What size auger diameter? 6" or 8""

[todalake]

I'm fairly new to ice fishing and was going to buy a Nils hand auger.   Wondering what size to get.    Is the 6" a lot easier than than the 8" and is it big enough for most fish in Iowa.   Or is 8" worth the effort? Some of the ponds I'll fish in have 6# bass and channel cats.   Thanks.

[beeverfishing]

Unless you are going after monster lake trout, pike or Musky,  99.9 % the fish you will catch will easily fit through a 6" hole..

[dylan8351]

6" will do. You'll get in a few more holes before your arms fall off

[addicted to ice fishing]

Using a hand auger,  it is much easier to dill holes with a 6 in auger.  Also a 6 in should be big enough for most of the fish you catch.  If you do a lot of tip up fishing for BIG northern or walleye,  then down the line I would reccomend getting a power auger with at least an 8 in auger.

[squ1rr31_]

If your blades are sharp you won't really notice a difference. My 8" Lazer cuts through just fine without any more effort than a 6".

[Big fish tuck]

Also a 6 inch hole has 2 inches less hole to drop stuff down

[1fan4ice]

Also a 6 inch hole has 2 inches less hole to drop stuff down

Lol i  hate that .... Dude is that your reel down there

[schemmy]

Couple years ago my power auger tip broke off.  To get me by I ordered a nils 6 inch until I got a new auger for the power head on the old one.  Been so pleased with the nils 6 inch never did fix the power auger.  Went all winter last year with my six inch nils.  Im 59 and the auger cut like butter.  I fish many of the same lakes so I dont dirll a hundred holes an outing.  As the ice gets thicker it takes a little prodding to get the bigger fish to turn their head up the hole but not that big of deal.
Schemmy

[beavercreekoutdoors]

I dumped my 9" power auger for a 6" Nils last year.  After drilling with the Nils, I never even thought of going back to the bigger power auger.... 

[adkRoy]

I've seen fish as long as 38 inches(northern pike) come through 6 inch holes. they are alot easier to drill with a hand auger.

[northern_pike_hunter]

I mainly use tip-ups to fish for pike and use a 6" lazer, no problems

[jacobh73]

I use a hand auger mybe the first time I out then its all power. I bought a 10 inch, love it for sight fishing, but it dose take a little longer to drill.

[esox_magnum]

I used my 8" Nils once as a hand auger, buddy wanted to show me up with his 5" Lazer.... He wasn't happy with the outcome...No I just use the gas no matter the thickness...Not worth swapping the motor and handle for 1 maybe 2 weekends...

[slab slayers]

8

[Fishing Machine]

If you're going to be punching a lot of holes, smaller is better.

- A 8" auger removes 78% more ice than a 6",

- My 5" auger removes 31% less ice than a 6",

- A 4" auger removes 56% less ice than a 6".

It isn't a big deal until the ice starts getting thick in mid-season.

[njjisu]

I'm a fan of the 6 inch as well.  I got a NorMark Fin-Bore last year to replace my Lazer.  It's basically a Lazer but with the off-set handle like the Nils.  The off-set handle makes a big difference i've found.  The thing I liked about the NorMark is that it uses the same blades as the Lazer so their easier to fine (and cost less). 

http://www.fish307.com/normarkfin-boreiiihandaugers.aspx

[tazzzer]

I have a 8" power . think about getting a new one. a 6" is a good size hole for taking most of the fish around . and since I carry a lotof stuff arond wieght is a factor to
consider.

[cyclones30]

6" lazer here and works great!

[hotrod]

8 inch is pretty standard on a power auger, which is nice for fishing and using a Vexilar in the hole, a littel more room to play with.  6inch is plenty big enough though.

[doonan]

I would go with an 8". Eventually you will get tired of hand cranking your ice holes and buy a powerhead for the nills.

[CrappieBuster]

6 inch if your hand drilling and definetly a 8 on the power auger.

[Kevin23]

Power - 8"
Hand- 6"

[Oldbear]

I use a 5" Lazer early & late ice and a 8" power auger.  Thie 5" is effortless cutting a hole and I pulled a 6* 3oz catfish through it last winter. Had my arm in the hole to the shoulder and had to squeeze a little.  It really depends what kind of electronics you might add down the hole also.

[Tunapursuit]

I'm fairly new to ice fishing and was going to buy a Nils hand auger.   Wondering what size to get.    Is the 6" a lot easier than than the 8" and is it big enough for most fish in Iowa.   Or is 8" worth the effort? Some of the ponds I'll fish in have 6# bass and channel cats.   Thanks.

Depends on type fishing you are doing, have the 6" hand Nils for panfish but caught 5lb bass with no problems while jigging for crappie. Big cats may require the 8' but mine is gas powered. Tightlines. Ron

[graybeard]

  6" Lazer hand auger for early ice or when I want to travel light.  8" Mag 2000 when the ice gets thicker. Fished with just the hand auger for a lot of years before the wife bought me the gas auger for Christmas a few years ago.

[CrappieBuster]

I love the smell of 2 stroke in the morning..  That and the humm of the vexilar.

[harpenter]

I use an 8" Strike Lite, and I'm very happy with it.  That being said, I don't think I've ever caught a fish that wouldn't fit through a 6" hole.  You can pull some pretty decent fish through a 6" hole.

[fishinfanatic]

O.K. Call me weird but I bought a 7" Electra Lazer

[big 12]

 I have a 5'' and a 6'' hand auger, and a 8'' gas. I use the 6'' for early ice. I take the 5'' hand and the 8'' power when the ice gets thick. I like to scout with the 5'' it cuts quick and lets me be more mobile. When i find fish I will drill some 8's and set up.

[MelroseHawkins]

Also a 6 inch hole has 2 inches less hole to drop stuff down

I agree. I'd recommend a 6" hole & a 7" wide cell phone.