Clam 5600, fish trap Voyager, or other?

[squeedunk]

I am looking into getting a portable fish house that can hold 3-4 fishermen/women. I looked at the Clam 5600 and it seemed to be pretty nice with enough room, and a decent price ($379 at Gander). I originally wanted a fish trap Voyager but it doesn't appear to be quite as practical for the kind of fishing I do (and it costs a couple hundred $$$ more). I am not a hard core ice fisherman but I like to go out with a friend or two as well as my wife to wet a line every once in a while. My wife could care less if she fishes, she just wants to stay warm and hang out.

I assume the floor of the 5600 keeps feet warmer than the wide open floor of the fish trap. IS there a big difference in set-up time? Are there other better options? RIght now I have a jeep liberty for hauling the house so it can't be too large.

Any input would be great. Thanks~Dan

[Ryan_V]

I personally have a voyager and love it. I had a "suitcase style" and wouldn't go back. just too easy to have everything in the sled and stay there. with the suitcase, you have to load/unload everything at least twice when you go fishing. I don't know about the 5600 for size, but the voyager would be cramped with 4.

[Big D 1]

I am the opposite....I bought a triplex last winter and am looking to go back to a suitcase style....like the floor under my feet...

[GatorBait]

I just bought a voyager, and it's worked great for what I do. Only thing is it's kind of a hog. I have a Durango with the 2 row fold down seats, and it takes every inch of room from the back of my driver seat to the back door. Not a huge issue, but your limited big time for traveling or more than 2 people. Just to give you idea of it's size. Other than that, it's great. Flip overs win in my book

Tightlines,

GatorBait

[IndyEFI500]

I have a 5600 and it would be VERY cozy to have more than two people in there. Mine is about three of four years old and not abused. The poles are a pain when it is windy or dark. It is very warm. I bought a used flip over to try and see which I like better. No real verdict yet.

[buzbunni]

I have an early model Genz Fish Trap(1-person), as well as a 5600 that I purchased a couple of years ago. I like them both.

For the times when I am not too concerned with moving, and/or have one buddy fishing with me, the 5600 is the ticket. Mine goes up with relative ease, and with a bit of heat, stays toasty warm even on cold days/nights. I have slept comfortably overnight in the 5600 as well.

At the time I purchased this I had a Ford Taurus Wagon, and so I needed something that would fit in the back comfortably. Although the poly floor isn't a great insulator, it definitely helps.

I wouldn't expect to fit more than 2 adults in this comfortably. I have fished with myself and two kids, and we were maxed out for space as far as I was concerned.

The flip-overs have it hands-down in ease of set up, but the clams aren't very difficult either. From the information you give, I think a clam would be a great choice. But if you think you will often have more than 2 adults, you may need something along the size of the 6800. I'm just not sure if that would fit in your vehicle. Make sure to bring a tape measure.

If you are patient and diligent, you may be able to score some deals after the holiday season. I purchased my 5600 on sale at Gander for $200.

[jigging-matt]

I had a suitcase style for a number of years and went to a clam voyeager last year. My only regret was that I didn't do it sooner. I don't have to worry about space though, I have a pickup and a trailer for my four wheeler. Set-up and mobility can't be beat. Suitcase took to long and can get rather difficult in the wind to set up alone. I have fished three out of my voyeager and if you wife really isn't interested in fishing you could probably fit four of you in a voyeager.

[CrappieAttitude]

I have an early model fish trap (one man) and just purchased an otter lodge. I personally prefer the flip style do to all the room you have in the sled for your gear. You don't have to worry about bungee chords and things falling off your house in transit. I have fished plenty out of the clams and I agree having your feet off the ice has its benefits, but I can do that by repositioning my seats in my lodge. In college, two of my buddies had the clams, and while they were busy unfolding and "threading" their canvas over their poles, I was fishing. (a little tougher to do by yourself)

It really all depends on how much fishing you are going to do. The ease of "tear down" is there with the flip style, but if you aren't concerned with moving all that much, the clam would suit your needs fine.

CA