Clam 5600

[Rozman]

Found a very good deal on a new one. Just wondering what everyone who owns one or has fished out of one thinks of it. Thanks

[PaulB]

I bought one a couple years ago and it's good for a couple people, two, three if you're friendly. But I always have too much gear so two is my max. Also, it's fairly heavy and clunky to move around, put in the truck, etc. But not terrible. It's been sturdy and is easy to set up. Tends to get pushed around by the wind though. Bottom line, I'm happy with mine though for more than 2 a 6800 would be nice.

[nluchau]

I have one and love it. Perfect for 2 people. I'm a bigger guy and am very comfortable in mine fishing with another person. I got mine after ice season 2 years ago for $200.00 new in case your wondering.

[bwtrout]

I had the old style huge box and now own the new version, I love it for fishing in, but you pretty much have to bring another sled along for your gear. I found a sled I can strap on top, but then it gets heavy. It's pretty much a drive and fish kind of deal. I've towed it behind sleds and wheelers and usually one of the hole covers will give in and it fills with snow.

[JRFISHBAIT]

If you want a little bigger house, we have a used 2004 6800 at our store. It's in great shape, no holes, all the poles are there and the floor is in great shape.

Give us a call for more info.

Joe, Matt or Katy

Reel Fishing and Tackle

507.243.3388

[softballfisherguy]

You must have been to the same place I was Rozman - I picked one of these up yesterday as well. I'm excited to get out in it. I would like a sled style - but decided with kids this was maybe more friendly setup. It does seem a bit large to handle by myself (getting in and out of vehicle, etc). But it seems to be quality built, and the way I look at it - if I use it for a couple years and decide I want something else - I can always sell it on here.

Can any of you 5600 owners explain your method for drilling holes for the 5600? Do you set it up - then mark the holes in the floor - then move and drill?? Just curious if any of you have lived and learned the hard way, and have some hints.

[bwtrout]

They are very durable, my first one lasted 15years (It was stolen out of the back of a friend's pickup), they even sent me the upgraded frame system for free. The floor is a definite plus.

I set it up, mark the holes, move it, drill, and slide it back over.

This year I'm trying that reflective insulation on the ceiling like the guys are putting in their flip overs. I also found some bungee chords that fit on both sides between the poles. I run them across the windy sides and it keeps the canvas from bowing in. I use another bungee on the ceiling with a clip for the lantern.

[Phred52]

Rozman, I've had a 5600 now for 4 years, before that I had a 4600. I use it as my COLD weather house. I like the way it holds the heat when the temp drops. But it can be a "little difficult" to set up in a stiff breeze. For fishing alone, I use my Yukon (portability). Watch the floor when it gets really cold, A little snow on your boots and you'll go a long way!! Phred52

[CatManLee]

If you don't move alot or more importantly drive your vehicle to your fishing location most of the time, it's awsome. As mentioned above, it is a tad odd as far as towing/pulling it, but if you just take it out of the vehicle and set up near by it's perfect. They are very warm houses, and have enough room for two. If you fish by yourself, there's tons of room to put your stuff. All in all, it's not too heavy. I can lift mine in/out of my truck by myself with no problem. And when it's windy, just leave both doors open and let the wind blow through while setting up, then it's no problem. If you can get it for a good price, I would say buy it.

I have a 1 person flip over I use when moving around, but if I know I'm not gonna move much, I'll use the Clam, it's roomier and over all it's more comfortable.

[Fish to Win]

Bought a 5600 3 years ago but it was to small for 2 people and all of our stuff so I bought a 6800 and its great for 2 guys. I now use my 5600 when I go solo and so im set-

[Tippman]

Quote:

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Can any of you 5600 owners explain your method for drilling holes for the 5600? Do you set it up - then mark the holes in the floor - then move and drill?? Just curious if any of you have lived and learned the hard way, and have some hints.

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I've found after years of wondering if what I'm looking at is the mark I made or something already there and finding my holes off that spray paint works the best for marking the holes. I just spray a dot or X in the center when I have the house where I want it then move it to the side. They don't get lost like other methods of marking.

[52#FLATHEAD]

A sporting goods store near me has the 5600 (style 8702) for $250. Good price for this model?

[Rozman]

Well guys I broke down and got it!! Flathead that is exactly what I paid for it. Thanks for everyones input. Now this weather needs to head south and the Canadian winds need to bring us the cold stuff so I can use it.

[IndyEFI500]

I think I paid around $250 for mine used. It was one year old at the time and had only been used twice. It definitely is a warm house. My buddy heater kept me to a t-shirt and flannel shirt with insulated Carhart bibs at -5 last winter while the wind was brisk. For drilling holes, I usually scratch in the ice or snow where the holes will be before I set it up by just poking through the floor. It is great when I am by myself but with my 8 year old, the walls close in (although so does a 2500 square foot house, kind of like a tasmanian devil). The thing that drives me nuts about mine is the buttons in the poles. They are always a pain when it is dark and cold out. In the garage or during daylight, it almost folds itself up. Probably just Murphy's law. I think they have also changed the pole design over what I have. It is about 5 years old. As far as pulling it out by yourself, it is a workout. I am looking at a sled that a guy built specifially for his. Sold his Clam and is selling the sled. Driving out to your spot would be a lot easier or some way of towing but then you still need a sled.

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

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You must have been to the same place I was Rozman - I picked one of these up yesterday as well. I'm excited to get out in it. I would like a sled style - but decided with kids this was maybe more friendly setup. It does seem a bit large to handle by myself (getting in and out of vehicle, etc). But it seems to be quality built, and the way I look at it - if I use it for a couple years and decide I want something else - I can always sell it on here.

Can any of you 5600 owners explain your method for drilling holes for the 5600? Do you set it up - then mark the holes in the floor - then move and drill?? Just curious if any of you have lived and learned the hard way, and have some hints.

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One of my buddies has a 5600... I hardly ever fish with him... But the couple of times I have, he's just eyed up his holes by experience... Though once he did take out a rope with knots tied in it... The knots represented the center of the holes...

So he just drilled by the knots... Then dragged his already set up house over top of it.

[softballfisherguy]

Thanks for the info. How about any mods anyone has done to their 5600's? I'd be interested in hearing what has worked well to make it more comfortable and fishable.

[Rozman]

I set up the 5600 today, no complaints at all. Seems rock solid. I went out tonight, but obviously did not need "shelter".. What suprised me was the ice, 6+inches and no water at all on the surface. God works in mysterious ways!! Hope you all hook em clean!!