6" 7" or 8"

[Jim Uran]

Making the switch from the back breaking 10" auger I've been using the last 5years.... what do you suggest, and why?

[KJMinion]

I made the switch last year from a 10" to an 8" and I'm very glad I did. When I bring the kids, I fish mainly out of a portable. When going to an 8" hole from the 10", it seems to help keep the kids feet out of the holes a little better yet they are still large enough to jig and have the transducer in the same hole. Plus it is definitely lighter to carry around to pop holes and seems to cut much faster than the 10". Another plus is there is usually much less slush to scoop out after drilling.

[TruthWalleyes]

I like an 8" hole. 10" is just too much room for a lot of things to fall through. 6" is big enough for almost anything, but 8" offers more room to bring fish up the hole.

[MikeRaetz]

I have always used an 8" on all my augers but this year i will be switching to my 6". Most of the reason is to get threw the ice a little quicker. I will be using that for the panfish. Going to use my 8" for the walleye. I have a feeling that Walter is going to tug on my line this winter.

[Jim Uran]

Sure it's nice to fish out of a 10" hole, but for my style of fishing, it's too darn hard to drill holes all day with a 10" auger. I want to go as small as possible, but I have to worry about using light line, the transducer cable getting in the way, and wide bodied crappies fitting up that hole. Just doing some discussing before I pull the trigger, because augers aren't cheap!

[KJMinion]

Jim, another option is to just purchase the drill unit. That is what I did. Much cheaper than buying a whole new auger. I bought one last year for my Strikemaster Lazer and I think it was just under $90 and it came with new blades.

[Jim Uran]

KJ,

that is a great point.. and might be an option for me also, but wow my powerhead has seen it's days. Countess holes over the last 5 years have been drilled, but I may be able to squeeze another couple seasons out of her

[picksbigwagon]

Our first hand auger was a 7", then I bought a 9" power auger, huge difference in holes. I now own a 8" but if they would have made a 7" I would have bought that. I think 6" is just too small

[KJMinion]

Jim, one correction on the price. Just did some quick searching and new 8" StrikeMaster Lazer drill units are closer to $139 not $90. Sorry about that, still cheaper than a whole new auger though. Chipper drill units are slightly lower in price too compared to the Lazer. Not sure about the other brands of augers.

[muc33]

8!

[Brad B]

I started with a 8" chipper style drill unit. then I went up to the 10" chipper for a season after that I got a 10" lazer. this year I was thinking of getting a 6" & 8" lazer drill unit so I can change them out as needed. each size has it time and place.

[pushbutton]

each size has it time and place.

Bingo........a 6 would be fine for smaller fish. Like 10's in a hard house that am going to fish on a cold weekend, and think 8's are a nice tweener if the waldos or norts might come calling.

[Jim Hudson]

Its like boats, can not just have one!!

I typically use a 6 inch bit for panfish and switch to an 8 for everything else.

[Chad Peterson]

Like a 8". Not to big and not to small.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I have to agree with the majority here. Go with the 8" auger.

[JuanArellano]

I use a 6inch for just about everything I fish for, I just like the light weight. I drill alot of holes every time I'm out on the ice, and even us my 6 with my cordless drill. I have to admit, I do not fish in a hard house that often though.

[Moose-Hunter]

Making the switch from the back breaking 10" auger I've been using the last 5years.... what do you suggest, and why?

Jim...

If you gotta have only one, 8" is the way to go. It's a great compromise. 6" is great for panfish or for running/gunning for the fast drill time. 10" would be great for perms or wheel houses. An 8"... Perfect mid point between the two.

Now... Chipper or shaver (lazer) styles blades?

[Rick G]

I drill alot of holes every time I'm out on the ice,

You sure do I followed your line of holes that day last winter when you were prefishing Clearwater for the UPL tourny. Seeing how fast your 6in went through the ice made me get one for pannies. I have the trusty 8in for everything else.

[Jim Uran]

I'm definitely going with the lazer style.... and I'm like Juan, only cooler! jk, I really mainly fish panfish, and since I already have a 10" bit I'm set, I just need something for running and gunning because trust me, i drill a ton of holes.

[dan z]

Been drilling with a 224 (8") for a few seasons. Love it! Wish blades were little easier to get when needed however.

[magicstix]

As others have stated 8" is a good all around.

I have both a 8" and 6". I prefer the 6" if I'm by myself. Fishing buddies have the mentality you can't land a fish in a 6" hole so I'll bring the 8". If just fishing panny's a 6" would probably fit the bill. And a person can land a pretty good sized fish through a 6". My biggest was about a 10lb carp on 2lb test, took a while and was a tight squeeze but she came up finally.

You'll be happy with either one, to me a 10" is jinormaous.

[Dark Cloud]

Im like Juan also, only cooler...

I prefer a 6 inch auger. Still havnt found a gill or crappie that wont fit through. Plus the the bigger ones cant turn around if they come off in the hole.

I'll never retire my old 6 inch Lazer with off-set handle but after playing with an Ion, Im interestred in putting a 6 inch Lazer Synthetic bit on one...

Jim - Sounds like you might want to track down a 6 or 7 inch bit to put on your "old" auger?

[JuanArellano]

I don't know where you guys are get that you all are cooler than me...

but yes Jim If I were you I would go with a 6-7 inch auger bit. there is no need for a 10 unless you are fishing in a wheel house. I think they should out law them all together.

[Brad B]

I think they should out law them all together.

it will never happen. there is too many out there that would be grandfathered in and could still be used.

[wbliceman]

I have a 7" I love it. If I cant fit a fish up that whole I will figure out a way to dill another right next to it so its bigger. I have fit a few big fish through it including a 44" muskie that decided to bite a 1/16 oz spoon with waxies on it.