Quickfish 6 + Mako + Big Buddy review

[sigosaur]

So Santa left this all under the tree ... and we got it all out Sunday and Monday. Lots of slush Sunday ... still a bit Monday.

The shack was just as easy to set up on the ice as in under the tree. Yesterday was a bit breezier ... but same thing ... anchor one end, and proceed as usual. Didn't realize 'til I was taking it down ... as I didn't use all the anchors, it COMES WITH a guy-line ... as it was, I got a big Otter sled (don't ask) with a rope to pull it, and so I just rig'd that up ... otherwise, the end would collapse every 30 seconds. With the guy-line, I'll never have that problem again.

Yes, there was plenty of condensation inside ... not sure why I should care, yet. But it was there!

Also picked up some home-gym 2ft sq. foam-rubber flooring deallies from walmart ... a bit pricey ... but they fit together like a puzzle. I just put 'em together double-wide about 8ft long and ran it down the middle ... nice dry area to throw hats/mittens 'n what-not. The heater melted 'em just a bit ... still plenty good.

The Big Buddy, when it runs both burners (only on high) is plenty to keep the shack warm. Problem is, it'll only run both burners (well) for about 30min - 1hr. Then ya've gotta turn it down to medium for another hour or so. I didn't bring enough propane to do enough experimentation. But I'm thinkin' if I start with two full bottles, maybe it'll go longer. Next time I'll bring 6 bottles ... and do two at a time, and keep it on high the whole time ... that should help me figure out if it's the bottles, or something else (O2 sensor?). Ran the fan on it almost non-stop for 16hr+ ... original batteries are still good!

I was a little nervous about the Mako ... seems a lotta guys like other brands. But it started right up. I got to where it'll go on the first-pull, now. Not sure how long it'll stay like that ... but so far, I'd buy 'nother one, if I had to. Don't need to choke it long ... if at all.

Brought along a shovel to bank the house ... never did it ... probly leave it at home, next time.

That Otter sled is a BEAST! I never gave it a second thought ... I had it around for a few years, and I thought "great, I can use THAT". Then, out on the ice, I see guys with these little kiddie sleds, and they don't seem to be dyin' of heart-attacks. All in all, I think I'll stick with it 'til I can drive out. If I did it the way I'd want, I'd git those nicer sleds ... for like hauling deer out ... and I'd need at least two of 'em ... three'd probably be perfect! Those nicer sleds are probably $50+/ea though. I'll tough it out a few more times.

Did see one guy with a Quickfish (not sure if it was 3 'er 6) on his back walkin' way out. I think I'd still go with a $10 plastic sled, at the least.

I've fished, mostly in someone else's permanent shack, most of my life. I'm not saying I'm good at it, but I done it. And while this shack ain't a permanent, compared to other portables I've been in, this is REALLY nice! Nice to store ... nice to haul ... nice to set-up ... nice to take-down ... nice to be in. Sunday, at one point, we had three adults and three kids in it ... ya, it was crowded ... but any other portable I've been in, I wouldn't even try it. As of yet, we've only drilled 4 holes in it. Ya could definitely do 6 ... but 4's good!

Over the years, I've continually upgraded by rods 'n reels. For a lotta years, I kept buyin' the same cheap junk, over 'n over. The last few, I been puttin' bait-casters on ... don't seem to use 'em much in the summer, anyhow. Sure is nice not havin' line jump the spool or reels literally fall apart in your hands. I 'spose it's a bit much for most guys ... but as it is, I'll bet I've spent less money the last few years ... just 'cause I'm done buyin' new reels! I'm a slow-learner ... so as of yet, most of my rods are Ugly Stiks. I'll probably try a spring-bobber one of these days ... but I'm kinda tired of spendin' money, this year. The Ugly Stiks seem to do ok ... don't come apart like those HT cheapies. 'Course, now the kids are joinin' in! I'll let 'em finish off the last of the HT's 'fore they git an Ugly Stick. Thinkin' I'm gonna upgrade their reels though ... I'd rather pay 'nother $20 - $30 than waste time re-rigging every other hour.

Now I just need to learn how to FIND the fish ... and I could probably stand to learn how to CATCH 'em, too. Usually, if I can find 'em, I can catch a few. But it's clear to me, there's a lotta technique and equipment that can do a much better job. For now, I'm happy listening to the kids play stupid games and try to out-guess the fish. ;-) Except, of course, for actually FINDING the fish! :-/

I did make use of the maps app for my iPhone ... very nice app ... got right to where I wanted to be. Just no fish there. Next time, the Iowa fish-finder'll be in FULL use!

[1Yogi]

I just bought a Quickfish III at Costco for $169.00. Let me tell you that I have issues and Mechanical theory and the practical application of them. Concepts I get in my head and on paper never seem to work in the field. My buddies all tell me I invite Murphy(the guy that writes the Laws) on every trip we take. Even I could not screw up this rig. It sets up in seconds and pops down just as easy.

Why the heck did I not get one of these when they first came out I can't answer but man am I glad I did now.

[NCLaker]

Sig ... sounds like you had a great xmas! Glad to hear you are happy with all the new gear. I also have a QF6 - Great shack, especially for a group of 3 or more. I love how easy the eskimo popups are to to put up & take down. Picked up a Clam version (2 man Hub model from last year), and it is WAY more difficult to use - I wrestled to get it to pop open, and the hubs would bind when I tried to fold it up. I REALLY hope Eskimo comes out with a thermal versions next year.

[BartmanMN]

You should pick up at least an 11 lb propane tank and hose for your big buddy. Don't mess with the little green bottles.

[sigosaur]

You should pick up at least an 11 lb propane tank and hose for your big buddy. Don't mess with the little green bottles.

I seen guys talk about that 'round here ... I wasn't sure if I was ready to drag a 20# tank around.

Just saw a 5# at Fleet Farm last nite for $55 ... probly need at least TWO of them.

That purdy well takes care of the 2nd burner issue I'm seein', eh?

I need a special kinda hose or adapter or something, though ... right?

Figures ... I just picked up another 8 1# bottles last nite. Well ... I'll go thru them, first ... then see. Might be drivin' out by then ... makes a 20# tank a lot easier to get out there!

11# last a couple outings? I don't wanna to have to refill it EVERY time ... but every two, might be ok.

Thanks!

[Eckie]

Sig ---

Remember, if you go the hose route with the big buddy, make sure to get a fuel filter for the hose.

[river rat316]

I just had a rod break on my qf3, bound up when I opened it up, tried to push it back in and the rod snapped, I will be talking with Eskimo today, Joe's reffered me there. The big buddy runs much better with a big tank, those little bottles freeze up and don't work worth a [PoorWordUsage] then

[Dothedew]

I got a eskimo quickfish6 and a big buddy heater this x-mas. It fits my family perfectly. Enough room for the two kids 11 & 8 to stand up and walk around when their bored. The wifey can sit and read her book with room to move around.

[JacobMHD]

Anytime I leave the shovel at home I can expect to need it.

[NCLaker]

Sig ---

Remember, if you go the hose route with the big buddy, make sure to get a fuel filter for the hose.

If you go with the Mr. Heater hose with the regulator and quick connect fitting, your not suppose to need a filter.

Couple recommendations if you go with the external tank.

- make sure the place that fills it knows it is a new tank, and have them purge any contents in the new tank before filling. A friend had a problem with his before this was done.

- Trick to starting the Buddy heater with a tank+hose. Hook up the hose to the heater and open up the tank valve. Before starting, put a 1# tank on the osher side of the heater. Then light the pilot light & get the heater going. After it is going for a few minutes, you can remove the 1# tank. Before learning this trick, I was very frustrated because it would take forever to draw LP through the hose when lighting the pilot - Especially when it is very cold outside. Now I don't have any problems at all getting the pilot lit.

[sigosaur]

Originally Posted By: Eckie

Sig ---

Remember, if you go the hose route with the big buddy, make sure to get a fuel filter for the hose.

If you go with the Mr. Heater hose with the regulator and quick connect fitting, your not suppose to need a filter.

Couple recommendations if you go with the external tank.

- make sure the place that fills it knows it is a new tank, and have them purge any contents in the new tank before filling. A friend had a problem with his before this was done.

- Trick to starting the Buddy heater with a tank+hose. Hook up the hose to the heater and open up the tank valve. Before starting, put a 1# tank on the osher side of the heater. Then light the pilot light & get the heater going. After it is going for a few minutes, you can remove the 1# tank. Before learning this trick, I was very frustrated because it would take forever to draw LP through the hose when lighting the pilot - Especially when it is very cold outside. Now I don't have any problems at all getting the pilot lit.

Many thanks!