Ice Fishing and Ice Augers

Ice fishing has been popularized and glamorized in many entertainment mediums, such as the 1993 movie "Grumpy Old Men." However, this pastime involves much more than the average person considers. One does not simply step out onto the ice, sip on a warm alcoholic beverage, drop the line in, and wait for the mother of all catches. No, ice fishing requires many vital components, including using and choosing an ice auger to make the hole in the ice that starts it all.

Using an ice auger

Now you can choose the best ice auger for you!

Ice fishing requires several key pieces of equipment, and an ice auger is one of them. This is the instrument that is used to drill a hole in the ice, a most vital component of ice fishing. Though there are a number of options to make this hole, most anglers choose ice augers. These can be hand-operated or powered, and your needs will determine which is best for your situation.

Hand augers are a popular choice due to their low cost. They are also lighter in weight and require much less maintenance than power augers. The downside is that the user provides the power, although some hand augers now have offset handles and are adjustable to add more power. Hand augers are ideal for thinner ice that's easier to cut, and newer models have designed curved blades to stay sharper longer. In addition, most handles will fold down, screw together, or use a pin system for convenient storage and easier transportation.

Power augers are heavier and more expensive, and will generally require more maintenance. In addition, because power augers are powered with a motor, the noise may spook shallow-water fish. The upside is that they will cut through much thicker ice than a hand auger will, and actual effort on the user's part is limited. The power auger comes in both electric and gas models and can last for years with proper care.

General information

When fishing for smaller fish such as panfish, 4- to 4.5-inch hand augers are best. Larger fish like trout, pike, or walleye will require six- or eight-inch augers. It is not advisable to make holes larger than 12 inches in diameter, as this can pose a serious risk to other people walking in the area. That is, unless you're one of two grumpy old men who wish to foil the other's attempts to land the legendary giant catfish.