NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/923510
16 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 By Julie Geiser T here are many styles, prices and brand names of augers on the market. You really can't buy a bad auger nowadays, but you can buy one that fits your fishing style and budget. Hand Augers Many ice anglers have started their hard-water fishing ventures with a hand auger. With their simple design, low cost (under $75) and light weight, some anglers still prefer hand augers over their more expensive power counterparts. Hand augers are good to use in remote areas where added weight and space is not an option. For those fishing for smaller species (that don't require a hole larger than six inches to pull fish through) and for anglers who only hit the ice a few times a season (and don't want to pay three times as much for a power auger), the hand auger might be a good fit. Gas Powered Two-stroke gas augers have been around for decades and provide anglers an easy, quick way to drill holes for ice-fishing. Many of these gas and oil mix machines have been replaced by the four- stroke engine that doesn't have as much maintenance, starting issues or smoke as the two-stroke. The cost for these models, however, can stretch a budget running from $300 to more than $600. Gas augers do require carrying small gas cans, repair tools and are sometimes hard to start. Gas lines can even freeze up in extremely cold conditions. But for those who don't want to spend more on electric types and want to power through several inches of ice with eight- to 12-inch holes, this could be the choice for you. Gas augers last for years and many of the blades can be sharpened or replaced as the unit ages. Propane augers have become popular the last few years and are easy to clean, have a lot of power with up to 40CC, four-stroke engines and are quieter than gas/oil mix engines. A one-pound tank of propane usually drills about 100 holes before needing to be replaced. They are similar to electric augers in that they are lightweight and function much like an electric version. Propane augers cost less than electric but do require a few pulls to get running. Electric Electric augers run off batteries and normally don't have starting issues like gas augers can. But they must be charged fully before heading out on the ice; the good news is many can be charged in a 110 volt outlet or vehicle adaptor. Having a couple extra charged batteries is also a good idea, and storing the battery in a warm hut or in a pocket on extremely cold days will ensure that it will start. Lithium ion batteries last a long time, drilling around 30 holes on a single battery charge. There are no fumes from electric augers, and even though they run a bit slower than gas or propane versions, they have a tough eight-inch hole cutting power to get through up to 46 inches with some brands. These lightweight but pricey options are great for those wanting the ease of a power auger. Summary Most of these augers last for years and blades on each unit can be sharpened if you know what you're doing. Replacing the blades is simple as well. Extensions are also available for many auger shafts if you will be fishing in areas that require a deeper cut. Depending on the weight, price, area you'll be fishing, noise level and ease of use, the choice is yours as to which auger model is right for you. There are many brand names on the market, but all will work about the same to cut through the ice. ■ Ice Augers - Which Type is the Best Fit for You? as en hing. gas and es have y the four- hat doesn't maintenance, or smoke as The cost for owever, can t running more than rs do g small gas ls and are d to start. Gas freeze up in conditions. who don't want b s h c w l 3 c e t o a p i l a e S c t m a n run off mally don't es like good news arged in a 110 cle adaptor. extra charged good idea, and y in a warm on extremely ure that it m ion batteries rilling around gle battery no fumes from nd even though wer than gas ns, they have h hole cutting ugh up to 46 brands. These i ti