How big a hole?

[fishinalot]

Go with an 8". Plenty big for any fish swimming in these waters!

[FishingDVM]

I have used a 6 inch hand auger all my life. Just last year I broke down and purchased a 6" strikemaster hand auger. Less ice to drill and scoop. In my opinion, I have seen many 2-4 lb. eyes wiggle & spit the hook in a large hole and be able to turn around and laugh their way back to the big blue. I've had eyes of any size up to 9 lb 8oz.(my largest) get their head in the 6 inch hole and then the battle is over. They can't turn around and you've got em. Also have seen many a great bite get ruined by gas auger noise. What really makes me laugh are some of the most athletic looking, big, strong and ambitious young men haul their 10 inch gas augers out 2 miles on the lake and then bore 6 hole through 6 inches of ice. It's sometimes hilarious to watch.

[draggin bottom]

bought a 7" elect lazer from strike master works great drills enough holes for me between charging and its queit no gas smell either

[live_2_fish]

I have an 8" and never had a problem with the size. Never had a problem getting a fish through. I would go with the 8".

[perchman]

I have a 8 inch gas (smokeless oil) which I like. had a buddy with a 6 inch electric drill my holes once last year.. wow were they small. Also had another buddy drill them once with a 10 inch.. fun until packing up (in the dark) and the wife accedenltly stepped in one.. not a happy camper.. too big...

[Gordie]

I thought that a 10inch would be the best for my permanent house but soon realised that I should have gotten a 8" I ve had the 10 inch for 15 years and finally last year swichted to the 8 and man what differance cutting holes makes. I think that the 10 just put way to much wear and tear on my old mag 3 and could honestly say that I heard it say thanks when I drilled the first 8inch hole.It also puts less ice and water under your house or feet.

Anyways its not the size of the hole that counts its what you pull out of it that counts.

[TroutAngler]

I have a 10 inch auger and this year will be purchasing a new 8" bit for it. My fishing buddy could easily fit down a 10 inch hole up to his shoulders. He's 5. I'm nervous the entire time we are fishing that he might slip into the hole. Before I had said fihsing buddy, the 10" was fine, although tougher to drill holes and much heavier than an 8".

[Iceboy]

I've used a StrikeMaster 2 HP LazerMag with a 10" bit for a few years now and love it. Pretty light while still cutting a big hole. It's nice to have room for a ducer in the same hole you are fishing. I doubt I've caught a fish that wouldn't fit up a 7" hole, not to mention a 10" hole, so that isn't much of a concern for me.

MNDan

[Philo]

I only use hand augers. I own 4, 6, and 8 inch models, strikemaster lasers.

If I had to choose one, I would go with the 6 no question, it drills alot easier than the 8 and is big enough to pass large fish.

If I need a bigger hole, I will drill pilot holes with the 4 and fishing holes with the 8.

[Boar]

I pulled my biggest pike thru an 8" hole last year 23lbs no prob. thought about a nine but not right now. Later boar