Rookie Mistake

[bassin212]

Took some of my college buddies out for their annual ice fishing trip. They typically only make it out once a year and it generally ends up being one of the colder days of the year. Headed out Saturday to probably the busiest access on Winni, but was hopeful the cold would keep most away and it did.

Brought the brand new big buddy with me and took the portable buddy out of the truck because why would I need two heaters? Figured I’d make more room for my passengers…..

Headed out to our spot, managed to catch a good amount of smallies and a handful of whites, but no lakers. Luckily no wind and good layers made everyone warm and comfortable in the monster lodge, but the damn heater wouldn’t work! And of course, didn’t bring my other one. Lesson learned ! I took it apart today and figured out the issue.

Overall, everyone caught fish and it was a good time. Ended up giving my leftover smelt to an older gentlemen who had a bob house out there who I chatted with for a while, nice guy! Still a good amount of ice out there if you’re willing to look for it.

[Steve H.]

Nice whiteys!

[Roccus]

You had a house, you dont  need no stinking heater.. it was  a cold  one for sure.

[bassin212]

You had a house, you dont  need no stinking heater.. it was  a cold  one for sure.

You’re definitely right! No wind is everything. Didn’t even wear my jacket except for the snowmobile ride! No gloves most the day either.

[Roccus]

You’re definitely right! No wind is everything. Didn’t even wear my jacket except for the snowmobile ride! No gloves most the day either.

I don't  mind. Cold, don't mind snow. I can deal with.a little rain, butvwind makes me a grumpy old man,  it just adds a level of misery that takes  the fun out of it..

[800stealth]

Nice report, bummer about the heater but sounds like everyone survived lol...

[jethro]

Those buddy heaters are so friggin' tempermental I am very close to jumping on the diesel heater bandwagon. I carry a baby buddy and a few 1lb tanks as a backup to my Portable Buddy and 11lb tank. I also have a spare thermocouple with me if I am overnighting.

[jigmaster5]

Brought the brand new big buddy with me and took the portable buddy out of the truck because why would I need two heaters? Figured I’d make more room for my passengers…..

The Buddy heater engineers will make you pay every time for something like that!  I haven't needed mine this yr, but, as others have said, very temperamental devices!  Glad everyone survived the cold.   

Nice!

x2!

[PoolGuy]

Nice whites.  They’ll cook up very nice

[bassin212]

Thanks everyone! Funny enough I got my portable buddy for free, had it for years, beat it to hell and it’s always ram. Got this big buddy brand new (smoking deal though $86 shipped) have babied the thing and so far, not so good 😂😂 that’s just how it goes!

When I ice camp I always bring 1lb and both heaters. Definitely a better have and not need situation and bring my tool box along as well. At least I’ll know where to start looking if things don’t work in the future

[Stinkbait81]

Great story and sounds like it was still a great day with friends.  Nice fish too!

[Stinkbait81]

Great story and sounds like it was still a great day with friends.  Nice fish too!

[Uppervalley Kid]

At least you didnt get skunked, great post.