5 inch hand auger big enough?

[mrpike1973]

hi i do have a 8 inch power auger but would like a small hand auger for first ice, back up. i fish mostly panfish sometimes for pike but not much is 5 inch to small or is 6 inch better thanks

[Chode2235]

I run a 6" hand auger and it works great for panfish and walleyes. Couple times I have gotten a bigger pike on the line and it has been problematic.

I went down to a 6" from an 8" hand auger and the difference in the effort in cutting the hold was night and day.

I imagine the 5" would be even better.

I wouldnt be too hesitant about picking up a 5" for your lightweight early season auger (unless you are going after Big Walleyes or pike).

[tonkapat]

go buy the 6" nils. It cuts easier than all the 5" hand augers made.

[reinhard1]

i've got a 8 inch hand auger. i haven't fished with anyone with a smaller hand auger but i would think a 6 inch would be plenty for panfish. but i fish for pike also on early ice and the 8 inch is a good all around auger for early ice. good luck.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

We have used a 5" on a 36v drill on LOW from early ice all the way through till spring and it works awesome for running and gunning. Even the bigger walleyes will make it through, just takes a little patience! Should be able to drill all day with two batteries.

[ihc1]

I have a 5" lazer I use with a 18 volt Dewalt for early ice panfish and it works great. It can get a little tight with the transdeucer but its ok. When the ice gets 12"+ then I grab the 8" lazer mag.

[BrandonJ]

If it was me Id go 6.

[BLACKJACK]

I have a five inch hand auger and its great for early season up to two feet of ice. The hole is plenty big to pull any fish that you'll catch in Minnesota up thru, I've pulled 14 inch crappies up thru it, just be patient. One thing that I do is to drill a third hole for my Vexilar transducer to help eliminate tangles.

[LightningBG]

I'd say keep the 5" if you already have one.

But if you're going to go out and buy one, get 6"

[Harv]

You can't go wrong wtih a 6 inch or 5 inch I'd guess. I have a 6 inch and it cuts ice like a warm knife through butter.

[Northlander]

Like said above I would get a 6" Nils it will burn through ice fatser than any other hand auger out there.