Augers, Power or manual.

Hello Everyone,

I have been ice fishing for a few years now, and always used an outfitter which means I have been spending money and only getting out 1/2 a year. I just bought a 2/3 man pop up and now looking at Augers, and need your advice.

Power ones are costly, and would like to save some money if I can. Would I be able to survive with a manual one?

Thanks in advance for the help and advice.

Hope everyone had a good Christmas

I used one for the past 5 years, same blades. I also walk out. No trans on the ice. My opinion, manual, I don't wanna get out there and have your saw flood on ya an won't start,,,,,, or whatever reason it don't wanna start. But if you have transportation why not have the gas powered.

I don't have transportation, so will be all on foot and don't plan on moving around too much on a lake to start.

well... a 4" manual auger will take less energy to cut a hole, where as a 10" manual takes more than double the energy to cut thru. i personally use a jiffy power auger.I like to run and gun if needed. In the end it will come down to your preference and price point. hope this helped

Since you are looking for something not to break the bank and are on foot. I would say a 6 inch manual auger. 60 70 bux . It may suit your need very well and you could always upgrade 2-3 yrs down the road if need be

Ask the same question later in season when there is 24" inches of ice!! Hands down power auger,gas or otherwise.You won't be sorry in the long run.

What Db said x 2. I bought a Jiffy 8 inch in '92 and kept it in good running condition when I sold it for more than I paid 23 years earlier. I switched to an electric because of shoulder and back problems.

Early ice the manual will do and I tend to take that for less weight. Later in the year the extra weight of the gas auger is worth hauling out. Even cutting an 8 inch hole at 6 inch of solid black ice can make a healthy grown men cry.

I personally use hand auger when i'm walking, but i have a machine for later. Have you considered using power drill on hand auger when ice gets thicker? just a thought, since you said you wont be moving much.

I've hear about the drill, but honestly didn't know how it worked. I didn't know that it attached to a hand auger. I thought it was a separate auger in itself. It's just an attachment or something?

I am a walker as well and try and pack as light as possible. I have manual augers but always wanted a power auger, especially towards the end of hard water season when the ice is pushing 2 feet plus thick in some areas. If you do a lot of perch fishing, a 6 inch auger will do. For lakers, you will need a 8 inch auger. I invested a little extra money on a better quality auger last year and bought myself an 8 inch Fin-Bore III pro-series auger. IMO, spend a little more and get a better auger if you are looking at a manual auger.

The one I have been looking at is the 8" Swede Bore From CT.

I use a manual 8 inch auger. Once ice getskating thick it becomes a chore but if you think of it like a workout you'll be real fit by the end of the season.

SAIL has the Fin-bore III for $120.

I have a nice 6 and a cheap 8 I picked up at trombleys for like 40 bucks ....I tend to use the six when ever I can but I'll switch to the 8 for lakers or once I lose a few nice pickerel at the hole. I average about 10 to 15 holes when I'm out and I'm not getting any younger but I still can't justify a power auger.