8" auger or 10" ???

[bigwalleyeguy]

Just wondering if it pays to buy a 10" auger. Is there really that much of a difference between the 2?

[GatorBait]

More than you can imagine. Preferrably, I only use my 10" when I'm fishing for large fish such as northern or trophy walleye. I've honestly had northern not make it out of an 8" hole, that is a problem and alot of teeth I don't ever want to deal with again. 9/10 the 8" will work for all fishing occassions, but I prefer a bigger whole for the big fish. My only reasoning for why I have one.

[chad austin]

2" to be exact , It really depends on what species you are targeting. Another thing to consider is if you will be bringing little kids with fishing. I've always used an 8" auger - haven't needed any bigger than an 8 in the last 16 years.

[PlagueWielder]

I always go with the 8 for everything.

[hamms-scooter]

I use 8" and 6" holes. Never needed bigger and never want bigger. Seen to many people step in them when they get slushed over. I understand guys that want them though for pike or trout in more remote areas with less people. I believe strikemasters is a 10.25" with the chipper style

[mixxedbagg]

I think there are many, many past threads on this topic. I personally don't like 10" augers because holes that size are a safety hazard. I know that upsets a lot of people to hear that, but there are kids out on the ice too, and I'd rather lose a big slimy northern than create a situation where a tot could fall through an ice-skimmed hole and drown.

I know there will be replies about how you need to watch your kid, etc, etc, but 1) we know that not everyone does, and to me a kid is a kid and I don't want to see one drown no matter how inattentive the parents are and 2) kids should be able to be able to safely roam a little bit without a leash or a hovering parent....time on the ice is supposed to be fun for kids too, right? (Not to mention, last year I popped my entire right leg through a 10" hole that had snow blown across it on Trout Lake in Coleraine...had a tough time getting out and had to spend the evening with a leg soaked in ice water.)

And maybe I'm a subpar angler, but I've never hooked a fish that I couldn't get through an 8".

Bottom line, an 8" auger will be lighter, cut faster, will accommodate anything you're likely to catch, and you leave the lake a little safer for the next guy and his little ones.

[GatorBait]

And maybe I'm a subpar angler, but I've never hooked a fish that I couldn't get through an 8".

I'm sorry to hear that.

[bigwalleyeguy]

I do like the idea of lighter and cuts faster

[Esox_Magnum]

12pound eyes and 40" pike come up an 8" hole. Step in a 10" once you'll hate them for life. I think a Vev will also fit down a 10" hole.

[hamms-scooter]

What do you mainly fish for? I have pulled 26" walleyes out of 6" holes on Mille Lacs with no issues. The only reason for a 10" hole would be if you wanted to use some lindy rigs and troll.

[mixxedbagg]

Quote:

I do like the idea of lighter and cuts faster

Then how does cheaper with cheaper replacement blades tickle ya?

[JSK76]

I had a 8" for over 10 years and then one day got it in my head that I needed a 10". fished with the ten last year and now back to the 8" for use in the portable but still have the 10" for the wheel house and if I do any sight fishing. After having both I do prefer the 8" and it's faster.

[CrappieNight]

I run a 6" hand auger in the Clam and a 10" in the perm and wheelhouse. The 10" is nice when you chisel the holes out to save on the exhaust fumes. 2 of my kids are of fishing age (5 and 6) and they know (from experience) not to screw around in the shack. Both have fallen into a hole and they both have learned what they needed to, don't goof off or you're going to get wet. Kids are funny that way.

[Brad B]

here is something to think about.

hole size & girth of fish that will fit that size hole

6" = 18.8"

7" = 22.0"

8" = 25.1"

9" = 28.3"

10" = 31.4"

how often does a person catch a fish that would have a 25"+ girth unless you are fishing trophy pike or lake trout. so to keep it simple a 8" auger would be a good choice. the whole trick is to get the fishes head started up the hole as the girth is normally the largest right behind the head.if the head will fit the rest of the body should fit(notice I said should, there is always that one rare exception where it won't).

[DTro]

An 8" hole has a "girth" of approx 25". Very few people have ever pulled a fish through the ice that has a 25" girth.

If you are fishing for fat trophy fish such as Laker or Pike, then a 10" might fit the bill.

[DTro]

Wow Brad, almost the same post. Funny

[Brad B]

yea I was just reading this pike article in the new in fisherman and they had the numbers in a side column (page 40).

[crappiegetter]

An 8" is just fine for anything. As i do take my 3yr old son with me to fish and would not wanna see him go swimming. Anytime i do notice a large hole still not froze over i always fill it with snow and a stick to mark a hole is there.

[JeffB]

I have a 10" gas and an 8" electric. I no longer use the gas auger. I sure like the electric.

[slipperybob]

Compromise and get a 9" bit.

[Mcfin]

Get an 8

[paceman]

The bigger hole is nicer when you have Transducers and Camera cables hanging down but I still use the 8". A 10" is a safety issue for kids and just about anything that falls on the floor. And when the ice gets thicker there is a big differenec in the amount of slush/ice shavings to clean out of the hole after drilling.

[Ed Carlson]

Most 8" augers are actually 8.25", still plenty big for most needs.

I have ran a 9.25" for many years. They are harder to get now. I liked the 9".

[Itsa Pole Bender]

I use a 10" auger mainly because I would like to start spearing again (haven't done it since I moved to MN). The 10" bit makes opening up a spear hole much quicker and easier than anything smaller. With that said, similar to when I move a spear shack I put boughs from the christmas tree in the hole when I leave the ice to mark it.

I don't move around and drill 20+ holes a day like some guys do. I may drill 6 holes or so in a day. Taking 6 pine branches with me is no big deal.

[Cheetah]

I went and bought a 6.5" bit a couple years ago based on the suggestion of a friend. Zips right through the ice and is easier to haul around. I don't go for huge fish anyway, so this works great.