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This has been something I've been pondering lately. I run a Jiffy 10" and last week a guy approached me and b***hed about how many holes I was drilling. I use a Vex and hole hop a lot but I try to space it out and not create a hazard for other fishermen-especially in this weather. I like having the extra room but next season I'm going with Milwaukee drill/Nils 6" auger setup. Sick of lugging that Jiffy around
Is there really ever a need for a 10" auger in Vermont? 10 inch holes are child eaters, leg breakers, and gear collectors. And this time of year, it doesn't take long for a 10 inch hole to become a man eating hole.
All holes drilled in ice will eventually grow large. Anti-ice fishing people would like to take your argument and use it to say ice fishing makes public waters unsafe for all...that said I think there are better things to make noise about.
The bigger of my two augers is an 8". It's never failed to make a big enough hole but I have had big pike make themselves difficult to guide into the hole sometimes and a few times they've turned just right while being pulled up that they were momentarily stuck.I doubt I'll ever need a larger auger enough to go and buy one, but there are fish around here that will make themselves difficult to land through an 8" hole.A big bass will do its best to fill up the hole, as will a bowfin.
Drill hole sizes appropriate to the fish you are targeting. I use a 6" and a 4" hand auger. Only bring out the 8" Eskimo when running tip-ups for lakers or northerns. Just common sense I think.
I take it you have a 10 inch auger? lol Not trying to make noise. It's just something I wanted to discuss. I fish the weeds. Usually everybody's relaxed and you don't have to worry about taking a step back, cuz if you do happen to step in somebody's 6 incher, you aren't going to loose a leg. But when "that guy" shows up with his 10 incher, everybody goes on edge. You gotta watch your back and never take a step without looking. I'm just wondering how many people catch fish they can't get up an 8 inch hole?
Why not just use a 3 point hitch post hole digger?
I'm on my third 10 inch auger, stay home if you don't like them. Are you with the Gov't trying to tell me what I can and can't do ??
-i have been known to cut huge square holes with a chain saw-