Portable question

[live_2_fish]

I was wondering what portable you guys think are the best. I am going to be buying a new one this winter and would like to know what you like. I got an Eskimo Quickflip 2 last year but when my buddy turns the heater he gets a little carried away and makes a nice hole for it to fit through in the canvas. I don't think I will let him in my new one.

[deepportage01]

Otter is a very good brand mine fishes so nice. ya don't let your budy in the new one man

[Matt Johnson]

What size portable are you looking to buy? Do you move around a lot? Use a snowmobile/ATV to pull it?

The Otter line of portable fish houses is very nice. I use the Small Cottage and Magnum Lodge. The Small Cottage is a glorified 1-man portable for the angler who likes to bring a lot of gear with them

The Magnum Lodge is the glorified 2-man portable (can also seat 3 if needed) and can haul a ton of gear. The Magnum Lodge can get a little heavy once it's full of gear, but the sled pulls nice and is very durable.

All of the Otter portables are very top-notch when talking about durability. They can withstand a lot of abuse and perform well in all conditions.

Granted, the Otter fish houses are a little more spendy than other portable fish houses, but you get what you pay for.

A lot of options out there for a portable fish house. A lot of companies who make a nice fish house. In the end it all comes down to personal preference and what suits your needs the best...

[SomethingFishy*]

I will 2nd everything Matt said, I have both the Otter Lodge and Cottage, very durable high quality houses and their customer service has been 2nd to none. They are worth the little extra money.

[Gissert]

Another vote for Otter here.

I had an old unit I picked up from a friend several years ago. It was one of the first models, and it had perfomred very well for him. He needed a bigger shelter, so I purchased it from him. He had also used the tub for elk hunting and wood hauling.

I continued to use it for the next five years, racking up many miles on LOW and Ottertail lake. The tub was still in very good condition when I sold it. I have no idea how many miles that tub had on it, but I put about several hundred on it myself.

This rig is still in service by the fellow I sold it to.

Last fall I picked up a new Lodge from Otter. It is amazing how they kept on adding improvements over the years. In particular, I really like how the canvas is secured into the sides and back of tubs - very little air leakage. Going from round to square tubing is also a big improvement. I put a 150 miles on this rig last winter, and had no troubles and all.

I have also had a Shoremaster Voyager fishouse, and that rig also served me well. I used it for four years, again putting it through it paces on LOW and Ottertail. Very rugged tub, and excellent canvas.

[nytelyter]

another vote for the otter see you at the portable mod festival/get together. mine will be there

[live_2_fish]

Well it looks like I'm getting an Otter. Thanks for the info.

[love to hunt]

Good choice. I have an Otter, and a Clam and the Clam is the one I let other people use.

[luv2fish]

I bought a brand new otter lodge last year too. I loved fishing out of it. I agree with everything that was said so far. But I also have to agree that it is HEAVY pulling around by hand. Also since they are so roomy/heavy, they can be hard for 1 person to load by themselves. I am actually going to sell mine this fall/winter and try to get something lighter. If you have a 4-wheeler or know you are not going to have to pull it much, then definately get an Otter.

I think that with nothing else considered, the Otter is the best. But take into consideration whay type of fishing you do when you make the decision. Then you won't be buying a new 1 in a year like I will be.

[Dave]

If you want the same quality and save a few pounds, look at the Otter Wilderness line of shelters.

[Northland Sportsman]

I have a clam voyager and really like. It has been very durable and is very roomy to fish 2 people from, can do 3 if you need to. I can load & unload by myself without too much trouble. There are options out there, look around for what fits you the best.

[crappace]

I have the Nordic two man and like it a lot. Two seasons on it and not a complaint. Clam bought Polar, the manufacture or Nordic, so I am not sure if they will be available anymore but.. It now has a false floor with compartments to keep everything organized ( like many people on this site ) made of cedar. With all my gear it is tough to get it into the back of the truck for me alone. I can do it but it sucks. Pulling it is a breeze on hard pack but if there is a couple inches of loose snow then slick ice, its tough pulling. Now I am looking for the lightest one man I can get for walking solo. No dogs or girlfriend, just me and the essentials. If guests/dogs come they can help tug or we bring machines.

Really think about the size you want and what you need to put in it.

[so haaad]

My guess is that Nordic will no longer be available. Clam did the same thing with Sno-boat a few years ago. The Fish Trap Guide is the "new" Sno-boat Explorer. Chemist (from on here) and I still have the old Sno-boats. The design is great. The only thing that I don't like about the new Fish Traps is the quality of the canvas is actually worse than when it used to be the Sno-boat.

[JohnMickish]

Why not just fix the Eskimo?

[woodyjdh]

That's what I was wondering. Why not fix the QF2? I have the same one, and I'll take it if you don't want it no more! My 11 yo son would be tickled to be able to have his "own" fish house!

[MrSloppy]

I have a question with everyone being able to load their house with no problem by themselves. I have a fish trap guide and cant seem to get this thing in my truck easily. Am i just missing something, or what. I try lifting and pulling this beast without gear, and its always a pain. Suggestions?

[JohnMickish]

I have a QFII as well and I'll take it too!. I load mine in the back of a 1500 Dodge by myself. It's not easy but it can be done. I position it at a 90 degree angle to the bed, lift up one end, rotate it and set it on the tailgate. Pick up the other end and slide it into the bed. It takes a little practice and it works better on a non slippery surface but it can be done.

[tashit]

I would say fix your QFII unless you're just looking for an excuse to get a new one.

I can load my Otter Cabin in the back of my Jeep by myself fully loaded without too much of a problem. I just pick the front end up and set it on the bumper, then walk around to the back and lift and push in at the same time and it slides in fairly easily. Pulling it through a few inches of snow is a different matter.

[live_2_fish]

Quote:

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Why not just fix the Eskimo?

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I wasn't too impressed with it. I don't like the bench seat. The sled is nothing like the otters. And there is more than one hole in it. My buddy gets pretty exited. I think its worth spending some money to get a more durable one, and keep my buddy out. From now on we'll use his. I just might get a little carried away when I turn the heater.

[woodyjdh]

If you want to sell it, let me know!

[JohnMickish]

You are totally right, it is nothing like the otters and it's $200 cheaper. You get what you pay for. If you want to sell it let me know. I'd like to have another, maybe modify them into a quad??