Clam Guide

[CJH]

Got the OK from the boss to get a portable for Christmas. Looking for a light 2 man, and am leaning toward the Guide. Also looking at the Frabl Trekker. Just wanted to know any feedback you might have if you have used either of them. Was at the ice show this weekend and able to narrow it down to these two but can't make up my mind. Its a good problem to have!

Thanks much!!

CJH

[gogophers]

I am currently in the same boat, and have done a lot of comparison shopping so far. I am torn between the guide/trekker and the yukon/prowler simply because the yukon/prowler sits up higher and has more room, but it also comes with the added weight. The seats in the new guides do not allow a power auger to fit underneath. Just my 2 cents.

[Todd_J]

Hey CJH, any chance your boss could talk to my boss?

It seems there has been a mysterious loss of "liquid assets" in the sporting goods department this Christmas.

The Avon and Lane Bryant departments have experienced rapid growth with little or no cash-flow limitations.

Have I filled out the wrong form?

(I do not own a Guide, but have inspected it closely. A fine rig. The only thing I would change is the depth of the sled. 8 inches doesnt seem deep enough to contain my chaos.)

[TylerS]

My dad bought a guide about six years ago and we love it. They've made quite a few improvements on our model, though. But for how hard we use our Guide, I can attest to the craftsmanship of these portables. You won't be sorry if you purchase one, of that I'm sure. I still can't get over how comfortable the seats are on the newer models. Head and shoulders above our, that's for sure. Good luck with your choice.

[tip_upclyma]

I just bought a Yukon this weekend at the show. I LOVE it! It is much heavier then my old Guide though..so I recommend the Guide if you are ever going to take it out fishing by yourself. But if you always are going to have a partner when you take it out, Yukon...no question.

[so haaad]

I've also had the Guide for about 6 years and think it's a great two-man portable if you are looking for a smaller, lighter sled. It's light enough to pull by yourself and even do some run-n-gun. The biggest "con" that I have with it is that sometimes is a little short. I could use a little more room for those "swing and a miss" type hook sets.

[CJH]

Thanks for all of the replies, its much appreciated. This is my first portable, so I'm learning as I go!

Todd_J, just had to negotiate a little give and take. She's getting some fancy bag she wants, whatever its a girl thing, I don't understand. I am sure she doesn't either though!!

All the critiques are valid and the reason I haven't bought one yet. I am concerned I can't put the auger behind the seats, which is why the Frabil is still in the equation. I did think the sled was a little shallow as well, not so much for the seating position (as I am not the tallest guy in the world), but for containg the mass chaos of all your "stuff". You're right, the seats are really comfortable, which is what has put it at the top of the list.

I wouldn't mind a Yukon, but I don't know that I can justify the extra $$. I thought GM had the Yukon's for around $500 and the Guides for around $350, but am not sure. I think for my first portable, I am still leaning toward something lighter. The Yukon's are really nice though, I don't think you can go wrong!!

[Squirtis]

I agree with the rest of the folks here. This will be my third season in a guide and I spend 80% of my time out on the ice alone. It is perfect for me and occasionally with another fellow. Sometimes my boss likes to check up on me and see how my work is getting done, so she enjoys it too. I can take it out of the pickup bed and put it back with everything in the sled short of the minnow bucket and the auger, so it is very light. If I spent more time in it with a fishing partner, I would go with the Yukon. I love it though and can't wait to take it out this week.

[CJH]

All of the feedback is just reinforcing what I was thinking. Now I just have to watch the sales! If I see a really good deal on something else, I may be persuaded..... I believe the Trekker is on sale at J_e's for $279.