam 460 (like the clam 2000 but 6' in the center) for $100. Yah the scout was a little beat up but the 460 looked like it was out of the box. Look on the for sale forums to find used fishhouses and then look for a used vex. Sometimes FL8's will be 150-200 dollars and then a used fishhouse and that is what you would pay for a new 2000 and a handheld.

My .02

[crappie_fisher]

I agree with the idea of him getting a used house and a used Vex. Fishing with a Vex is a lot better then fishing without it. I go crazy now if I don't have mine or one to use when I'm out fishing. I just saw in a local paper a couple of used Vex's for sale one was $75 but didn't say what model and the other said it was a FL-8 for $150. I don't know if these are still available but if someone would like the numbers I could find the paper and forward them. The reason I haven't called is I already have a FL-18 and can't convince the wife I need an extra.

[lunker651]

I have the clam 2000 and it has been great for me not a problem setting it up and taking it down. If you are moveing around you don't have to take it down, just leave it up and pull it around with you. It's very light so pulling it with you shouldn't be a problem. If you are a big guy I really wouldn't recommend this for you, the 5600 would be better. If you are getting the clam 2000, get the new ones that just came out this year, one with the dome roof.

Strike master polor vision is a great and accurate hand held depth finder for $99.00 and it will show a fish, if there are fishes in your hole. That is what I've been using this year and it's been great for me so if you do get these items, I think you will be happy with them too.

[jdubbs31]

UMD Dogs,

I think you'll be happy with the 2000. Clam makes a quality product. I bought a Strikemaster Polar Vision last year that I don't need any longer since I got a vex for Christmas this year. It is like new, I'd take $75...so a little cheaper than a new one if you're trying to save a couple bucks.. My email is [email protected], let me know if you're interested.