Quinte Fishing

Hi Folks

I am looking to buy an ice shack on Boxing Day, llikely a 3-4 person size. Do you have any comments on what you have bought and why you like it or dislike it?

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K. Hynes

If you're thinking about a hub style, go bigger than what the hut is rated for. I have a 3-4 man hut, and I find it suitable for 2 people. Our holes are 6 feet apart, and just enough room for heater, flasher and your gear and a bit of room to move around. You could probably fit 3 people, but no more. Also, the bigger the hut, the bigger the heater. As far as quality, I've owned both Clam and Rapala, and don't really see any difference. The zippers are weak on both, but I guess just something you have to deal with on a hub.

Hope this helps!!

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There's something wrong with that rod.
It has a bend in it!!!

Thanks for the reply, very much appreciate it. I am looking at both the Rapala and Clam. How well do they set up, take down, fit in their bag? How are the ice screws, hard to go in, do they hold it in place when the wind is up?

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K. Hynes

I've got the Sherpa M3 and I'd echo the sentiments on size. Two guys with gear fits nicely. In terms of set up , you definitely want two guys on a windy day. They aren't easy to handle once it starts to gust over 20 mph. I've had no issues with the anchors and guy wires but the poles have had green stick fractures.

I have an older Eskimo hub style. For the price, it's been awesom.
I agree with the others on sizing...go as big as you can. As for heat, if the sun is out I only run the heater if the kids get cold (or wet..lol) but you can always add a bigger heater, or have your buddies bring their heaters.
Anchors work fine for me, and we have been out in some pretty nasty wind...just have to get a little creative with the tie down ropes.
If it's windy at all, I put an ice anchor in one corner before I even start to open it up, then just let the wind push on that corner (I try to keep the door down wind).

I saw a nice insulated clam, hub style at bass pro last week that was a 5man I think but can't rememberer the price....it would be my choice if I went shopping tomorrow.


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I just picked up an Otter Cabin xt1200; this thing is really well built. The poles are large aluminum square with rounded sides. Really heavy duty and lighter than most huts of the same caliber (103 lbs) for this one. The canvas is fully insulated and the sled is top notch... really impressed !

Downside is its $1200 with the runners and cover. I had to get it shipped from Minnesota to Thunder bay then drop shipped to Meyers dock in Belleville. I couldn't find anyone in the area that sold them but worth the wait. I looked at the Frabil's and others, but the Otters just seemed to a step above in my opinion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu7UIB9dVGM

PM me if you want contact info and how to get one if interested.

Otters are amazing. I use an old wild 2 and I love it. As for hub style. Cabelas has a great boxing day deal on an Eskimo or you can't beat the price of the costco hub

Has anyone tried the instashak 4 man that C.T. Has on sale.
Cheers Rob

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Fishing is all fun & games until someone loses a walleye

Costco 6' x 12' pop up. 600 denier material, twice as thick as all competitors, 2 doors. 299.99 online. Mine was delivered to door in 3 days for free UPS

Amazing. I just bought the Otter 1200 lodge. Gagnon's has some 1200 cabins left and some 650 cabins.

The selling feature of many for this flip is that I can stand up in it. For two people - lots of room. Will be able to easily take wife and 5 year old out with LOTS of room to spare - heater will be safe . . .

Previously had a 1 man Clam flip. While much lighter was very small. Challenge to have 2 holes, rods and heater going especially with a wind. As was non insulated could often get drips on head and down back.

This Otter is going to be great!!!