newbie-

[martydd59]

hello all,new to ice fishing need some advice,just bought an ice hut now looking for proper size auger and possibly a fish finder,is the finder necessary? and what type should a guy get if he plans on really doing this?

Thanks
Marty

[coldcreekchris]

welcome....I guess it depends on your budget....a mr buddy heater can make life better as well....lowrance makes some reasonably price sonar ice units...powered augers are nice depending where and what type of fishing you are doing....but are pricey....if I was on a budget...my priority would be..poles/tackle..hand auger...hut...heater.. .electronics then power auger of some sorts....just depends on your specifics...good luck!!!!

[fishermanj]

Welcome aboard!!   The sky is the limit with augers and electronics.  If you do go electronics, go with a flasher style either a vexilar or a marcum.  Both are great products. Vexilar has been around for years and started the flasher industry, marcum makes a great product also. 

As for augers, it depends on what type of fishing you will be doing.  If your target is big pike, walleye or lake trout, get a 10" if not I like 8" I use a vexilar so there is plenty of room in my hole for the transducer as well as my line.  They also make a wide array of 6-8" augers. Some electric, some propane, 4 stroke and 2 stroke.  They are all pretty good.  Most popular I would say would be an 8" propane jiffy, or the 6" ion electric.  Lots of guys are also using cordless drill attachments also.

I fish all over the state in all conditions and my vexilar and jiffy propane are all I use. 

[vicster]

I'd go with a 8 in power auger, less work punching a lot of holes looking for fish and will cover most situations.  There are some good posts on here with lots of info on brand/fuel type.  Electronics are a must if you want to get the most out of your time on the water and as stated you will want a flasher.  Vex, Marcum, and hummingbird all make great units (brand loyalties vary), I've used them all.  I've got the hummingbird ice-35 and think it's the best bang for your buck on the market if budget is a concern (it was for me;)  Heaters, hub shelters, and bib's all make life more comfortable once you have your bases covered.  Good luck and welcome to the addiction.

[Chris338378]

Glenn's  (they're a sponsor here - just look at the top for their ad/link) has a deal on the Eskimo Mako eight inch augers, $279.99 with free shipping.  The Eskimo augers work very well and won't put you broke.

[SpitzoMT]

hello all,new to ice fishing need some advice,just bought an ice hut now looking for proper size auger and possibly a fish finder,is the finder necessary? and what type should a guy get if he plans on really doing this?

Thanks
Marty

Welcome aboard !! 6" or 8" auger will do. 10" is really nice, but not really needed. Flasher/Fish Finder is a definite plus. You will absolutely catch more fish using one. Vexilar & Marcum make excellent units. Get what your budget allows. Good luck to ya !!