new eskimo fatfish

[live4chrome]

anyone seen one of these set up (6-8 person model)

Im looking into getting a large hub style but was wondering if it was really worth the extra 80 bucks for the fat fish model over the quickfish 6. how much more space is there compared the the QF6 model

Im hoping to fish 4 or 5 guys comfortably with leg room

[chad austin]

I have fished with guys that own these (QF6) and they absolutely love the height and the quality. As for the thermal units I can't say one way or the other. I've got a command post and fishing 4-5 guys comfortably with leg room doesn't happen. 4 is a good number to have in the house.

[Hardyboy]

I have seen the fatfish setup and there is more fishable space due to the design. the bottom tapers out instead of in so there is definitely more floor space. I am 6'2" and theres headroom to spare. In my opinion its a step up from the quickfish. the only thermal unit is the 949i and thats the 4 person model.

[dmpalm]

The 6-8 person Fatfish has considerably more fishable area than the QF6. To fish 4-5 guys comfortably, you'll thank yourself for spending the extra cash, it will be worth it.

I have the Fatfish 949i. I've set it up in the garage a few times and figure I'll be able to fish 3 in there comfortably with gear and leg room.

[tbirath]

I just bought the Eskimo Fatfish 9416(six man version) set it up in the garage and room is amazining. Set up was not bad, after a few more tries, it sets up with ease...a windy day will be a challenge so have a buddy or two with you if you buy the big 9416. If you are looking for a hub to fish 3-4-5-6 people, this would be a great option. Quality looks very good, windoows provide plenty of light. Good luck.

[bASS_BLASTER]

I just bought one last week. It was on sale and I couldn't turn it down. I set it up in my living room. Its fully thermal insulated, inside-out. At 7.833' x 7.833', it has a total fishing space of 61 square feet, compared to my 6'x8' Clam, 48 square feet. I usually like to put a 2x4 folding table at the corner and I can honestly say, it has so much more room then my old 6x8. It will fish 4 comfortably depending on the size and height of anglers. My group of guys avg 5'6" and about 150lbs.

Pro's: Thermal insulated will help retain heat and reduce condensation. Flare out bottom has 13 more square feet of fishing space compared to my 6x8.

Con's: None so far since there is no ice so no real world test except one concern. The stitching on the strap handle of one side ripped off 3-4 stitches when I opened it out of the box and carried it. My thoughts, its just a bag and the materials on that isn't all that important. I'm hoping the material and stitching on the pop-up is better then the bag.

[BartmanMN]

I am liking this house. Looks like Eskimo put together a well thought out package on this house.

For whatever reason they always make the bag way to small to be workable. We determined last year it would be easier to pick up an oversized duffle bag or old Hockey bag to pack this house back into rather than trying to get it back in the factory bag.

[Mike Stark]

I need a shelter that I can fit three people in and fish for lake trout. I have tried to fish three people out of my Quickfish III and it was just to tight. Especially when aggressively jigging for trout.

Do you guys think the insulated fatfish 949 has plenty of space for three people to kinda spread out inside?

I would buy the 6person fatfish but it is not insulated and really want an insulated shelter.

Thanks.

[BigDynamite]

HI guys -

My question about the doublewide Fatfish is, will I be able to open up/set up just one half at a time for drying it out in the house? I have room to open my Quickfish 3, but not enough space for the largest of the Fatfish.

Tight Lines and Hard Water

[Fordo]

I bought the fatfish 949 none insulated version. I need to be more mobile and it is 5lbs lighter and 70$ cheaper. Is heating this huge pop up going to be a problem?

[robert aldrich]

I bought the fatfish 949 none insulated version. I need to be more mobile and it is 5lbs lighter and 70$ cheaper. Is heating this huge pop up going to be a problem?

no it wont be. i have the quickfish 2 and i love it i can even fit my small otter sport sled in it. plus it warms up realy fast. had fog forming on the windows. had to open up the vents.

[live4chrome]

at 14x14 feet I cant imagine heating it will be cheap... I measured it out and it is nearly the size of my living room. I think I will be going with the non-fat fish version so I can just run two heaters instead of needing 3

[mtbucket]

The 9416 is not 14 X 14 feet. It is roughly 14' X 8', depending on if you measure at the base or elbow room. I heat an 8' X 10' portable with one Big Buddy, usually on low setting. I don't see that you would ever need three Big Buddy heaters to heat the 9416, but maybe two on very cold and windy days or nights. But, some do like it hot, I guess.

[NCLaker]

HI guys -

My question about the doublewide Fatfish is, will I be able to open up/set up just one half at a time for drying it out in the house? I have room to open my Quickfish 3, but not enough space for the largest of the Fatfish.

Tight Lines and Hard Water

BigD, this is a good point. I am real particular about taking care of my stuff, so after using my Quickfish hub I do the same - dry it out in the house before packing it away (only necessary on those real cold outings). I plan to get a FatFish this year or next, and it will be a tight squeeze for drying in the house. Hoping the need to dry it out will be a non-issue with insulated version.

[Hoffer]

couple questions on these hub style houses. Is it a pain to use the ice stakes every time to hold them in place? How heavy are say they 2 -3 man ones? ( I will research that too - but just thought someone might know off hand) Looking at the thermal ones.

How about the "floor" or lack there of?

Do you guys just sit right on top of the snow?

how fast - and how easy/and or difficult do they set up?

thanks!

Hoffer

[JediTrav]

For those of you that have bought this or at least looked at it, how good is it for keeping light out? Does it seal up well? I'm thinking about getting one for spearing but they don't have it set up at the local cabelas so I haven't been able to look at one yet.

[musky999]

O.K. here goes my take on the fatfish I have so far. I bought the 949i (insulated) yesterday. I set it up tonight and really liked it. I sat in it for about 2 hours (27 degrees and no wind, and somewhat frozen ground) with my big buddy heater on low/medium the whole time. I was very comfy, no jacket on. I had two Frabill light bars in there and it did the job. I would think that maybe one more would really light it up in there. Rope LEDS would work out great in that house. Jedi, I believe it will seal up well, I plan on using it from time to time spearing as well. Banking up the house will be key to sealing out any light, but the windows cover pretty well. Anyway it is a nice house (big, lots of room for one or two others and myself) I think for the price, and should work out well for me this year.

I was just sitting on a folding chair and that worked out great. Anybody else have any thoughs yet on the Eskimo Fat Fishes this early season. I like mine so far and have a major ice itch. This house is going to work out great when I start driving on the lakes, it takes up alot less space in the bed of my truck than the Clam Yukon I have. So when I start driving I will be using it all the time. Last year I was driving on 12/22, with the forcast I don't think that will happen this year. Hope that helps.

[V-12 Merlin]

Do you guys think the insulated fatfish 949 has plenty of space for three people to kinda spread out inside?

Thorne Brothers has a 949i set up in their store - I was there last Sunday to look at it. I was impressed at how big it was, and they definitely have it priced right. You might want to check it out before making any decisions.

[ETH310]

Joe's has the 949 set up too. I was impressed with the design and the price. The 949 is on sale for $199. I think the insulated version was $250. I think i'm gonna pick one up.

[jmg]

Fordo.

I just bought a 949 today. Looks like a nice house. I opted for the non insulated one, also, for the same mobility reasons, esp. if I'm out by myself with my little sled. I'm pretty sure that a Big Buddy heater will provide enough heat to make it reasonably comfortable.

Now, if we just would get some GOOD ice before more snow!!!

[musky999]

I will have my first ice fishing outing with this house tommorrow night (sat. 12/3) Crappie fishing with one other and myself. I will let you know how it goes. I am wondering what they are getting these for at the Ice Show, I will not be able to make it down there to the cities to check out the show, but would like to check it out someday. Happy fishing.

[Rippinlip]

I will let you know when I get bcak tonight.

We are going to look at these and hopefully come home with one.

I sold my QF2 to get into a hub style house.

Did keep my my 1-man for solo trips.

Good luck tonight fishing.

[Hardyboy]

I picked one up set it up in the garage and got giddy thinkin i cant wait to fish out of it.

[going4it]

whats the set up and take down like with these units? Pain or easy?

[THavas]

does it bother anyone that these Eskimo hub shelters are made of 300 denier instead of 600?....is this something to be concerned about?