Power Auger=Wet Feet

[hydro]

Does anyone have a workable solution to the splashing that a power auger produces when you drill through the bottom of the hole? I always get my legs and feet splashed pretty good and it's a nuisance.

I've seen some leggings that look like theyr'e made of vinyl that may work. Has anyone tried them?

[The Chemist]

I use a 5 gal bucket that I cut the bottom out of. I use this in my permanent house after I have drilled my initial holes and they have frozen over. I'm sure the gaitors as they are called work well for keeping your legs dry but not your boots. I use them for hunting and they hook onto the bottom lace on your boot.

[Steve Foss]

I wear waterproof gaiters from Cabela's (protect to the knees) and waterproof Goretex socks inside my boots, unless I'm wearing waterproof boots.

It's worked perfectly, even when I'm drilling tons of holes.

Also, I don't pull the auger hard out of the hole in a giant gush of water. While that tends to clear more slush, the less water the better, I figure, so I ease it out a bit slower.

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Steve ([email protected])

[bigpike]

just slow down
all the extra gear is unnecessary if you don't run the auger like a madman
just a thought

[Guest]

What I find works for me is, before breaking through, I give a kick to the pile on one side, then move my feet to the built up side.
Channels the water away from your feet, and you can clear the majority of the slush!

Happy Drillin!

[hawgTime]

Hydro

Water-proof boots is all you really need, not water-repellent. Pack boots with water-repellent uppers tend to still leak water. I wear bunny boots along with my water repellent coveralls and have never had wet feet. I'm sure there are many other apparel combinations which work, but this is what I've found works for me.

mj

[Steve Foss]

Hey lab rat: That's a good idea. I've found some water gushes up onto the boots no matter how slow you go, since the auger keeps spinning even at idle. But your way sounds like a good way to channel it away. Thanks for the post.

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Steve ([email protected])

[Guest]

Just wear your upland pants when you go fishing. Most are fairly water repellent around the reinforced nylon part and most of us probably have a pair.
Gives you a good reason to justify a pair when you can wear them for more that a few months.

[Jim W]

Try taking off the throttle, pulling your auger out after punching through?

Otherwise, waterproof boots are the way to go!! THen it is kind of fun making old faithful on ice! He He He!!

Jim W

[Jim W]

Try taking off the throttle, pulling your auger out after punching through?

Otherwise, waterproof boots are the way to go!! THen it is kind of fun making "Old Faithful" on ice! He He He!!

Jim W

[red bricks]

Get yourself a pair of gaitors. They work great. I use mine all of the time. If you are doing any kind of hunting in snow they are a must. They keep all of the moisture from going up your pant leg and into your boot. Even if you plunge through a frozen creek bed. The best brand is OR (outdoor research) they are sold at REI. They are kinda of spendy (50-60 bucks) I have bought other brands and they wear out easily and you end up having to buy another set. Do not get cloth ones they are dump!!

[Minnetonka]

I got a pair of those ice-chaps, that I think you are refering to, as a gift. They work alright but you have to be carful not to get too close to your heater. As other have stated. slow down on you hole punching. I do like using the ice chaps to kneel down by the hole. keeps your knees dry. The ice chaps that I have have paded knees as well.

[fishtrap2]

You need to learn the auger dance! It's kind of like a jig or something. You just power down and jump back at the last seccond. It helps to practice at home in front of the mirror. ( this technique should only be used by trained pro's)

[hydro]

Thanks for all the responses! I've been on the gaiter idea for a while now but I havn't found any that fit right over my boots and pants. With this in mind I'm going to try to make my own, building on some that I have looked at. So far I have about $8.00 into the project. I'll keep the board posted if they work.

[Guest]

Ice Chaps are a good plan, or a set of Gor-Tex bibs shed ice and water like a duck.

I wear my Gore-Tex Guide Wear bibs and my Big White Sumo Bunny Boots and let the chips fly wherever.

I seldome carry a ice ladel either, I just kick the slop out of the hole with my boot, fish, then move on. If I need to clean out the little stuff I use my bait scoop or more times then not, my hand.

Flexable rain gear will work as chaps on late ice when it's not cold, just sloppy.

Good waterproof boots with cleats or studs are needed more now then anything else. Getting very slippery again!

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"Ed on the Red"
Backwater Guiding Service
[email protected]
fishingminnesota.com/ed-on-the-red/

[hunt4food]

I have a pair of those Ice Chaps. I really like them. I do a lot of fishing with tip-ups and find myself kneeling next to the hole quite a bit. The Ice Chaps have a padded knee as someone mentioned above. I think they work pretty good with velcro enclosures that are used to hold them on. They fit down over your boot so you can really rev that auger and the geyser you create should not get you wet. I really have to agree with slowing the auger speed down though!