Manual Ice Augers

[EricCO]

What is the best brand of ice auger out there without a motor on it? I'm thinking an 8" hole is big enough.

Of course the most important thing is how easily it cuts through the ice, as some of you may know, I'm no athlete.

Where would be good place to check for a summer deal on one and what should I expect to pay?

[cisco]

I've had quite a few years of very good service out of my Mora ice auger. It is 7 inch, however I have had no trouble sliding fair sized northern pike up thru the hole. Don't know what they currently sell for.

[scottcny]

Probably have a hard finding a deal on one in the summer months since most retailers don't normally stock them in the summer. A lazer 8 inch (made by mora-strikmaster) is your best bet. they retail for about $60. try strikemasters web site for any close outs.

[REW]

If I was going to use only a manual ice auger, I would use either a 4 or 5 and never larger than a 6 inch auger.
About every time that you add an inch to the diameter, you are increasing the amount of drilled ice by a lot.

Depending on the expected fish to be caught, even a 5 inch hole is just fine for most fish.

Of course, if you start to let the hole freeze in - you might have problems.

The Hand held lazer by strike master is the way to go. It cuts ice like a hot knife through butter.

that is why, the motor driven drill outperforms many other augers. Better blade design that cuts more efficiently.

Take care and keep the ice away for a bit.

REW

[little bow mount]

i agree. i have an 8" lazer and i like it a lot although when the ice gets to be more than 8" here in south dakota i get real tired drilling holes all day. i would reccomend getting no bigger than a six inch hole. my brother still uses his 4" auger and has pulled some impressive four pound walleye through it.
i sure wish college would get over so i can buy myself an auger with a motor on top!
good luck