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Q:
For those ice fishers out there, this is my first season I plan to go out and ice fish. I think I can tough it out using a hand auger for now (who knows, I'll probably be saying different after the season), but I have it narrowed to the Strikemaster mora 6" or the Strikemaster lazer 6". I am leaning towards the lazer but I would like more opinions.
Question by 1Browning2. Uploaded on December 07, 2011
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Answers (9)
I like using a hand auger because it is light and easy to lug. If you get a good one, the razor sharp blades cut through a foot of ice so quick you won't believe it. I haven't used either of your choices but just make sure it has removable razor blades to cut the ice.
get an 8" diameter auger. you'll like the larger hole, especially when you are using so much energy to drill!
I have a hand auger, and later in the winter when the ice is likely it's thickest, it slows me down. But I'm in PA and not Minnesota or a place like that where the ice gets super thick.
I started with the Lazer and still have it. I agree with CL3 though and use an 8". 6" is a pretty narrow hole to fight the big ones up and through. It doesn't take that much more elbow grease to bore 2" more diameter.
I have an 8" Lazer auger which works better if you're fishing for big northern pike. DakotaMan has it right it's absolutely critical to keep your auger sharp. A sharp auger will cut through the ice with ease. A dull auger is a fight to get a hole in the ice.
Well I fish in Iowa so I will be fishing mainly for crappie and bluegill, some walleye. Nothing too large. Thats why I decided on 6, but I will take a look at the 8. Thanks for the suggestions.
I don't have an answer for this question as I live in Oklahoma. But questions like this make me so jealous. I used to ice fish as a kid in South Dakota...I gotta get back up there to good ol Lake Oahe. Good luck to you guys toughin it out on the ice...lucky S.O.B.'s :)
I would stick with the 6" for walleye at the biggest. If you are drilling a few holes its not a problem, but if you intend to drill more than a dozen holes or so a day the smaller auger really pays off. We have both and the 8" takes a good deal more energy than the 6", its not just that diameter is an extra 2", but the area you are drilling is 50 sq in compared to less than 30 for 6er. They also make a 7 inch model so you can split the difference.
But without getting too carried away about the size, what really matters is that you spend the extra 30 bucks or whatever on the lazer. Most Definitely Worth It.
For the fish you are seeking, a 6 inch hole will suffice nicely and, as stated above so well, after drilling a dozen holes or more in an afternoon in mid season ice, you will appreciate less work in making the smaller hole. If you get tired of hand drilling the holes, you might jury rig a rechargeable drill on the top end (you have to remove the palm handle) - one of my friends did this successfully. Just be ready for some kick back when the drill finishes the hole.
I have a 6 inch mora and for blur gill and crappie it works great. You will be surprized by how little effort goes into auging a hole if you have sharp blades.
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I like using a hand auger because it is light and easy to lug. If you get a good one, the razor sharp blades cut through a foot of ice so quick you won't believe it. I haven't used either of your choices but just make sure it has removable razor blades to cut the ice.
get an 8" diameter auger. you'll like the larger hole, especially when you are using so much energy to drill!
I have a hand auger, and later in the winter when the ice is likely it's thickest, it slows me down. But I'm in PA and not Minnesota or a place like that where the ice gets super thick.
I started with the Lazer and still have it. I agree with CL3 though and use an 8". 6" is a pretty narrow hole to fight the big ones up and through. It doesn't take that much more elbow grease to bore 2" more diameter.
I have an 8" Lazer auger which works better if you're fishing for big northern pike. DakotaMan has it right it's absolutely critical to keep your auger sharp. A sharp auger will cut through the ice with ease. A dull auger is a fight to get a hole in the ice.
Well I fish in Iowa so I will be fishing mainly for crappie and bluegill, some walleye. Nothing too large. Thats why I decided on 6, but I will take a look at the 8. Thanks for the suggestions.
I don't have an answer for this question as I live in Oklahoma. But questions like this make me so jealous. I used to ice fish as a kid in South Dakota...I gotta get back up there to good ol Lake Oahe. Good luck to you guys toughin it out on the ice...lucky S.O.B.'s :)
For the fish you are seeking, a 6 inch hole will suffice nicely and, as stated above so well, after drilling a dozen holes or more in an afternoon in mid season ice, you will appreciate less work in making the smaller hole. If you get tired of hand drilling the holes, you might jury rig a rechargeable drill on the top end (you have to remove the palm handle) - one of my friends did this successfully. Just be ready for some kick back when the drill finishes the hole.
I would stick with the 6" for walleye at the biggest. If you are drilling a few holes its not a problem, but if you intend to drill more than a dozen holes or so a day the smaller auger really pays off. We have both and the 8" takes a good deal more energy than the 6", its not just that diameter is an extra 2", but the area you are drilling is 50 sq in compared to less than 30 for 6er. They also make a 7 inch model so you can split the difference.
But without getting too carried away about the size, what really matters is that you spend the extra 30 bucks or whatever on the lazer. Most Definitely Worth It.
I have a 6 inch mora and for blur gill and crappie it works great. You will be surprized by how little effort goes into auging a hole if you have sharp blades.
Post an Answer