Portables

[Gopher]

What kind of Portable does everyone have?

Thinking of investing into a flip over style for this year.

[bambeslayer]

otters are really good just make sure you get a good sled with one. Lot easier to pull. If you have a four wheeler to easy........ Not to expensive and will outlast a wood portable and even those plastic bottom ones that always create hassels...

[Woody]

On most fishing forum sites you'll find that Otter is the one most recommended.  There are 2 reasons for this, 1-they are quality portables.  2-Otter is a site sponsor. 

When looking for a portable for myself, I shopped for a year.  Comparing, and taking my sweet time to make a decision-after all for a blue collar worker like myself I can't afford to just run out and buy without thinking about it seriously first.   I ended up getting a Eskimo Quick Flip II-2 person portable.  At the time it was the best for my money and my needs.   I find the quality to be just as good as any other "top of the line" portables.  I'm sure if someone had the money and bought one of each to do a side by side comparison-one thing would hold true-he'd find a fault with each and every one of them.   In many ways it's alot like the ol' Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge comparison.   

I will say this, if I had to do it all over again-I'd still pick an Eskimo, but probably a larger one such as a Qucik flip III or a Caravan which is a 3 person model-only because I didn't know both my kids would love to ice fish as much as their ol' man! 

Some factors in which you may want to look at when compairing portables:

-quality of the fabric
-framing mat'l used (aluminum, conduit, round or square)
-quality of sled that is included/recommended
-are the windows sewn in or velcro'd in?
-availability of accesories
-availability of replacement parts (pole connectors, windows, ect.)
-ease of setup (time it takes also)
-roominess (bench seat vs boat seat style)
-storage space (for rods, tackle, bait, ect.)
-overall weight
-customer service
-and of course price (does it fit within your "budget" aka will the Mrs put you in the doghouse for spending too much on it?


I'm sure there are more things to consider-but I can't think of them at the moment.  Good luck in your search, and go with your gut instinct!

[Ryan]

I have a Clam 5600 which I like, but it can be difficult to pull across the lake if you have a bunch of stuff loaded on top of it.  I think the next one I buy will be a flip over, but I am in no hurry to buy something new.

[bambeslayer]

Good suggestion....... I just like the otter, but again like he said I like Fords as well, just get one for 3 people.....Lot more room......for the dollar....

[Woody]

Just don't make the mistake I made and get one for the needs of the "now".  Bambeslayer is right on the nuggets -Get a larger portable than you think you need!  You'll be glad you did!

[ScottPugh]

I have a Clam Voyager and that is very comfy for two guys (plus a dog).  You could fish three guys out of it but if you using a heater, marcum / camera it going to get crowded.  I have used a Eskimo three man before and it was decent, it just seemed like the Clam had sturdier fabric. 

It's really a Ford vs. Chev decision...

[Joe]

If you have an atv or sled get the Otter. If your pulling it by hand I'd suggest the Fish Trap series. Although, Fish Trap has come out wit the X2 series now and the sleds are more like the Otters. Whatever you decide get runners put on it. 

[Iceberg]

I started off with an off brand I picked up at a garage sale, was a great portable unless the wind was blowing, gave it to my nephew. then I tried out a shappel rover one man,  I felt claustrophic in it, way too small sold it a week later. I borrowed a few from friends to try out and ended up buying the FT Voyager, perfect for one or two guys and the gear, plus I got a great deal from the guy that was selling it.

[Bucky]

On thick ice +12" I will use my Ford fish house and on thin ice I will use my buddies Chevy fish house.


I would go with the Otter and like everybody is saying go with a large one. You never know when you might get some company in the fish house.

[TK]

I have a Otter wilderness series Walleye.  It is a perfect one man house but could fish two in there if needed.  Just added a bench seat to it last week.  Also my dad has one of canvas crafts houses that flips out on both sides of an otter magnum sled.  Fishes 2-4 comfortable but have fished up to 6 last year.

[Mayfly]

Portables?

I think you can pick up a 5 gallon bucket at any Home Depot, Fleet Farm, Menards etc.......Pretty cheap.

[blazer]

An old two person portable that is more like a 1 person.  Picked it up cheap at a pawn shop years ago and have used it since.  I am looking to upgrade to a used 1 person flip over.

[Iceberg]

Sit in a few of those one person flip overs first, I think they are just a little too cramped. IMO
I was in Menards the other day and they were setting up some portables, I think there was a one man flip over on display, I didn't stop to look at them.

[7Pines]

I just sold my Clam and am left with my Shappell.  Sort of slick, it has pop-up skis that you lock into place with a couple of cotter pins.  Pulls easy, carpet on the floor, 6 holer.  Fits two comfortably, three in a pinch.
Dan

[Mayfly]

Have you guys seen this??

Its new this year from Nature Vision/Aqua View.

It is a back pack that flips open as a one man shelter.

[jigglestick]

L&M has them, I looked at them. they definately have their place.
kind of small, but it would be kinda nice when hiking in to a remote location.
alot of the times all we need is a wind break.