Otter Ice houses.

Hey everybody, I know its a bit early but I am a addict to Ice fishing. Looking to buying a new trap this year. I grew up knowing nothing but clam. But these new square tubing frames and heavy canvas has really got me thinking. And as we all know their sleds are awesome!

So while you are sitting on your dock sipping your favorite summer beverage I would really like to hear what you have to say about Otter houses and gear.

I have the Otter Otter Outdoors Pro XT 1200 Cabin Package and the ATV “Monster Box for my Grizzly 750. There are many fine choices out there for portables but if you go with Otter (IMHO) you have the best.

Wind, blowing snow, -30. Bring it on.

WS

I bought a XT-650 thermal top last winter and used it twice before reselling it. The new fabric simply doesn’t handle the temps up here. It was so stiff the wrinkles wouldn’t straighten out to let the apron lay down in front. Hopefully the fully insulated versions are better.

I still am an Otter fan and have the same unit with the older purple canvas fabric. The canvas is far warmer, doesn’t sweat as much and is far more pliable in cold temps. Otter has the best sleds, frames and hitches imo.

My answer to this age old question is a matter of weight. If you are not pulling by hand, I’d go otter. I have a Scout and a 2 man otter. I fish out of the scout much more because the otter will give you a double hernia if you have to pull it anywhere by hand in any snow.

Anyone that has to pull a heavy sled needs to make a Smitty Sled to pull their Portable. It’s like night and day difference.

I like how you think Aaron. My wife and I are in the middle of a move and just last week when I loaded my Otter Lodge into the truck to bring her to the new home I got a little excited… It won’t be long now!

Just to try and help clear up the weight myth for you… If you’re worried about weight Otter actually weighs less than the competition.

Clam X2 => 135 #s
http://clamoutdoors.com/ice_fishing/http-clamcorp-com-ice-fishing-shelters/fish-trap/2-person/adventure-x-series-2-dlx-2-bench-1.html

Otter XT1200 Lodge => 124 #s
https://www.rapala.com/otter/shelters/pro-xt1200-shelter-package/Pro+XT1200+Shelter+Package.html

Will,

Don’t think it’s the actual weight of the Otter, I think it’s all the crap that goes in it! Ya know, the stuff that you see while you are packing the Otter and you say, “I might need that” but actually have never used!

And yes, the Otter Sportsmans Caddy is the best thing ever. The only downfall to it is it will hold a ton of heavy stuff! LOL

Right now I am sitting back praying Lake Erie makes ice like last year again!