What size hole for panfish?

[michigancrappieman]

What size hole do you guys use for panfish? I'm thinking about going with a 4.5" Nils. 

[DEADONDYLAN]

Can't argue with a nils but 6" will cover most anything you can catch

[panfishman13]

i favor 8" because it'll handle almost any other fish that you might hook while panfishing

[steve339]

I would say go with 6".  Especially if you plan to use electronics, you'll appreciate the extra couple of inches.  I have a manual 6" auger and drilling holes is fairly easy.

[tench]

Go with a 6, especially if you cover a lot of water and drill a lot of holes.  A lot less fatigue than with an 8. If you do go with a 4, just drill another hole next to your jigging hole for your electronics. 4's are fine for panfish and perch if thats just what you fish for.

[SkeeterJeff]

6" is fine for panfish, but I appreciate having that extra 2" when the ice is thick enough to require the use of my 8" Strikemaster Laser Mag.  I have a 6" Strikemaster Laser hand auger for ice less than about 10".

-Jeff

[Walleye64]

I own both a 4" lazer and a 4" mora. I like them tight, just kidding

[Lobes]

I'd used a 4" for a lot of years untill I added a camera to go along with the flasher. Now I use a 5" to fit the camera down the hole better. Never lost a fish in the 4" for being too small. You can drill holes all day if necessary with these smaller augers without wearing yourself out.

                                       
NBG

[schaffman]

I use a 4.5 nils and it cuts quick through pretty thick ice and I can pop a ton of holes really quick.   And if you are not fishing for Pike you are going to be fine.   However, I kind of wish I'd gone with the 6.   I caught a LM this year that was a PB and it barely made it out.   It was really a tight squeeze.   I'd hate to hook a big fish and have to stare at it cause I can't get it up the hole.    But if Panfish, Crappie and Perch are all you are going for, the 4.5 is great.

[slipperybob]

As long as you aren't expecting any trophy crappies...16" already has a hard time coming up through 8" hole.

[DR.SPECKLER]

i use a 8.you never know whats gonna hit my emerald shiner.

[xeon]

Depends on the panfish. Slab crappie 6, perch, 4. Flasher down the same hole, 6 or 8.

[lil maggot]

i say 6" nills hand auger

[Captain]

I have a 7" auger.  I wouldn't want it any smaller.

[9mmruger]

I use a 6" lazer.

[Scott Steil]

7" Strikemaster for me.  Cuts really fast and you still have plenty of hole for your transducer and a big fish.

[xcr440]

I drill 8" with a gas auger but with early ice I use a strike master 6" hand auger.

[Kevin23]

6" lazer, but if my buddy is going we use his 5" lazer.

[Soozookie]

I have a 5in mora, and if you keep these smaller blades sharp, they cut like butter... But i had a slab crapo on last year and he wouldnt fit   so i wish i had a six... 4, 5, or 6 all should be fine....

[evaxx]

6", 7".. its also fun when you can catch something so big you have to reach under the ice to pull it outta the hole 

[Mr. Shanny]

For 9 years I only used a 4 inch lazer hand auger. Nice, light, and quick! I could drill holes all day long with that thing. I only fish for panfish so it was ideal!  I just got a great deal on a very slightly used 8 inch stealth, but I'm NOT getting rid of my little lazer!

[Kevin23]

Didnt know lazer made a 4"

[Mr. Shanny]

Didnt know lazer made a 4"

They must have at one time because I bought one! 

I don't think that they are widely available. If I remember correctly, I bought mine from SPORTSNUTS (an eBay seller) for 49.99.

Blades can be hard to come by. They are not sold in the stores. I keep my eyes open and buy them several when they come up on eBay. I have a good sharp set on the auger and 2 new spare sets.

[iceman260]

Early ice 6" Fin-bor, over24" of ice 4" Fin-bor.

[Wiener]

I've got an 8" auger.

I like it because there is plenty of room for my Vexilar, or if I want I can use my Aqua Vu.

You may also get a surprise while fishing for panfish, so it helps to have a little "wiggle" room.

Hope this helps,

Wiener

[americanfisher77]

i use a 10" and im not sure why. when im fishin shallow i like to see a little of whats down their especially when im jiggin a repala. but for panfish especially the crappie i wish i had a smaller hole. for some reason god gave these guys the second chance rule. which is when they get into your hole they have a second chance to spit out your hook. with a 10" it's like trying to catch them in a five gallon bucket. it's not really a good choice for panfish.

[isthereiceyet89]

i have both a 6" and an 8" mora and i couldnt believe the difference between them i would say go with a 6"...i could only imagine a 4" but that just seems a bit to small

[mcflyfisher]

You have seen a lot of great replies but I will toss my hat in the ring too.  I use both a 4" lazer and a 6" lazer.  Two weeks ago I hooked a crappie that was just shy of 14".  I realized fairly quickly that the 4" hole was inadequate.  I manged to land the fish by playing him out and then reaching into the hole and hooking the fish behind the gills with my fingers.  I just pulled him through all the while praying that I didn't tear him in half.  He crushed down enough to come through, but didn't look too pretty in the ice.  I have not used the 4" auger since.  If you are fishing where there are only perch, the 4" might work.  I have seen gills that measured more that 4" deep.  It would make me nervous to lose a fish due to something I could have prevented. 

[captain54]

I use and 8 inch Mora, first because of the Vex,second I don't like to lose large fish,good luck getting a slab crappie over 14 inches out of a small hole,sure take little hole cuts quick,but I'll stick with a larger hole.

[53andout]

I have both 5" and a 6" Mora augers, and when I fish perch and 'gills. I never use the 6". The 5" cuts 50 holes in 16" of ice quickly and quietly with the cordless 18V drill. It it weighs in at a light 10lbs. The cordless with the 6" cuts about 20 holes in the same 16" of ice thickness. I sometimes cut another quick hole for my Lowrance, sometimes I don't. Nice part is I can drill holes without working up a sweat. I think is a big deal when you are outside when it's cold and it's important to stay warm, dry  and comfortable.