There are a lot of great companies that specialize in ice fishing products and one of those great companies located right in the great state of Minnesota is Clam Outdoors.  The company, based out of Rogers, MN near the Twin Cities is known for innovation of their products and the strong education of their pros.  Clam Outdoors Headquarters

Much of the early innovation was from The Godfather of ice fishing, Dave Genz.  Here is a timeline of important milestones that not only shaped Clam Outdoors but in many cases, led the way for ice fishing as we see it today.

The Clam Timeline

1979: Dave Genz hosts his first Trap Attack on Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota.

1980: Dave Genz builds the first Fish Trap in his garage. His wife, Patsy, sews the canvas pieces together on her home sewing machine.

1983: The first Fish Trap is sold.

1992: Dave Genz joins his Fish Trap brand with The Clam.

1993: Clam quickly becomes the largest manufacturer of ice shelters in North America.

1997: Ice Team is formed. Original members include Clam and Vexilar. Ice Team becomes the world’s largest ice fishing organization.

2003: Dave Osborne purchases Clam Corporation from USL Products and it becomes a privately held company.

2004: IceArmor introduced. The product line was launched with the iconic “Blue Suit.”

2005: Clam Corp. trademarks their distinctive color of blue on Fish Trap and The Clam.

2005: Clam Corp. purchases Polar Sports, which consists of ATV utility trailers and accessories.

2005: Clam Corp. manufacturing and administrative offices merge into a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Medina, Minnesota.

2006: The Fish Trap X-series of ice shelters debut as “The best ice fishing shelters ever built.”

2007: Clam engineers become the first to use Thermal Trap insulation in shelters and apparel.

2009: Clam introduces 13 new models of shelters for the 2009/10 Ice Fishing Season.

2011: Expanded from 8 SKUs in 2003 to over 500. And growing.

2012: Clam introduces the Six Pack 1660 Screen Shelter.  The first of its kind to be ready out of the box and setup in 45 seconds.

2013: Clam builds 150,000 sq ft building in Rogers, MN.

2013: Clam unveils a complete line of Clam Pro Tackle highlighted with a full assortment of Dave Genz Tungsten Series of Jigs.

2014: Clam Outdoors world headquarters opens in Rogers, MN.

2014: Expanded from 500 SKU’s in 2011 to over 1,000 SKU’s and growing.

2014: Polar Trailers by Clam introduces the LG series of trailers with the LG7 & LG10 models.

2014: Clam introduces its first ever hard sided shack, the Clam Shack 612V, setting a new standard for ease of use and durability.

2015: Clam introduces the Quick-Set by Clam series of screen shelters available in 5 models.

2015: Polar Trailers by Clam are now at retail stores in every state of the USA (with the exemption of Hawaii).

This past March, I had the chance to fish with good friend and Director of Marketing for Clam Outdoors, Dan Stefanich.  We fished out of Arnesen’s Rocky Point in a Clam hub style shelter.  It was the first time I fished out of a hub style and I was impressed.  It was easy to set up, spacious and warm.  Fishing was good!  Check it out…