Ice Auger Recommendations

[Acylum]

I'm not sure how many hard water fishermen there are on this site, but I'm too old and too lazy for my hand-powered ice drill. I'm mainly looking for brand recommendations or what to stay away from. Or if you've purchased a certain model lately that you like that would be helpful. Internet reviews are all over the place for these things, as usual.

 

[zarnold56]

I'm not sure how many hard water fishermen there are on this site, but I'm too old and too lazy for my hand-powered ice drill. I'm mainly looking for brand recommendations or what to stay away from. Or if you've purchased a certain model lately that you like that would be helpful. Internet reviews are all over the place for these things, as usual.

My dad and I go once a year and last year finally bought a Jiffy gas powered one. I don't know the exact model off hand but it was about $300. It cut through the 2+ feet of ice on Waubay Lake last year really well and was easy to start. We didn't want to spend much more since we only go once a year.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Anyone every try spear fishing for Northern through the ice. I want to try it this year up in MN

[video=youtube;qyfqrsHQi7Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyfqrsHQi7Q[/video]

 

[ajk4st8]

IM really thinking about a propane powered one.

 

[roundball]

Eskimo and Strikemaster are good ones if you're not afraid to part with some coin. I think a lot of Strikemasters come with Honda motors.

Interestingly, I just picked up an old hand-powered one for $6 at a thrift store so I'd have something a little lighter to carry.

 

[HappyJoe]

My cousin and I just bought a new Eskimo Propane Auger. Haven't used it yet though. Pretty excited for hardwater! As for spearing, I believe you need to be a Minnesota resident fyi. Can't wait for our Lake of the Woods trip over NY.

 

[Acylum]

First I've heard of propane, but that would be handy. I have heard Jiffy is considered the Cadillac of power augers, and they do run a little higher in price when you compare apples to apples. Eskimo makes three levels, Stingray, Mako, and Shark, from lowest to highest priced. I found an Eskimo Mako 43 w/ 10" blade for $300, new. Seems like a good deal but wanted to hear everybody's opinion.

 

[HappyJoe]

My opinion would be to get an 8" instead of 10" auger.

 

[FarminCy]

My opinion would be to get an 8" instead of 10" auger.

Agreed. Unless you absolutely need 10" for a specific species I prefer 8".

I have a jiffy 8" but I still take out my 6" lazer hand auger alot due to weight and it cuts pretty easily with sharp blades.

I have never run one but my brother in law had lots of issues with a propane auger. He went back to a gas. I would love to test out one of the ION drills but not sure how well the batteries would handle the cold.