otter vs. fishtrap

[Guest]

I have fished out of both the otter magnum 11
and the fishtrap voyager. They both seem to be about the same size. The otter has a better sled, but the fishtrap seems to be more comfortable and lighter.The tents seem to be about the same. The pole system on the fishtrap is slightly more heavy duty than the otter. Also the tent on the fishtrap is bolted on through steel grommets / while the tent on the otter is fastened by drilling holes through the tent and then pushing cheap little plastic grommets through the sled rim
(this seems like a cheap fastening system)
From my observations it seems the fishtrap is a better built house with a cheap sled and the otter is a better sled ?
Any input would be welcome. I am going to buy either of these , but not sure which one is the best.

[the big dipper]

They are both quality products. Fishing gear is like tools - you will never regret spending a little more for top quality. Just make sure you buy a Big Dipper to go with your house, and you'll be set.

15 below the donut this AM ... Mark Edevold

[Guest]

I have seen the differences you are talking about. I went to the original otter skin out of Anoka. I liked what I seen I bought the magnum one. What sold me was that the poles where steel and the canvas which is black only, has a elastic strip around the bottom so you don’t have to drill threw it. It is heavy but I think it will last a lot longer than the fish trap. My bro has a fish trap I think it is 1or 2 yrs old but the sled all ready has holes warn threw it. That is my 2c.

I also like the seats better in the otter (the big custom plastic style)

Red

[This message has been edited by redfisher (edited 02-04-2003).]

[Stiff]

I’ll second the opinions above. I had a fish trap II, sold it and bought an Otter cabin. I miss the trap for it’s lightweight pulling and loading into vehicles.

But I sold it because I was starting to pull it behind a snowmobile. I don’t think the Fish Traps sled would have lasted in the long run and I didn’t have a travel cover for it. The fabric would always end up dragging and eventually would have worn through where it dragged on the ice.

The bottom line is that the otter is better for the kind of abuse that pulling behind a ATV or snowmobile will dish out, and the Fish Trap is better for someone who is either pulling the rig on their own or driving to the spot with their truck.

Only other consideration is that the Otter is more wind tight than the trap. And the old style traps don’t have a zippered door, so you have to flip it back in order to get out, so you can’t bank up the tent with snow ect. I think The Voyager has a door though.

Just my additional .02

[bigeyes]

fishrmn- I use a voyager and like it. The otter is also great, but just too darn heavy for this wimp to handle! But if you will be pulling it long distances often, it is the way to go. Both have great systems with excellent fabric, but I do think ice armour is a little tougher, lighter and breaks more wind.

[STMA_I_HUNTER]

I HAVE A OLDER STYLE OTTER THAT HAS THE ELASTIC BAND AROUND THE TUB, AND IT SEEMS TO BE PRETTY LEAKY. THIS YEAR I TOOK IT TO CANVAS PLUS AND HAD SOME WORK DONE TO THE SKIN ANDIT SEEMS TO HAVE HELPED.

IF YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO BE WALKING OUT THE FISH TRAP IS GOING TO BE EASIER TO PULL. NOW IF THERE'S LOTS OF SNOW OR YOUR PULLING IT BEHIND A SNOWMOBILE/4 WHEELER THE ONLY WAY TO GO IS THE OTTER (IN MY OPINION)THE TUB IS TOUGH AND DEEP (FOR LOTS OF GEAR). IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE F.T. SLED IS CHEAR.

STMA_I_HUNTER