Miscellaneous > Ice Fishing FAQ
Getting a hole in the ice
TwoNewToIce:
I am curious as to different techniques any of you may have used to put holes in ice...
I am not sure if I can use an auger due to problems with my shoulders...hopefully I will meet someone on the ice who owns one that I might try...
Most of the guys I've seen ( only one day on the ice...01/06...no ice since then here in South Jerzy ) were using a hand axe or claw hammer
with a chissel...out of the question for me...
I'm wondering how much effort it takes with a longer chissel...refered to as a " SPUD " ?
It was suggested to me to use my drill and an old wood auger bit ( left over from my birdhouse building days ), to outline the intended fishing hole with 1" holes, and then remove the " PLUG " that results.
I had received one response to the original posting, but had the entry in the wrong section on this web-site, so I am once again asking for any input...
My portable drill has a 6 volt battery and my auger bit is 1 + 1/8 "...so, I am wondering if this is sufficient to make two holes in the ice, one for my daughter and one for myself...
Thanks for your support..."2new2ice".
trapperjon:
Ralph, A good sharp auger takes far less effort than any other ice cutting device. Unless you are fortunate enough to fish on monday's after every weekend warrior has cut holes all over the ice for you. Check out one of the Lazer augers that are available, they cut through a bunch of ice with very little effort. Spuds can be lost easily, hatchets will make you wonder, Chain saws will scare the fish. Size is up to you 7-8" for pike, trout, 4-6" for panfish.
Good Luck&Tight Lines Jon V.;)
Ralph and Mary Alison:
Dear Jon...Thanks for the advice...I have looked at a few augers on the internet, and they look as though I shouldn't have too much trouble using one...but, I'm not sure...
The question I would have now is whether there is a substantial difference in the effort you need to put into cutting a 4" hole compared with an 8" hole...( We could certainly get by with the 4" in our persuit of panfish and the 11" stocked Trout in our local pond...Tho, we would eventually want to venture out and attempt the Crappie or Bass...and maybe a 6" diameter would be better...? )
BUT, I am really CONCERNED about the EFFORT that must be used in both PUSHING down on the top handle?...and in TURNING the lower handle?... I imagine that these would be the mechanics involved, and where your energy needs to be exerted ?
PLEASE...ANYONE who reads this, let me know what it is like for you...I really do appreciate it.
Oh yea, one other one...I read somewhere that some fishermen simply throw out their auger each year in favor of a new one , rather than go through the hassel of re-sharpening the tool ? Is it that difficult of an operation ?
AND...saw the LAZER and the MORA line...Is there any recommendations here ?
Thanks...2new2ice.
OZZY:
Ralph, did you take a look at the strikemaster electra lazer 12000.This auger only weighs 16lbs. with a 6in. bit and will run from any portable 12 volt power source. This looks like a great alternative for you in your situation. You can go to http://www.strikemaster.com and take a look at it. There is also a quick video you can download. Hope this helps you out, take care. Shawn
Keebo:
Ralph and Mary Alison: If you have trouble with your shoulders I would stay away from a spud. If you want a light wieght easy to use auger, Cabelas has one. They call it the High Velocity Hand Auger. My friend just bought one and I tried it out on 6" of black ice, its awesome. It takes very little effort to turn it and it also pulls itself into the ice. I wouldn't recommend chain saws, hatchets, chisels or battery drills with wood bits, its pretty tough using those devices especially if the ice is 14" or more thick. Good luck and titelines.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version