basic math

[cisco]

OK, who's got the answer to the question -- How big a walleye can be taken through a six-inch hole in the ice?

We get little charts to convert length to weight for different species, but how about the girth? Will a 15 lb northern, for example, fit thru a 6 inch opening?

I ask because I've seen so many posts lately talking up 10-inch blades for ice augers. How often is a 10-inch hole needed?

[Chad]

One benefit of a smaller hole is that you have less chance of fish turning in the hole.

[EAGLE EYES]

Well, If the fish has got a girth larger than 18.84"'s it won't make it through a the 6" hole. Simple math,Circ. = Pie x Dia.

[Raybob]

How often is a 10-inch hole needed?
We fish mostly for Gills & Crappies & stay on the move(not in a shanty) .. We'll have a chain of Holes that we move back & forth on, so the larger holes do not freeze up near as quickly as a 6" hole .. method/reason behind our madness at least.

[EAGLE EYES]

I forgot to add,that I use my 6" Lazer hand auger 20 to 1 over the my 8" Jiffy. Never, have I caught an eye that didn't fit through a six inch hole! So I guess, I don't know how heavy she needs to be to not make er' through.

[Backwater Eddy]

One of the biggest concerns in getting a fish up a hole no matter how big it is getting it to turn. Once in the hole it is best to have it no bigger then necessary so the fish cant turn or shake violently leading to a break off.

Last season a new add on was put out that act's like a hole reamer. It will sling out under the force generated by the auger and cut the bottom side of the hole into a cone shape. This is a good option as it allows you to get the fish headed up the hole with less line stress and once in the throat of the hole it is confined an more easily handled.

I heard good thing's from hardcore pike, walleye, perch, and trout anglers to it's effectiveness and easy of operation. They were pleased and thought it upped the landed fish ratio.

I agree for most conditions a 6-8" hole will do, but you ever try to get a 40 lb. flathead cat through a 6-10" hole? NOPE, not going to happen! There are times when overlapping holes to gain some room is needed, but not on a daily basis.

I forget who make's the auger add on but I am sure someone here on WC can tip us off to were to find it.

BE...><,>

[WAeyes]

I definately like the idea of this cone shaped hole. Although I dont think a 10" hole is necessary for walleye, I dont like the 6" either. There is nothing worse than trying to get a big eye to come in perfectly vertical into an ice hole. Too many times Ive seen the head go slightly sideways and stick on the side of the hole as its entering the hole. If you put to much pressure on it "pop" the hook comes out. I like the 8" hole, seems to be just right.

[EAGLE EYES]

Gaff hook will solve that issue. I never go icin'without it!

[Backwater Eddy]

Ya, or the jig get's caught on the lower rim of the hole, JR's are good for that!

BE

[WAeyes]

Never used a gaff hook. Doesnt that eliminate your option for releasing the fish?

[EAGLE EYES]

Nope, just hook em' in the jaw or mouth and pull em' up. I personally like to use the gaffs with a treble hook on them vs. the ones with a single arm hook. With the sharp treble hook you can hook them easily and release the fish virtually unharmed.