When ice fishing, you will need a hole or multiple holes thru the ice to fish. There are several options for putting a hole in the ice. The most ancient technique used was to chop or chip a holes using a spud bar or axe. No one today chops holes thru the ice. First you will scare most of the fish in the immediate vicinity and anger all of the other fishermen in the area. The other options are:
Hand Auger: Hand augers are popular for making holes for ice fishing. The augers hole size range in size from 4 inches to 8 inches. The auger blade is placed on the ice and then the handle is turned which drills a hole into the ice. The drilling is a manual process and can be quite exhausting when experiencing thick ice or drilling multiple holes.
Gas Power Auger: Ice fishing gas power augers are popular for making holes for ice fishing. The augers hole size range in size from 4 inches to 12 inches. The gas powered auger is started using a pull starter cord. The auger blade is placed on the ice and then the engine throttle is opened to drive the blades. The blades rotate and will cut thru thick ice easily. Drilling multiple holes is an easy task. The disadvantage is the smell of gas and noise of the engine.
Cordless Drill Auger: Cordless Drill Auger use a standard hand auger shaft and blade with a special attachment that allows the auger bit to attach to a cordless drill. Most anglers will use at least an 18 volt cordless drill which will provide enough torque to turn the auger bit. The augers hole size range in size from 4 inches to 8 inches. The larger the hole the more power will be required. You may need to carry multiple batteries for the cordless drill.
Electric Ice Fishing Augers: Electric Augers use a standard hand auger shaft and blade. Power for the electric auger motor is provided by rechargeable batteries. The augers hole size range in size from 4 inches to 12 inches. The larger the hole size, the more power will be required.
