Which auger to use on early/late ice?

[TeddyBoy]

Right now all I have is a gas auger. It's probably overkill with the amount of ice on metro lakes. It would be nice to lighten my load until I need to drill through a lot of ice. What do others use to drill through 4-5" of ice? Is it a waste to buy a hand auger if I already have a gas auger? Maybe just a chisel? What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[prophet]

i usually use a chisel,mainly because i use it checking ice

on the walk out and dont want to bring a hand auger also,i

feel i can cut a hole in this thin ice period quicker with

a chisel then a hand auger anyway but thats just me

[prophet]

i usually use a chisel,mainly because i use it checking ice

on the walk out and dont want to bring a hand auger also,i

feel i can cut a hole in this thin ice period quicker with

a chisel then a hand auger anyway but thats just me

[Ralph Wiggum]

Teddy,

I posed a similar question not long ago. Check out the responses here.

[TeddyBoy]

Thanks Ralph! Before I asked the question I searched for auger and got about a million results.

[bigminnow]

I have a 7" Lazer, it's lightweight, easily folds with the thumbscrew, and really rips through the ice. I used a Mora for years until I tried by buddies Lazer... worth the $50 beans.

Bigminnow

[Rick]

If you have a Nils Master the hand auger is part of the package.

[art]

Going light is nice. I an 8" Mora and an 8" Lazer Express. Some say they don't understand the need to use the power auger on thin ice. I've read on here that the hand augers actually spook the fish more than the power auger. I underestand chisels work but don't do like some of the knuckleheads I've had near me on early ice that come out right about the time you get your first walleyes showing up. They start chiselling and you can feel the booming on the ice in you portable. Funny, the fishing slows down then for awhile. I use my hand auger too but don't mind the power auger either. That's why I've got it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I just picked up a 6 inch lazer this morning and took it out to check some ice and see how it worked. I loved it! Cuts really well and quickly. In comparison, we used to have some old sppon augers and a mora. I'd take the Lazer hands down. I even like the spoons better than the Mora, though. Wish my dad hadn't gotten rid of them.

[fishface5]

Early and shallow demands a hand auger! Ever smack your hand up against the side of an aquarium? What happens? Do it twenty or thirty times. I don't want to fish there! Chissles should only be used to test the ice if it is 3"-6" thick. Don't cut holes with them. Sometimes soft foot steps spook them! Think sneaky.