Chisel vs. hand auger early ice

[frabillfisher]

Just wondering what you guys like to use on early ice a chisel(spud bar) or a hand auger..I currently have a homemade very dull chisel for early ice and am lookin to upgrade to something different for this winter but was wondering what one to get?Brands?

[Mr.Seaguar]

Good chisels are awesome. I have a Jiffy Mille Lacs 1 piece. Say what you want about their augers, they know chisels. The 2 piece is better cause its heavier, problem being the bottom part does not float. At least mine did not. So if you get the 2 piece have it welded ASAP. Or replace the clip ring dealy. Mistakes I have learned from. Hand auger faster but chisels are nice for connecting holes or flare bottom. Or make a lot of moise if guys make you mad. Or digging out trash someone has left.

[The Grebe]

Gave up the chisel years ago...only use it for checking early ice when I walk out and in the spring, if I know there has been holes cut recently and the ice covering them is thin.

But, my power auger goes where I go, when I go icefishing, don't want to take a chance.

Chopped to many holes through 3 feet of ice, years back, helped create some strong shoulders and some pretty good triceps, thats about all I can say for it.

Not something I want to do anymore when I'm fishing for relaxation and enjoyment.

[hanson]

I take the lazy way out and just bring the power auger. I rarely end up on ice thinner than 4". Even with 4", I'm firing up the power auger.

As mentioned earlier, Jiffy makes a heck of a nice ice chisel.

[Gissert]

I have a chisel made out an old Model A Ford axle that my dad gave me about 25 years ago. It has very good quality steel, and holds an edge. I use it for ice testing, and my first trip or two out on new ice. After that, it stays in the garage.

My Lazermag is getting long in the tooth, and I am thinking very hard about picking up an 8 inch Nils Master auger next winter. They cut better than any auger I have ever seen, and the powerhead is interchangeable with a hand crank.

[frabillfisher]

Yup i geuss i just ment when i bring my one man frabill out on first ice i usualy dont like to bring my auger...anyways i was lookin at the jiffy chisel,how much does that 1 piece mille lacs one cost anyone know?...Think it would be cheaper and faster then a hand auger anyways,also pry fish house up and etc with it

[Dan Thiem]

For early ice I like the hand crank Lazer. It's just a little six inch and it really cuts easy. When fishing out on early ice it only takes less than ten revolutions and it's through. Nice clean holes. The chipper is always with but don't get used a lot.

[The Grebe]

Speaking of ice augers, my son took an early morning trip to the unique store and bought an 8 inch, Canadian power auger, in excellent shape, for $7.00! The thing fired right up! I think he said it was an Ice Master?

He must have done something right and the ice fishing gods smiled on him!

[Pig_sticka]

For alittle good sportsmanship though, please dont use the chipper right next to others. I have been setup many times right near dark waiting for the bite, when all the sudden someone will come up close and start chipping brand new holes in 4-6" of ice. I always offer to auger them a hole because the sound of a chipper is alittle much in shallow water right near dark.

But a hand auger is by far the way to go for early ice, you can drag it out very easy (light) it takes less time to use than any of the above mentioned. I have cut 50+ holes in 6" of ice and it saves gas. And if you go hand auger go with the lazer, it cuts like a dream.

[frabillfisher]

Good advice I have also had that happen and it is very annoying, still havent made my decison im thinking the chisel is cheaper though?If i were to go with a jiffy mille lacs chisel over a strikemaster hand auger that is

[Pig_sticka]

I would put a bet on that there are a few used hand augers on this site that people would be willing to sell also. You can find great deals out of season on hand augers also. I believe the normal hand augers run about 30-40 bucks which isn't that expensive. Matter of fact I almost picked one up at a garage sale that would have been probably like 5 bucks or something.

For the money I would definitely get the Lazer Hand Auger though. Not unless your only worried about the thinner ice then it doesn't matter as much.

[Dan Thiem]

I got to use a Nils last year at the Backwater Brawl and that baby is definatley the way to go. But be prepared to pay a bit more. Just like anything, you get what you pay for.

[First Ice-Mike]

I'd rather deal with the guy chipping holes through 4 inches of ice than the guy with a power auger drilling holes through 4 inches of ice right at dark - talk about lazy - happens every year though................

FI

[Northlander]

Last year was my 1st year with a Nils Master and its the lightest fastest auger I have ever used. I like the fact that I can take the power head off, put on a handle and be using it as a hand auger in minutes. I highly recomend them. As Dan said beware they are pricey.

[Pig_sticka]

Sound Test!

On In-Fisherman I believe, I watched them explain the different sounds that augers made and chippers.

Which Auger is louder underwater?

They are both actually the same in sound. The hand auger and the power auger both create the same decibles underwater.

But the ice chipper I believe was 10 times louder than either of those. If it wasn't 10 it atleast was a great incline in decibles. That is a huge difference when setting up right near dark on your drop-off or flat.

So what guys would you rather have make a hole right near you with? I will take the power auger everytime compared to a chisel.

Sure the chisel doesn't sound so bad when its not in between thunder chips. But if your the guy 50ft away fishing and hearing every blow it sounds even worse.

[Gissert]

I have no problem with people using either method. The problem I run into is clear, new ice and some guy making a ton of racket just as the sun is starting to go down.

Kind of the winter version of the "What makes you bad at a boat launch" thread.