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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Ice Augers => Topic started by: badger132 on Apr 04, 2019, 10:38 AM

Title: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: badger132 on Apr 04, 2019, 10:38 AM
I use a 5 inch Laser or a 4.5 inch nils auger for perch fishing. I also have an old 4 inch hand auger I used before I got several perch stuck in the hole. The only way to get a skimmer for these is to take one for a 6 inch hole and sand it down. (plastic) Has anyone found an ice skimmer made for the 4, 4.5 or 5 inch holes from the factory?
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: hardwater diehard on Apr 04, 2019, 11:22 AM
Dollar store ladle ...strainer etc.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: meandcuznalfy on Apr 04, 2019, 11:25 AM
Use a small piece of tin and make one for the size you need/ want.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: IcePirateJace on Apr 04, 2019, 01:16 PM
Nile perch?

I use a plastic one a little bigger than a minnow scoop.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Monticatgeek on Apr 04, 2019, 03:23 PM
I don't know when it comes to a 4 or 4.5 inch hole but when I use my 5 inch lazer I found one of the cheap plastic ones that would fit in the 5 inch hole. mainly use when checking ice thickness.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: jrjach75 on Apr 04, 2019, 08:25 PM
I don't know when it comes to a 4 or 4.5 inch hole but when I use my 5 inch lazer I found one of the cheap plastic ones that would fit in the 5 inch hole. mainly use when checking ice thickness.

I have a 5" strikemaster and use the same ones. They have an orange plastic scoop, and come with either plastic or metal handles (get the metal one). They have them everywhere around here, $3 or $4.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Monticatgeek on Apr 05, 2019, 12:32 AM
I have a 5" strikemaster and use the same ones. They have an orange plastic scoop, and come with either plastic or metal handles (get the metal one). They have them everywhere around here, $3 or $4.


those are the ones I use. just forgot the company that makes them. think they are made by a company named Lake co. would need to go look at mine again.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: badger132 on Apr 05, 2019, 08:47 AM
Nile perch?

I use a plastic one a little bigger than a minnow scoop.


(https://i.postimg.cc/cgjRsLXW/IMG-7057.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgjRsLXW)
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: jrjach75 on Apr 05, 2019, 09:41 AM

those are the ones I use. just forgot the company that makes them. think they are made by a company named Lake co. would need to go look at mine again.

I looked, the ones I've seen, and use are Eagle Claw. I've been using mine for like 5 seasons now. 5" if fine, but I don't think it would work on a 4" hole, but I suppose a guy could cut it down easily?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Eagle-Claw-Aluminum-Handle-Ice-Skimmer-16/33142005
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: skifisher on Apr 05, 2019, 08:13 PM
Look around the thrift stores or a restaurant supply for a metal strainer. I found one that had tiny holes so I drilled some larger holes and it works just fine. Gotta think outside the “pot”! Lol
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: SirCranksalot on Apr 05, 2019, 09:18 PM
i use a metal strainer on all holes. the handle being on a 45 angle makes it a lot easier than a HT type of skimmer.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: rdhammah on Apr 07, 2019, 05:07 PM
a big kitchen spoon with holes. Sold at all WalMarts and dollar stores

Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Old Goat on Jul 10, 2019, 10:18 AM
a small plastic serving spoon they bounce on ice and won't break when tossed and are light
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: filetandrelease on Jul 11, 2019, 05:20 AM

The Dilwe ice skimmer cup measures 3 5/8” but is pretty pricey
I use a trimmed plastic cheapie
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: filetandrelease on Jul 11, 2019, 05:21 AM

The Dilwe ice skimmer cup measures 3 5/8” but is pretty pricey
I use a trimmed plastic cheapie
 Or hit up a dollar store
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Tom1983 on Sep 23, 2019, 07:09 PM
I’d just get a cheap ladle in the size of your choice and drill some holes.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: jiggalo on Sep 23, 2019, 09:39 PM
Sportsmen's Direct has one that will work for you
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Iceassin on Sep 24, 2019, 05:52 AM
I just trimmed down one of those standard sized orange plastic skimmers with a utility knife. Works fine.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: matzilla on Sep 24, 2019, 06:48 AM
i use one of the small skimmers that are sold every where around Iowa - 5" lazer

You could always make an old school skimmer with a soup can full of holes on a golf club handle
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: winterbuddy on Sep 24, 2019, 08:27 AM
make an old school skimmer with a soup can full of holes on a golf club handle


 ??? :cookoo: for shame suggesting a golf club handle...

hockey stick = old school
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: esox_xtm on Sep 24, 2019, 09:44 AM
Not an ice skimmer per se but still a real skimmer. Looks to be a 4 incher in silicone so you can smack to ice off'n it with out breaking or bending it. Lots of other choices if you poke around the kitchen a bit.


Unconventional Skimmer (https://smile.amazon.com/Kitchen-Silicone-Ergonomics-Resistant-Utensils/dp/B07PRNSN22/)
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 24, 2019, 01:16 PM
Thrift store ladel drill holes in bottom of it about 3/8 inch holes. Put it on a piece of wood dowel so you can reach hole while sitting down or standing..
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: SirCranksalot on Sep 24, 2019, 06:00 PM
Many many ways to skin that cat if you have been in the cat skinning business as long as some of us!! (No offence, PETA, just a figure of speech)

Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 24, 2019, 06:48 PM
Peta?  as in people eating tasty animals?
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Sep 25, 2019, 11:50 AM
Yes people eating tasty animals, though the only reason I would skin a cat is fur for kitten mittens!
Keep it safe!
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: esox_xtm on Sep 25, 2019, 12:34 PM
Yes people eating tasty animals, though the only reason I would skin a cat is fur for kitten mittens!
Keep it safe!

Y'alls are missin' the boat here. Catfish make fine fillets among other things and there's more than one way to get the skin off. Make mine pan-fried in bacon grease with jalapeno corn muffins  :P.

That phrase usta irritate my wife, the "reined in" Cat Lady, to no end. I did it for 3 dozen years before I finally tuned her up to the real meaning. Last dog hung was another one. "Why are you torturing little puppies?"  I let that go another coupla years. She swatted me both times.  :roflmao: As for ever eating a real cat? If that's what there was, trust me. I'm not gonna starve. I'd eat Fido too if I had too. Now if it came down to you and me? I'd have to think about that...  >:D
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: SirCranksalot on Sep 25, 2019, 02:06 PM
. Catfish make fine fillets among other things and there's more than one way to get the skin off. Make mine pan-fried in bacon grease with jalapeno corn muffins  :P.



That sounds like the cat's meow to me, but finding a farmer who grows that jalapeno corn must be a challenge!!
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Agronomist_at_IA on Sep 25, 2019, 08:34 PM
I can see it already for next year.

New for this ice fishing season. Clam's new tiny hole skimmer for those that want to run and gun for perch. In clam blue. It retails for $19.99


(https://i.postimg.cc/rdkFM3my/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rdkFM3my)
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: filetandrelease on Sep 25, 2019, 11:45 PM
 Check amazon !!! ,  $ 5.50 prime
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 26, 2019, 02:00 AM
Yes people eating tasty animals, though the only reason I would skin a cat is fur for kitten mittens!
Keep it safe!

Only reason I said the Peta part some just get intimidated by the catch and release crowd.. and are afraid to speak out.. some time I feel that way on fly fishing forums..  got to remember to force you to follow them is not legal.. so why let them.. that's why I am trying to help Ya get the cat out of the bag pun intended.. hopefully no hard feelings come from this Mr. Cranks lot .. lol's  this is a fun forum no need  to hide what is legal as in takeing  fish legally!
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: Iceassin on Sep 26, 2019, 04:10 AM
Not an ice skimmer per se but still a real skimmer. Looks to be a 4 incher in silicone so you can smack to ice off'n it with out breaking or bending it. Lots of other choices if you poke around the kitchen a bit.


Unconventional Skimmer (https://smile.amazon.com/Kitchen-Silicone-Ergonomics-Resistant-Utensils/dp/B07PRNSN22/)

To keep the ice off? Gonna try sumpin' this year. A small spray bottle with 50/50 mix of Isopropyl and water. More so to use on the bottom of my locator. Tends to get quite a build up on the Genz box. We'll see.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: SirCranksalot on Sep 26, 2019, 07:37 AM
.. hopefully no hard feelings come from this Mr. Cranks lot .. lol's  this is a fun forum no need  to hide what is legal as in takeing  fish legally!

nope---not at all. Ready for a bit of 'topic drift' after the OP had gotten soo many good answers. I'm more of the catch & cook persuasion.
Title: Re: Skimmer for less than 6 inch holes
Post by: chilly-willy on Sep 26, 2019, 11:35 AM
To keep the ice off? Gonna try sumpin' this year. A small spray bottle with 50/50 mix of Isopropyl and water. More so to use on the bottom of my locator. Tends to get quite a build up on the Genz box. We'll see.

I heard water soluble antI freeze made with vegetable products works to keep whole clear.. used for rv fresh water systems.. but I don't like putting nothing in a lake that is not there already!