Hand Auger

[andercee]

Does anyone else use a hand auger anymore?  I don't think I have seen anyone else use one here since I've been here.  If it's kept sharp there is no beating it.  If it takes me longer than 30 seconds to drill a hole I get the blades sharpened. 

[SkeeterJeff]

I have both.  I fish Indiana and Michigan.  Seldom do we have enough ice here in Indiana to need a power auger, but the lakes I fish in Michigan have had anywhere from 12" - 30" of ice.  Hand drilling 30" of ice with a six inch auger is a lot of work!

Jeff

[Grumpyoldman]

I still use a hand auger. That's all I've got for now and I'm good w/ it. I drill the rock until I hit water.   

[Oldbear]

I use a 5" lazer hand crank at the start of the ice season until maybe up to 7-8" then switch to my 8" lazer mag power drill.

[cutbow_07]

I have a nils master 8" that converts to a hand auger for early season then put it back on the powerhead for drilling in places like nelson and TRR.  Also have the Strikemaster power auger 8" for backup.  I know quite a few people that like to use hand augers and to tell you the truth they are better than using a spud bar to get through 24" of ice.  I love my nils setup because I can disconnect it quickly from the power head and put on the hand auger attatchment if I accidentally run outta go-go juice

[montanahardwater]

Does anyone else use a hand auger anymore?  I don't think I have seen anyone else use one here since I've been here.  If it's kept sharp there is no beating it.  If it takes me longer than 30 seconds to drill a hole I get the blades sharpened. 

I do cary one. at the begining of the season if the ice is still thin, to keep my weight down. once the ice gets more than 6 inches its jiffy 30 model w/10" ice chewing water spitting hole boring power! man I love the sound of a power auger!
nnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaannnnnnnnnnaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnn nnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa nananananana!

[stoutbait]

I have a hand auger, being in college the hand-me-downs are all I can afford. Works great, but I don't complain when a fishing buddy brings his gas auger.

[Raquettedacker]

Alot of times if I go by myself I just bring a bucket of gear and a hand auger. Dont use a sled or wheeler so I'm walking and carrying my stuff..

[Irish Jigger]

I have used a 6" hand auger exclusivly for the last few years, it's not so bad when the ice is 12" or less. I've been known to drill 30 - 40 holes in an outing. I have a 10" lazer and I don't use it at all any more although I did order an Icegator this year and am looking foreward to it. I was sick of the whole hauling gas around, the cold starts, and the noise. I think I'll like the Icegator alot and get alot of use out of it. Some of my friends are already chomping at the bit to try it out also.

[Hoosier]

some just dont wanna know the sweet sensation of press the button and watch the ice pile,,,lol

[andercee]

My uncle had an electric lazer and I was impressed how it ate up the ice.  I haven't encountered thick enough ice to justify the cost yet though.  Probably have to get one if I start fishing mountain lakes.