Portable fish house

[G_man]

I'm highly interested in acquiring a portable fish house. Thing is, I could you some help based upon your experience. I'm not sure what are the 'right' questions I should be asking retailers. Plus, if they give me their opinion, thats great, but it would be nice to have something in the back of my mind to know when they may be trying to pull the wool over my eyes.

I do like the idea of a sled/portable combination because I can store my gear in the sled when I am pulling it out on the ice and hopefully not end up with a mess. For the most part, I want to keep weight in mind too because I'll probably be the sled-dog. I want a house big enough for 2 people and a small heater. I also want to keep cost in mind. I don't want to spend anymore than I need to, but keeping in mind that I want this gear to last so I'm not back in the market in two years.

If you have the time to post a helpful response, it will be appreciated.

[kslipsinker]

Buy a Clam 5600. I have one that is 3 or 4 years old, and it is easly to put up and take down. I have been out in some pretty good wind with it, and it handles it well. The cover is durable if you take decent care of the house. The base is pretty tough too.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 12-31-2002).]

[Guest]

I just upgraded this year from a house style (Frabill speed shak, similar to the clams) to a Fish Trap Guide. I think the flip up styles are the way to go - you can keep all of your gear in the sled and lift it all into your truck...

Those sled styles are easier to pull than the fold-up styles as well... The guide isn't bad for pulling... You can fish 2 in this pretty easy. Even fishing solo, I like the xtra room in the guide. It also has more storage room in the sled... I looked at the Frabill as well, but didn't like it as much... Hope this helps you out some... The only complaint is that the door doesn't go down completely unless you are on the lowest pole setting - something you may want to ask about before purchasing...

[Ozzy169]

G_Man, My personal favorite would be be the Otter II Lodge, big enough for 2 guys but small enough for one guy to handle by himself. Flip-up style w/ sled, canvas very durable, sled is solid, also can get a canvas cover and hitch attachment. $439.99 for the shack is a going rate.

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Get 'er done

[Farley]

I agree, I used my uncle's otter II lodge last weekend, the best portable I've fished out of. I especially like the extra flap of fabric on the bottom so you can get it pretty air tight if you bank it to keep that heat in ( we ran out of juice in the heater but the lantern kept us plenty warm). plenty of room for hooksets and the adjustable seats were awesome. I think those weigh about 80 or 90 lbs. Definitly get a flip back model of whatever brand you buy.

[Guest]

weight was a concern for me - for when I'm fishing alone.. The Trap guide is about 60 lbs. and manageable, although not light to lift full of gear into the truck...

If your thinking of pulling behind a wheeler - I'd think of the Otter, otherwise not sure you need that heavy of a duty sled... The trap guide goes for about 370.

[G_man]

I appreciate the responses guys and I'm listening. I checked out the Otter sleds on the internet yesterday and they looked nice, but they seem top-of-the-line expensive. I wonder how the cost is justifiable. I've seen Frabill's at Fleet Farm, but I can't remember if they come with a sled. I'm not sure the pluses/minuses of Frabill's. The clam HSOforum will help when I have a chance to check it out. I really like the idea of a door built-in the canvas so that you don't have to flip-up the enclosure and lose all of the heat and have to rebank the sides. The Glacier series on this HSOforum look affordable and I like the idea of the reinforced door in the side. I'm not sure about the sled that comes with it though.

Please keep hitting me with ideas ...

[Gadgetman]

As far as weight is concerned I have found that taking a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 and putting it on the end gate of the truck and then pushing the sled up the "ramp" works really well for loading my otter lodge by myself. Definitly think that they otter sled is superior to the trap sleds, especially if you are going long distance pulled by a machine

[Big Cleo]

I have the Eskimo Quick Flip III. I think it is comparable to the Otter, but is more of an economy version. It is 6x8 and weighs 110, but I have taken it out by myself a few times. It's not too hard to load up. I set one end on the tailgate of the truck and slide it up. It is plenty big for 2 or even 3 people. A Quick Flip II is a little smaller and less expensive, but I was able to get the III for only about $30 more. The only down side I have found so far is that it doesn't fit in the truck with my wheeler!

[Terry Hagstrom]

The Frabill units all come with a bottom and in the cases of the flip up units it is a plastic sled.
The flip up units such as the twin and tri plex have a zippered door in them so you dont need to flip them over and let all of the heat out.

Terry Hagstrom
Terry's Guide Service
www.fishingmn.com/terry

[Wobbler]

I bought the Fish Trap Guide Pro. I got it for $299 this October. They are $379 everywhere else. My buddy Jig O Bit wanted the Frabil but fished in my house for 10 minutes and the day after Christmas bought the same as me. The sled is not as durable as the Otter but the Otter is more money. I love my house except for the 30 mile an hour winds the other day. Any store bought portable would have had the same results. My brother in law is Big Cleo and he says he loves his house. My only other advice is test one out fishing if you can before you buy. Each house has its pros and cons. The Fish Trap also has a zippered door like the Frabils. The Glacier is a really inexpensive house and is a good house for someone who is starting out. It is nice for the money and a good deal if that is what you are looking for. My mom always said you get what you pay for though. How you are going to heat your house is the next question. My buddy heater heats my house no problem.

[This message has been edited by Wobbler (edited 12-31-2002).]

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I have a Clam 6800 for Sale!!!
Used twice

[wormfood]

I just picked up a Fish Trap Guide and it's great. You cut a couple holes, plop your butt on the seat and pull the top down... instant fishing without the wind.

For your own use you'll want to compare whether you want the pull over trap style or the pop-up clam style.

The pop-up style can give you more room to fish but reduces the portability of the shack. The pull-over trap have deeper sleds to stow your gear even while your fishing so... good luck.

wormfood

[bturck]

G-Man: You are going to get a lot of input on your question because everyone will have a preference as to the type of house they use. I'm not trying to sell you on what I use only give you an honest opinion. I have the Voygeur 3 man. It has a good size sled and opens up to allow plenty of room for two people. I can handle it alone loading and unloading. The 5600 is also a nice house. My son has one, the only drawback I have with it, is that there is no sled so that means one more thing to pull in order to put the gear in. My voyegeur has a front zip out door and is tall enough for me to stand up in, 6'1". I would buy another one. But like I said its only my opinion and many others will follow. Good luck with your choice and your fishing. Bill

[SuddenlySummer]

I own a fish trap II and just recently upgraded to an Eskimo quick flip III. I like them both for their own qualities.

The trap II is very easy & fast to set up. It's lighter but smaller. My back gets sore after hunching a few hours.

The quick flip III is roomy but heavy. It's not easy to set up in the wind. Infact it's a pain. I love the room. The seats are much higher off the ground making it more comfortable. BUt my back is sore from lifting it in and out of my truck last weekend.

It depends on how big you are and how mobile you want to be. I'd decide from those two factors.

[mjhowe]

Go for the Glacier 3, you won't be dissapointed. Its very light, sets up fast, and is very affordable. As far as durability you can go as far as putting HYFAX runners on the bottom, or old skis or just do what I did, 5-6 strips of duct tape down every other runner and the bottom is as protected as you need. If the tape wears out, add another strip! I want to keep mine as light as possible thats why I went with the tape. With everything in it, power auger, gear, heater etc, my 12 year old daughter and I have no problem lifting it into the pick up. Empty, she can lift and load it. And, its so light you will hardly notice your pulling it.

If you want a roomy, run and gun shelter that 1 person can handle EASY, the Glacier 3 is the way to go, and I shopped em ALL!

But, do yourself a favor and get the 3 man, I saw a 2 man this weekend set up and it IS small.

My .02

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Mike
Kalispell, MT
<<><<

[Big Dave2]

G-man, if you are looking to be highly mobile than I wouldn't even think about a clam style house, just my opinion but most of the people I know who have these end up driving them out to a fishing spot, setting it up and then sitting in it all day because it would be too much work to put it all down and then set it up again and dig out your gear again.
I vote for the fishtrap guide, it is reasonably light to pull around yourself and it holds all your gear so when it is time to move it takes about 10 seconds to take up your line, put your heater in the sled and start moving to where the fish are (maybe).
Otters are nice but for me I wouldnt trade the weight for a little extra durability that in most instances may be overkill. I wouldnt get too caught up in the quality of the sled either because if you are concerned about wearing yours out just apply some plastic hifax strips to the bottom of your sled and it will last a lifetime. Mine even came with the strips and directions on installing them.
Dave

[Guest]

Big Dave2,
Can you describe further these hifax strips and where did you get them?

Thanks,
Dave

[Captain B.R.K]

PerchEye- Hi-Fax kits can be bought at a Gander Mt. or etc. and they run around $39.99. They are pre-cut strips that go on the runners of the otter sleds. If you are running the sled on gravel or a super rough surface, the hi-fax will give the sled longevity. If you are on snow or grass, then no need to get the hi-fax, save your money
I believe all you have to do is drill the strips into the bottom of the sled. Comes all complete in the kit except for the powerdrill.

[Captain B.R.K]

G_Man,

Like stated before, everyone is going to have an opinion. I worked at Gander Mt. and this was a question that I had to answer at least 2-3 times a day.
Looking for a 2 man fish house. I would go with a sled/flip over type of fish house because you will be more portable and can hole jump when you want to. All you have to do is put all your gear in the sled and away you go.
The two options that I would look into are is the Otter II Cabin or the Fish Trap Guide.
OTTER- Is a very heavy duty (but heavy) sled that will last a long time. The canvas on the house is very durable and heavy so light cannot penitrate through. The two down falls with this house is that it is a bit heaver to pull and the cost. (MENTIONED BEFORE)
FISH TRAP- Everything you see is what you get for a very reasonable cost. It is lightweight and USL has gone great strides with this years canvas that makes it as good as the OTTER.
Depends on the room you have to pull it from lake to lake, how much weight do you want to be pulling, and cost.
GET THOSE FIGURED OUT and you will have either one in your hands.
NEVER used an ESKIMO or FRABILL, but they don't look as good as the two above.
GOOD LUCK!

Brandon

[Guest]

Thanks Captain B.R.K., I looked for these on Gander Mt.'s HSOforum but looks like they are not setup for online shopping.

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 01-02-2003).]

[Guest]

PerchEye,
If your ordering a shelter online, I'd use Reeds... They usually have very competitive prices and will deliver free or very low cost to the Minneapolis area...

www.reedssports.com

[Prudence]

I've found there is no perfect fish house, just a starting point that fits your current fishing habit and you can collect a few from there.

I started with a Clam 4600, then wanted more room and mobility so I went with a Otter Magnum sled and Canvas Craft flip style, which fits in the back of my truck and I can wrestle it around when fishing alone. However, when I'm able to drive onto the lake and am fishing for the day, I bought a Clam 6800 on sale for a nice basecamp.

Both have pros and cons, so you need to analyze the type of fishing your likely to do (run and gun or sit and snooze) and then factor in hauling, storage, ease of use.

[coldasice]

Hi, I just purchased the Otter II Lodge.I looked at all of the different brands and came to the conclusion; if you intend to keep it for a while, this is the way to go. They say it is the only one currently manufactured in the USA. It definitely has the heaviest canvas and is extremely durable, and one-person managable. I just used it on a very windy day at LOW with no problems retaining heat or worries of blowing away. Just my two cents worth...

[Steve Foss]

Really a key question to answer is: Do you want a foldover like the Fish Trap or a portable like the Clam.

For most situations, I prefer a foldover because all my gear is inside and many of the lakes I fish don't have ice thick enough to drive a truck on, so, being without a sled/atv, I'm towing it by hand.

If I fished lakes with lots of ice, I may prefer a Clam-style portable.

With only one portable in the budget, however, I'd go with a foldover, because then it's easy to haul by hand or throw in a pickup to drive out, too. It's the most versatile of all.

By the way, I own a Fish Trap II, the two-man forerunner of the Guide. But Otter, Glacier, whatever, they all make some good shelters.

Good luck.