Auger size

[scott392]

Hi everyone,

I have a propane Eskimo HC40 10” that we’ve been using for 2 full season without issue (other than the occasional -30 day when the propane locks up). Pretty interested in a lite flite or similar as I already have the hammer drill around the house. Looking at the 6” model just from a portability standpoint. Any thoughts on 6” vs 8”?

[Huntindave]

Originally Posted by scott392

Any thoughts on 6” vs 8”?

IMHO the only thing that is absolute about auger size is LENGTH. Doesn't matter what diameter hole trips your trigger. The only thing thing that matters is the hole must go all the way thru the ice.

[Ndstallmann]

The 6” is 28 square inches compared to 50 square inches on the 8”. Battery life, along with drill capability, let alone with the work out on your arms are all things to consider. There really isn’t a lot to hold on to with most battery drills. I have a 6” don’t want to have to drill a lot of holes after about 5.

[scott392]

Originally Posted by Ndstallmann

The 6” is 28 square inches compared to 50 square inches on the 8”. Battery life, along with drill capability, let alone with the work out on your arms are all things to consider. There really isn’t a lot to hold on to with most battery drills. I have a 6” don’t want to have to drill a lot of holes after about 5.

This is exactly why I’m looking at an alternative for early/mid ice. The HC40 is a beast to carry around. Lots of weight to lug and try to be mobile.

[tandm]

A 6" auger is enough auger for fishing and a good fit for drilling with a battery drill. I carry a 5" auger for drilling holes and can imagine the danger and discomfort of drilling 8" holes with a battery drill. I have brought 16-17" crappies and 22" walleyes thru the opening. If I hook a fish too large to bring up, I'll still have the memories of the fight.

[thump55]

I couldn't handle fishing a 6" hole.

Maybe if you never have ice over a foot thick, but sometimes it's dang hard getting decent a walleye's head started into an 8" hole with 16-20" of ice...can't imagine a 6"

I use a Strikemaster 40V electric 8" and it works beautifully.

[prov1800]

Ill stick to my heavy jiffy.like my 10" holes.Drills easy and have no problems getting big fish up into the hole.

[scott392]

I’ll agree that the 10” hole is wonderful, but I decided on the 8” strike master and took it out last weekend with a dewalt 991. It was incredible. I punched about 12 holes right off the bat and the battery still was at full. Will I use the 10” propane Eskimo again? Maybe. But I also won’t be surprised if I end up using the strike master more often than not.

[kswalleyer]

if you have a transduucer float, you might like the room of an 8" hole. i do

[prov1800]

Originally Posted by kswalleyer

if you have a transduucer float, you might like the room of an 8" hole. i do

If i fish in a tent i just drill a extra hoke for transducer.That way you never have to worry about it.If iam out of tent and you hook a fish it doesnt take much to pull transducer out of the hole.8" hokes are fine but the 10"is by far the best getting larger fish up into the hoke especially lake trout.