Otterskin House

[coldasice]

Hi, I just purchased an Otterskin Magnum Lodge for the new ice season. What hole config do most of you use in these flip-style houses? Also, what kind of heater and where have you placed it in the house? I was using a Clam Sleeper prior to this purchase, so room was not an issue. I just wanted something more mobile.
Thanks!

[Swill]

Great choice in an ice house. I too have an Otter Lodge and I love it! For a heat source I use the mr heater/cooker. I have a large propane tank with a 6 ft hose hooked up to it. Once I pick my fishing spot I set up the house and pull the bars right over the hose leaving the tank outside. The seal is still really good because of the flaps and that leaves me more room for holes.

I have fished a variety of hole configurations and for two guys fishing with a vexilar I use a "W" pattern for drilling 5 holes. There is room for them all in the same row but sometimes the outer hole get too close. Now I would keep out two holes fairly close so that you don't have to reach too far to set the hook. The middle hole is where I throw down the vex.

If you are using an underwater camera then I would line up all of the holes and put he camera in the outer hole. That way you can position the camera to pick up all of the jigs. That is sweet for panfishing...Talk about fun.

Another thing I did was....I mounted a table on the sled side that you pull the sled from. It was pretty easy. I just cut a piece of shelving and drilled some holes in it. You have to use some spaces to keep it level but once you get it level just use some stainless steel bolts and you are good to go. I then mounted some hanging baskets under the table to I could put my tackle box and tip ups in there.

If you want any pics I am sure I could get something together....

Enjoy-----Swill

[coldasice]

Thanks for the response! Where do you position the Mr. Heater? This is the same unit I have. Also, do these houses stay pretty warm, wind-proof, etc. I was wondering what they are like with the open floor. What do you use for chairs? I bought the swivel seats, but they seem kind of bulky. I was also thinking of some kind of shelf between the two seats??
Kerry

[PairOfChoppers]

coldasice,

In my Otter Resort I drill three holes. 1 in front of each seat and 1 in the middle for the vex just a little further out from the sled. Mr. Heater goes in the corner or stays in the sled. However, you may not have enough room in the lodge to leave the heat in the sled.

If you desire, I could take a couple of pictures of what I did for seats and a table and email them to you.

[kb1965]

I have the magnum otter with the fish house on it and drill 5 holes, 2 on the ends and 1 in the middle for the vex. I use a sunflower on a 20 pound cylinder and place that in the sled between the 2 people fishing. For seats I took some steel and made braces that go across from side to side and than mounted cheap boat seats to it. Works good for me.