What size auger do you use?

[Scott K]

I want to buy a new auger this year. I mostly fish walleye, and crappies, with a few sunnie and pike outings. I now have an old 10" eskimo, it keeps running so I havent a need to buy a new one. But the time has come to where my want has over powerd me, so I will be buying a new. Would an 8" be enough, or do you think I should just buy a 10" again?

I am really not sure of the brand I want yet, but I have ideas, I know it will be a Nils, or a strikemaster 4 stroke.

[JigginIsLife]

i have never had a problem with an 8 inch hole that would be my suggestion

[ozzie]

I have a 10 and I can't stand fishing anything smaller! People will tell you that a 10 lb wallaye will come through a 6 inch hole but what is going to be easier to turn the head and fit the fish through......10 all day!

[Gissert]

Been running a 10 inch Strikemaster for the last dozen years. It has been a good rig, and I do like fishing out of the larger hole.

I would have no problem with an 8 inch auger either.

[blueroof]

I'd recommend an 8". IMO a smaller hole is better for landing fish in, you get a 10" hole and the eyes and crappie can turn in your hole. With an 8 or 6" the fish don't have anywhere to go but up, especially once the ice thickens.

LB

[Sonicrunch]

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I'd recommend an 8". IMO a smaller hole is better for landing fish in, you get a 10" hole and the eyes and crappie can turn in your hole. With an 8 or 6" the fish don't have anywhere to go but up, especially once the ice thickens.

LB

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Smaller hole lands more fish. I drill a second and third hole for the camera and vexilar.

[CrappieAttitude]

In most fishing conditions, I don't think you honestly need to go larger than an 8" hole. 10" holes are nice, but for what I target, 8" holes are perfect.

Another thing to consider...A size 12 boot will fit in an 10" hole, not an 8"

CA

[toughguy]

I just couldn't make up my mind so I got a 9". I fish lakers a few weekends a year so that extra inch may come in handy one of these years. (I guy can dream can't he)

[paceman]

I went with an 8 as it is a bit safer with the kids around and there is a lot less slush/ice to remove as compared to a 10.

[Ely Lake Expert]

I have a 8 inch hand auger and an old 10 inch power auger. I really like the 10 inch hole better just because 8" seems to small with a vexilar in the hole too. I don't have a brand to recommend though.

ELE

[Beaver15]

I've got a 9in Stealth. I think you get the best of both worlds with the 9in.

[jigging-matt]

I have an 8" Strikemaster, and have never had a need for more. Sometimes a larger hole has a tendency to attract items that don't float

[Ely Lake Expert]

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Sometimes a larger hole has a tendency to attract items that don't float

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LOL, oh ya I have lost a couple things to that monster that somes up through your hole and brings something back to the bottom with it.

[toughguy]

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Sometimes a larger hole has a tendency to attract items that don't float

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Last year I lost a pole and a sunflower down my 9" hole. It seems that I start the year being very careful and don't let anything fall in. It's at the end of the year when you get confident and sloppy. Nothing better than dunking your foot in a hole either.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I got an 8.. and its fine!

[harvey lee]

I used a 10" for years. Not good for lugging around the lake as its heavy. Another problem is the huge holes one leaves for others or kids to step into. I switched to a 8" a couple years back and have not noticed any difference except on a few bigger fish I may have had to play them a little longer.

Nothing but an 8 for me.

[jwhjr]

8 for me.

[Dragonsm]

Size 10 1/2 men's winter LaCrosse boots fit nicely in the 10" holes. (My brother in law has a 10" auger)

When I upgraded, I actually downsized from a 9" to an 8" and haven't ran into anything yet that wouldn't come through an 8" hole. One other thing to think about, (I want to say I ran into this) some of the tipups may be not much larger than 10 or 11" in diameter making it a bit more tough setting them up. (The round Frabil Thermal tipups are the ones that come to mind)

[Kyle Sandberg]

It is all about what your fishing and how you're going to go about doing it. Do you have a portable? One man or two? How many are with you when you fish. For the smaller house or if you fishing with two in a house, go smaller as so you can fit 4 holes if you want to. If it's just you in a medium sized house, bigger is better. More fishable space. Also a consideration is how your going to get it out. Later in the year doesn't matter as much becuae you'll most likely be able to drive on the ice, but do you use a sled or ATV to get where your going? If not, use an 8 inch or small and consider the Strikmaster Lite. Also a great auger for drilling lots of holes (only weighs 20 pounds) and smoke free(almost).

I have a 10" and love it.

[Scott M]

8" Strikemaster. Never had a problem with anything too big for the hole yet. And my size 16 doesn't fall into it either.

[Scott K]

Thanks guys, most of my ice fishing is done with a portable, with either just myself, or with one other. I was thinking on going with the 8 inch, I seldom get a big one up to my ice hole anyway. . I gues it will just boil down to price and availability when I go to buy it.

[federline]

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Size 10 1/2 men's winter LaCrosse boots fit nicely in the 10" holes.

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And how! 10" Strikemaster and size 10 1/2 LaCrosse here...

The Frabill round tipups are just big enough to not go through a Strikemaster 10.25" hole.

Thinking about putting an 8" Lazer head on my 10" Mag 3000 this year...

[Kyle Sandberg]

Then I would go with a 8" auger and if you want it to be light, look at the Strikemaster Lite. Pulling my 10" for a long distance gets tiring.

[Coon]

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. I seldom get a big one up to my ice hole anyway.

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sorry...couldn't resist...mines(auger)8"

[wishing for walleyes]

9 inch stealth for me.