Portable fish houses?

[moreyes]

Looking at possibly purchasing a portable fish house, I have a four wheeler and snowmobile so towing it is not a issue. I need something big enough to bring the kids with (2) any comments on the units on the market, I was checking out the Frabill Triplex and the Fishtrap Voyager, any comments either or anything else would be appreciated. Also looked at the the Clam 6800 how easy is that one to setup and move about?

Thanks moreyes

[KP]

If price is not a factor, I'm not sure you can beat the overall quality of a Clam. They are a bit heavier than most but that doesn't sound like a problem for you.

I own a Clam 5800 and can fit 3 adult men in it comfortably fishing one hole each. A friend of mine has a 6800 but still can only get 3 guys in it fishing one hole each. With 4 guys you have to stand or sit on buckets back to back. The extra size is nice for moving around inside but I'd still recommend the 5800.

[Chad C]

I don't think the clams are meant to be pulled behind a four wheeler or snowmobile.
The Frabil is a very nice house. I think it is the best built flip over style house their is. The Otter houses are some you might want to look at. The sleds they use are the best their is and you can stand up in them if your 6'2" or less, but they don't come with any seats and I think their brackets that hold the poles could be a little bigger.
I've assembled all of these houses and the Frabill gets my vote.

[legend500]

I purchased the Tri-plex and I really like it, It is ideal for two anglers but would work great for an adult and a couple of kids. I have pulled it out by hand a dozen or so times and have no problem. Can get rather heavy when loaded down with equipment though. Good luck!

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[the shak]

A couple of years ago i bought a shappell 4 man. i havent been disapointed yet. it has alot of room for a 4 man. you can stand comepletely up, its about 7 ft tall. it has alarge door on each end that zips from top or bottom. two large doors in the bottom to fish thru. two windows for viewing that can be sealed to block out the lite. it folds in half and the skis fold out and pin in place for pulling, and fold flat for fishing. it also has two molded in spots to set your 5 gallon pails in for towing to your spot. it weighs 60 pds. it cost me about 275 bucks. since i guide i want my clients the room to be comfortable and able to set the hook when jigging, and this shappell offers it. i had 11 guys standing it at one time with no damageto it. Also i am not sponsored by shappell so i am not getting anything for telling you about there product. I am glad to hear you are taking the time to take your kids fishing. if you are in the eagle river area feb 9 02 take them to the free ice fishing contest i have every year at the kathan inn. its truly a great time. The shak

[KP]

I've pulled my Clam 5800 behind a snowmobile several times to get out a mile or two. Never had a problem even in deeper snow and carrying all my gear, power auger, 20 lb propane tank, two buckets, and folding chairs. Of course I wasn't driving 60 MPH, more like 10 MPH. Probably helped that the snowmobile created a wide track vs. a four wheeler.

[moreyes]

Who makes the Tri Plex?

moreyes

[Pitts]

I opted for a 4 man fishhouse because there is not enough room for 3 in a 3 man. I have kids 2 boy who have been fishing since they were 3 years old. The house I used when they were small was a 2 man and they fished 1 hole each but since the oldest is now wearing a size 13 shoe and the younger one is not far behind I had to quit using that house because it was to small.
I bought an 8X8 wooden floor fold over that is not quite as portable as say an Otter or Frabil or Clam pullover style but is much warmer in very cold weather since it has a floor.
If you decide on a pullover the Otter is the best and is even better when you purchase your canvas from Canvas Plus in Elk River MN they have the heaviest canvas out there on the market.
The pull over sleds are the best for towing with a snowmobile but buy or make the cover for it to keep the snow out of you equipment.
If I made that my choice I would buy the largest sled that Otter makes with the canvas from Canvas Plus and that will be a house you will use for 20 years ice fishing with your kids and your grand kids and have plenty of room.
My .02 worth:)

Pitts