Rod and Reels

[spcsports]

Well, since we can't fish we might as well talk about equipment. I was thinking of getting a new Rod and Reel. Scheels is about the only store that has ice fishing equipment in Springfield. Any suggestions on equipment to get or stay away from? They also have 7" manual augers for $35. I wanted an 8" so what's the idea, is a 7" auger big enough. I know I dont want a 6". Thanks

[ice--cube]

Well, since we can't fish we might as well talk about equipment. I was thinking of getting a new Rod and Reel. Scheels is about the only store that has ice fishing equipment in Springfield. Any suggestions on equipment to get or stay away from? They also have 7" manual augers for $35. I wanted an 8" so what's the idea, is a 7" auger big enough. I know I dont want a 6". Thanks

Well first off welcome to the site. Second about that 35$ auger remember you get what you pay for. Those cheaper augers will cut you a hole, but it will take alot of strength and time. You can buy a Lazar 8" and it will cut like a hot knife thou butter compared to the cheaper auger. On the other hand they cost about $100.  As far as the rod and reel go look for a reel that is smooth and has a good drag and the pole I like one with a real sensitive tip and a good back bone for panfish. A little stiffer rod for walleyes. Tip-ups are also nice if you have a lake with bigger fish(walleyes,northern,etc.) in it. As far as lures you can never have enough lures/jigs. Then don't forget electronics, shack,heater. Well that should get you started. Good luck stay safe.   

[UFCreel]

Get a lazer or mora. Why such a big hole for down that way? I have a 5 inch mora i have been using for years. Never have i or anyone i ever fished with found it to be to small or a fish to big to come through it. We have caught and released many n-pike over 30 inches through a 5 inch hole. Some way bigger. I must admit i do also have a 8 1/4 inch power auger for when the ice gets thick. But this year it probably wont even come out of the garage. Have seen some huge pan fish come through a 4 inch hole. Many on the NAIFC only use the 4 inch augers and power drill.

[180 Pro]

I went from a 7" Mora to a 6" inch years ago and it made a world of difference. Would have pulled the trigger on a 6" Nils this year but now the the season is so much shorter and my time is limited, I just opted to get the blades sharpened. Also, it's not like we (northern Ill) get much thickness of ice anyway.

[John_BZ]

i use a 7" lazer hand auger and a 8" lazer power auger. i have often times wished i had a 10" auger for a couple reasons. first is a bigger hole takes longer to refreeze. also we have found when we go just a few hours north and can deal with 36" or more of ice it is alot easier to get pike and big walleye turned up the hole when you cant reach them by hand. the other nice thing about a bigger hole is there is enough room for the transducer puck to hang out without the need to pull it out every fish. that said a 7" lazer is all the auger i care to turn by hand let alone a mora. there arent many fish that wont fit through a 6" hole or even a 5" hole. if i were to buy a new hand auger right now id get a 6" lazer or a nils.

[bigbucky1]

Around here the only time I had any trouble with a 6" hole was a pretty good bass that opened his mouth in the hole.  Just meant ya had to stick your hand down and close it for him.  I dont have much reason for anything bigger in a hand auger.  I did buy a mo this year in 8" but that is also if I get to go back north sometime I will use it up there also.

[blufloyd]

I pulled a 25 inch bass out of a 5 inch hole. You can't get your foot stuck in a 5 inch hole either.
If we had 3 feet of ice I'd guess you'd need an 8 or 10.