Choosing a Manual Ice Auger - 6" vs. 8"

[@allan5401]

Perfect timing for the release of this video! I’d love to see more videos about ice fishing! Keep up the great work!

[@LostLakes]

Thanks a lot Allan!!

[@dunk22]

Great Video, I have always used a 6 or 8 inch auger exclusively for many years (well over 40) This year I noticed that eskimo made a 7 inch, I purchased it and so far I am very impressed with it, I think it will be my all around auger, it seems like a great compromise. Take it easy and enjoy the Hard Water.

[@LostLakes]

Great choice, haven't seen a 7 before. Thanks Jimbo!

[@JA-hn3to]

Great Video! Years back i purchased an 8 inch auger and after a few years of use i purchased 7 inch replacement blades by mistake and they worked really well. I keep the 8 inch blades handy but the 7 have been in use for 15 seasons.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Jorge! I'm shocked that the body of the auger still fits through the smaller hole. Very interesting!

[@alexs3447]

Good review with some nice technical analysis. I once had to explain to a bunch of miners which setup allowed more air flow. One 4 inch dia pipe or two 2 inch dia pipes . That with the best mathematician in our lunchroom with a capacity of no more than 3 digit multiplication.What a task. Didn't know ice fishing could be so complicated

[@LostLakes]

Hahah thanks Alex! We anglers do a great job of making fishing complicated 😜

[@alexs3447]

@@LostLakes Jon there are times when it is - with attention to detail. Sure most times its just get out on that water and troll till your arms falloff.

[@XanderBudnick]

I'm definitely more of a run and gun ice fisher so I'm happy I went with the 6"

[@LostLakes]

Xander, what an unexpected and surprising comment to receive from you on this video. I hope you were not sent it and told to watch it for the views, that would be sickening behaviour.

[@XanderBudnick]

@@LostLakes I was conveniently shopping for a new auger and stumbled by accident upon this video 🤔

[@LostLakes]

@@XanderBudnick I'm relieved to hear there was no ruthless self- promotion involved 😆

[@XanderBudnick]

@@LostLakes nobody desperately seeking views sent me this link :p

[@tombeckett4340]

I got rid of the 8 inch because I love to drill lots of holes. Especially now I’m older. 👍🇨🇦

[@LostLakes]

I hear that

[@waltmoore3095]

Nice video, Started with a spud back in the 60's,then a spoon auger,then the 6" style you displayed. The 90's I bought a gas auger,three years ago I went the re chargeable drill augers combo,best one yet.No gas oil.Very fast driling.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Walt, that's awesome...you should've been the one to make this video, you've seen it all!

[@waltmoore3095]

Lol,yup that would be fun.

[@michaellippmann4474]

@@waltmoore3095 hahaha...I just bought a 6" Cabela Auger this winter...been using a spud blade for 40+ years. Had shoulder surgery last winter and spudding a hole was just a bit much! Never used an auger and oh man the 20 or so seconds it takes me to go through 16" of ice was like a vacation! Our hard water down here is now gone (SW Ontario) but I am sure you guys in the North have a bit to go! Have a good one! Mike 🇨🇦 🍁 👍

[@waltmoore3095]

@@michaellippmann4474 Thanks Mike, yup we are still going out on the ice, about 14" in our area.

[@milesff7]

Loved all your points you talked about in this video. Great info. I use an 8” pistol bit, since most often I set up camp for the weekend when fishing. I already have the drill for the anchors on my hub house, so it just made sense for me. I think for run and gunning, or just doing an afternoon trip, and keeping a light weight sled to get through the woods like you often do, the best answer is a hand auger, and the smallest I can get away with equals less chance of overheating, sweating, and becoming cold.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Miles! Great points!

[@nicolasbellemare8958]

i have a 6in manual auger and i have a 8in gas auger. i never used my 6" since i got the other one but just watching this video reminds me of how much effort i put into carrying the gas auger and i honnestly dont know why i keep on bringing my gas auger for perch or trout fishing. thanks man for bringing me on the right path hahahaha

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha anytime 😜

[@allenbishop9154]

I had an 8 inch, shelved it and bought a 6, ended up happily selling the 8 at a yard sale. The difference in effort was really noticeable for me.

[@LostLakes]

Totally agree, especially for repetitive drilling through thicker ice...big difference in fatigue

[@RMFH450]

I use an 8" to drill one hole but then cut a 24"x36" or 24"x48" rectangular hole with a Nils Ice Saw...cuts ice like hot butter! Great for sight fishing or for using a net to land the fish,

[@LostLakes]

Ahh that's awesome! I've been waiting for it to go on sale at Cabela's but it hasn't...maybe for next winter

[@sooleyoutdoors2728]

i changed from a 8 to a 6. then i bought the clam drill attachment. best purchase i made for ice fishing. but it would add more weight to the type of outings you folks do.

[@loganferguson517]

I mostly fish for panfish and pike in the lakes near me... never needed anything more than a 6" until the other day when I hooked a 16" crappie. It got stuck in the hole lol, ended up getting it through but I might be drilling double holes in that lake from now on.

[@Ryanoutdoors]

I just bought a brand new 8-in for a trip next week. Great advice and review.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Ryan!

[@adavis89]

If you get the chance you should try a fin-bore manual auger. In my experience it takes way less effort compared to a swede-bore of the same diameter. With the fin-bore the handles are offset, so both arms are used for cutting through the ice and it doesn't require as much downward pressure.

[@LostLakes]

I borrowed my buddy's for a day and could not for the life of me get used to the motion lol. But the people who love them swear by them and apparently they are more efficient

[@adavis89]

@@LostLakes Ahh, good on you for trying it. It does take some time to get used to the motion.

[@willjohnson7858]

*Great auger! **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it’s blades came very sharp and when attached to the drill adapter, this auger chews through 18" of ice like butter!*

[@bernkondret9981]

Always enjoy your equipment reviews.

[@remyteves8497]

It seems Lost Lakes Backcountry Angling is even LONGER than Backcountry Angling Ontario, also still having the not wanted Angling part in it... Seen a marketing point of view, which we both seem to have followed in the end, just get into the new brand instead of changing it in 5 steps, making it even more confusing... Nevertheless looking forward to the next upload, from Lost Lakes or Lost Lakes Backcountry :-)

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Remy, problem is a decent amount of my traffic comes from people searching BAO. Just giving them a month to transition because many won't have seen the channel update 🙂

[@differentfins]

I switched to electric from gas 2 years ago, I'll never go back. I dont even remember what a manual auger feels like lol. Well I booked a day off work and am heading out to use that said auger in a couple hours. Going fishing... have a good day!

[@silentwisdom7025]

Good luck hope your lines are tight and flags are up brother

[@differentfins]

@@silentwisdom7025Thanks, I went sight fishing for brook trout. Caught a few smaller ones. Hopefully got some great shots for my next KZbin video.

[@LostLakes]

Interesting Joe...seems like they really stand up to a full day in the cold these days

[@differentfins]

@@LostLakes battery technology has come a long way. I typically go out on warmer days (my rule for ice fishing is 15/15, warmer than -15 and less than 15 kph winds). Also they are lighter than gas powered augers but much heavier than hand powered. I like to keep my snowshoe treks less than 1.5 km.

[@LostLakes]

@@differentfins hahah I like "15/15" policy. I'm the same

[@ericsidolmind]

Good to know. Thanks for taking the time to explain that. Now I just wish we had ice on Superior lol...

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Eric! Hahah I know, it's so much more fun to ice fish than inland...maybe the cold overnights this week will get it started

[@ericsidolmind]

@@LostLakes quite possibly. We just got a cold snap and about 8 inches last night. Fingers crossed

[@flyifri]

Interesting and informative to everyone who enjoys ice fishing.! Thank you for sharing.!

[@MrHarryson1985]

I bumbled across this video, looking for hand auger comparisons. Having watched plenty of your other canoeing uploads, I didn't notice it was Mr. critical path analysis himself. A pleasant surprise John LOL Thanks for the info 😁

[@LostLakes]

😆😆 My pleasure Jeff. And remember, keep your paths critical.

[@jeremyb2880]

If the auger does not cut easily when out of the box the weld of the blade angle may be wrong and you should return the auger. this is common with these mora hand augers. personally I prefer the 7" hand augers because it is a suitable size for both gamefish and panfish.

[@MuskokaLocal]

Great video!!! You don't see many people covering those facts about the difference in the two. Just purchase the clam drill adapter and already own a 6" swede bore with new blades. Runs a lot better with the 6" for sure. I fish for Lake Trout and Whitefish in Central Ontario. I may need to upgrade to 8" with a stronger torque drill. Oh well...6" for now.

[@LostLakes]

Thanks HC! The drill adapter is really cool

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Its been warm all December and now half way through January and we have had temps in the low 20's at night and above 32 during the day, so not much ice actually not enough to get out on safely. but the freeze up is coming next week! I hear the 8" calling but we hardly see more than 18" of ice this close to the coast and I'm a wimp so 6" auger will be fine I like the idea of two holes and they will be easier to plumb in a foot of ice if I desire a bigger hole. No monster fish here either. Maybe a video on lures in the ice compared to live bait? I'm not big into ice fishing but so some. Trying for some local Splake. in some wild lakes.

[@LostLakes]

Yeah it's been super mild here too....we've got well over a foot, sometimes two feet, but I'm surprised we have that much. Sounds like a good topic for a vid :)

[@ooopretty7596]

TIL. Thanks for the detailed explanation for it as well; I don't like to make decisions on gear unless I know the line of thinking that goes into how to make that decision! 💕

[@LostLakes]

Thanks oP! Same here...buying things, whether they're $20 or $2000 tends to be a pretty involved process for me. Hate buyer's remorse

[@ooopretty7596]

@@LostLakes uh oh, am I getting new stove vibes? 😬😨 I thought better wood really helped sort that! Also, if Erin's dad is still making them, you gotta remember to plug the Billy Bellows. I keep waiting to hear about how to get one because dang it's just the best fire tool ever, eh? 😁

[@LostLakes]

@@ooopretty7596 hahah not yet... Eh!! Clever Erin made a website for ordering 🙂 BillyBellows.com

[@ooopretty7596]

@@LostLakes omg Jon the pic she used is the best; you're using it so aggressively! 😂

[@douggibson9084]

Great video Lost Lakes!!!

[@LostLakes]

😉😉

[@davidlord5664]

Holy man John. Ever fn fast with that auger you bud. Never seen anyone do it that fast. Your really getting good with that thing.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah 😜

[@chrishensley5222]

I love fishing but I have never been fishing on ice.Sounds like fun and even survival.Thanks got the info.....Chris in Seattle😃

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Chris!

[@rollenabout9404]

Good review on the augurs I prefer the 8 inch always going for something bigger don’t want no problems with a 6 inch hole I also have a gas auger ten inch which I really prefer for Site fishing 👍

[@LostLakes]

Thanks RA! Good approach to avoid regret lol. And yeah with gas you might as well go 10

[@andrewmc3830]

From experience I can say that it will only take one trout that won't fit through that 6" hole, and then you will put it away and carry only the 8".

[@LostLakes]

Hahah no doubt!

[@robmyatt12]

In the market for an auger. Very helpful video! Thanks

[@LostLakes]

Excellent, thanks Rob!

[@DrSalvelinus]

I'm partial to the fin-bore style with the offset handle. using both arms helps when you have noodle arms like me. ;)

[@LostLakes]

Hahah I tried my buddy's and couldn't get the motion down for the life of me

[@keapaishere]

I got the 7” , drills decently fast but still keeps you warm LOL

[@hunternelson1679]

both augers sound good but the real question is where you got the coat? i want one.

[@icebreaker1892]

I know they’re very pricy but the Nils hand augers are worth every penny. Not joking. They are elite.

[@LostLakes]

Heard great things!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great information and comparison! Thanks! The new logo looks great!

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated!!

[@pete332]

WOW, perfect timing for this video. I'm looking at buying one this week. lol Thanks Jon

[@LostLakes]

Hahah beauty!

[@finnstermax7112]

Hi Jon. 3 book recommendations for you and Erin this winter. All fiction and all nature influenced. Harry's Trees by Jon Cohen, The River by Peter Heller and The Overstory by Richard Powers. Cheers

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated Roger! Added to my list...though it's rather backlogged lol

[@thehiddenangler9083]

since I am new to ice fishing drilling a hole with a 8 inch auger took me almost half an hour to cut through 8 inches meanwhile the 6 inch blade took me 16 seconds I have a major difference when it comes to the auger and they both are new

[@LostLakes]

Wow that's a serious difference. I wonder if the new blades on the 8" got nicked or were faulty. It's more work but it shouldn't be THAT much more

[@thehiddenangler9083]

@@LostLakes I am not sure if it was nicked or faulty but something was definitely off

[@100Ronster]

If you get a chance try a sharp Fin-bore, sooooo much easier to use.

[@LostLakes]

I tried my buddy's and could not for the life of my get the motion down lol

[@HivetoHome]

Great video! Your videos inspired me to get into fishing - and now I'm hooked! Hoping it gets cold enough down here in Windsor at some point to give ice fishing a try!

[@LostLakes]

Right on! Thanks a lot HtH! 🤞

[@michaellippmann4474]

Hey Hive you can always go to Rondeau Bay - perch where HOT out there this winter!! Have fun! Mike 🇨🇦 🍁 👍

[@HivetoHome]

I managed to get out a few times around here while we had good ice. Didn’t catch anything but I loved it nonetheless!

[@fishingontariofishon9304]

Well went ice fishing yesterday up north , well out of the most important thing to forget . Yes the auger , i was way to far to turn around and get it so i stopped and bought one . I got the 8 inch , thats all they had , wow i did not like using it at all . The ice was shitty so it made it so difficult to drill by hand . Needless to say im returning it , like you had mentioned the 6 inch would of been alot easier . Just curious to when your going to have your give away , you can just give to me lol . Great give away Jon thats awsome

[@LostLakes]

LOL oh no!! Don't ya just kick yourself for dumb stuff like that... Hahaha hopefully in the spring :) Thanks again FOFO!

[@FreakofNature1]

Did you have that math written on the inside of your sunglasses Jon? Smarty pants haha, love my Swede!

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha π r² simple mental math... 😝

[@moosehunter9706]

That was well done man. That’s every Northerner’s dilemma. 👍

[@LostLakes]

Thanks MH! Hahah the battle of ease vs potential regret

[@mattbourbs3158]

Always went with the 8 for a hand bomber. I have a 10” gas now, but the day you loose a big fish because you have a small hole you will never go back. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🍻🍻🎣🎣

[@LostLakes]

Lol that's the truth

[@Zib187]

I haven't used my 8" auger in almost 20 years. The bigger auger dulls blades much quicker than the smaller ones.

[@LostLakes]

Interesting!

[@BretChilcott]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. What brand of ice auger are you using? Thanks Bret C

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Bret, I've got the Swede-Bore here

[@fishingontariofishon9304]

Personally i prefer 8 0r 10 inch , had 6 inch years ago , lost to many fish at the whole . Nothing worse then that , hook gets jammed or cant get his head up the whole . Just my personal preference , I also went to gas powered auger , age being the factor for that , great review on the 2 good job .

[@fishingontariofishon9304]

@@jimmyhoffa7935 hope your having a great day , I probably will switch once my gas power stops working . I've had it for about 10 years and every year first or second pull it starts . It's a eskimo and would highly recomend that product . So ya when it's time its something I will definitely look into . Another point is I usually always go with a friend so we share the load 2 sleds . Have a great day , tight lines

[@LostLakes]

Thanks FOFO! Yeah totally, if you're going gas you might as well go 10"

[@SkellsMakeup]

You made my decision so much easier, thanks bro

[@LostLakes]

Bro, anytime bro

[@mattthescreamer177]

Thunder bay fella here, great video.

[@LostLakes]

Hey from down the lake, thanks Matt!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Six or eight, its all about the blades, take care of them, they need to be perfectly sharp ,period. I haven’t used a gas auger in six years, for our area we never get more that 18-20 inches of ice. hand auger or for he last few years Ive been using my 18 volt brushless Makita cordless drill with my six in auger, what a pleasure drilling holes. Cheers !

[@LostLakes]

That's the truth, sharp is everything. You have any luck sharpening yours? I've tried but it only made them worse

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@LostLakes Same here, I’ve tried twice. And made them worse ! So now when they get dull, which is not often if your attentive to them. I just replace them. And carry a spare set ! Cheers

[@LostLakes]

@@MeetMeOutside hahah my thoughts exactly. A spare can save your day

[@mproulx028]

I don’t even ice fish and I watched it all and find it interesting! Must be your face... 😜 Love your channel and 👍 for the new logo!

[@LostLakes]

Hahaha thanks MONONK!!

[@SteveWhitwam]

I would buy 8" and bring a friend to drill holes lol

[@islandman5802]

Sara - Work smarter, not harder!!

[@LostLakes]

LOL love it

[@linkolnbarringer5459]

Hey lost lakes how big is a 8 inch ice auger

[@thepokeplug7448]

Love my trusty 6 inch auger. Just wondering on that wool sweater where did you get it?

[@LostLakes]

Wish I could tell you but it was a gift and I'm not sure where they got it but the label is "GGS". I get nothing when I google it, so I suppose it's a small brand. Fleece lining and thick wool exterior. I love it. But someone recently told me about some nice looking ones on Etsy for a reasonable price so you might wanna check there.

[@SchmutzieOutdoors]

I notice you move around a lot, and drill multiple holes, which makes perfect sense. Guessing you're not a big fan of dragging the ice fishing shelter out there?

[@LostLakes]

You nailed it. I'm usually fishing new spots so I like to move around a lot. And sometimes hauling in and the pop up shelter's heavy

[@JesseDinsmoreOutdoors]

Thanks for the information, do you plan on targeting brook trout this winter season? I have watched a lot of your ice fishing videos and I don't recall any brook trout. Mostly Pike, Lakers and walleye. You're kinda close to the Algoma region which I have heard is good for brook trout. I can imagine the amazing Brooke trout colors against our bleak winter colors would be awesome

[@LostLakes]

That's a great point, I really should. Brookie fishing is arguably even better here on the north shore of Superior too :)

[@mikefoehr235]

For real efficient fishers...i see there is a great selection of electric augers. Not sure how good they are.

[@LostLakes]

I've heard a lot of good things

[@ericpeterson4489]

Great video! Yup agree with you... smaller augers are way easier to punch holes. I like to snowshoe in remote lakes to fish... I carry all of my gear in my 45 L back pack.... so need to be light since I can be hiking for 3-4 hours. I use a 4 inch auger... and yes I do struggle with the fish sometimes. But having a lighter and more compact auger is key for me to go further in remote places with all the gear I need (stick stove, cook pot, etc...)

[@LostLakes]

Thanks Eric! That's a great example of why it depends on the user and how it's the smaller the better sometimes

[@rickwatson1601]

Same here Eric. I pull all my gear in a small sled, have to scale down where I can. In almost 25 years using a 6" only one trout wouldn't have fit through the hole and since I was using a 2" Swedish Pimple, he came as quite a surprise! I've since given away two 8" augers (one found, one a gift), as they were just gathering dust. There are some lakes I could get away with a 4", have to think about that. Fifty hole days aren't so rare!

[@papaguche]

Uh i went with the 6" because it was easier then i was smelt fishing and hooked up to a giant brown trout and couldn't pull him through the hole and the line snapped.

[@LostLakes]

Agghhh 😔

[@chrispratt8464]

I made the mistake of buying a 5” auger for trout this year. My scoop doesn’t fit the hole and it’s next to impossible to turn a big trout’s head into the hole.

[@LostLakes]

Aghh yeah the scoop is often forgotten. Mine's a little tight in the 6 so I bent up the edges of the scoop a little (it's metal). It's a huge bummer when you get that big fish though, for sure

[@OrionThrower]

Great video.

[@PeteBarkley]

What about throwing a drill attachment on that auger? That's what I do

[@LostLakes]

That can work great but I just don't like relying on motors out there, especially in bitter cold and when I have nowhere to recharge on multi-day trips

[@jamieporter6305]

Thanks, great info.

[@21ZacDUDE]

I was literally just researching this because I'm in the market. How'd you know?!

[@LostLakes]

It's a gift, what can I say 😝

[@joesixpack7551]

Does anyone still use gas augers? I picked one up for very cheap years ago - 8".

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Hey, nice logo. 😁👍

[@LostLakes]

😉😬😬

[@simonl3113]

Hi , where can I find the sweater you are wearing?

[@LostLakes]

Wish I could tell you but it was a gift and I'm not sure where they got it but the label is "GGS". I get nothing when I google it, so I suppose it's a small brand. Fleece lining and thick wool exterior. I love it. But someone recently told me about some nice looking ones on Etsy for a reasonable price so you might wanna check there

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Great video

[@wladilabra]

Love the new logo

[@LostLakes]

😁😁💚💚

[@chrisworthman3191]

The smaller the hole the harder it is to lose something down it.

[@bonpecheur4565]

Dont worry, Jon will find a way to loose something in the hole, even in a small hole , I put my fate in him 😂

[@LostLakes]

😆😆 Hahah I've seen it first-hand...saw someone's cell phone fall out of their pocket, slide briefly on the ice, then PLUNK. Gone

[@chrisworthman3191]

@@bonpecheur4565 Really hard to stuff a net down the hole though.

[@twopassionsfishing386]

Nice info friend 👍 God bless your week

[@LostLakes]

Much appreciated TPF!

[@TheTed169]

5 incher here. : )

[@LostLakes]

😜

[@arunneupane3098]

Great 👍 brother i m frm 🇳🇵 I LOV YOR VLOG OF FISHING N CAMPING 🏕 BITH

[@LostLakes]

Thanks so much Arun!

[@arunneupane3098]

@@LostLakes.plse visit NEPAL

[@barneyewing2664]

I agree with everything you said. Although you're not doing much running and gunning with a manual auger if there's 3 feet of ice, LOL.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah you'd be surprised how much some of us will run and gun on a slow day on the ice 😝 Damn tiring though

[@TheNoobComment]

It really depends what type of fish and how much room you need. 6 and 8 is two inches difference. Obviously common sense.

[@LostLakes]

Yea

[@JLOUTSIDE]

So size does matter... hmmm.

[@LostLakes]

😜

[@brucewayne2091]

With the current OPP campaign about ice safety; you might have another idea for a video!

[@davidtapp3950]

Correct logo. Wrong name?🙂

[@LostLakes]

Lol temporary transition name 😉

[@benweir665]

6' vs 8'. There's a joke in there somewhere.

[@LostLakes]

Hahah was waiting for that one. Really tee'd up some trolls with some of the quotes in this one!

[@abigailrose7314]

Awesome👍

[@LostLakes]

Thx Abs!

[@playhouseinthewoods6103]

Ok this is an old video but just have to say it. 6 inches is as good as 8 inches. That’s what he said. It’s ok I’ll show my self out Did like the video though.

[@RawRawly]

Clamplate with drill

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

interesting

[@adamxt3hxpwner]

I'm surprised Little Miss Attitude is allowing you yo use these. These are not traditional tools.

[@rashmi5gvloger]

Wow

[@mrbear8771]

My father always had a big fucking chisel it worked

[@silentwisdom7025]

Same, I call mine the God Bar. Any size I want and it's pretty easy to do.

[@LostLakes]

Through 4' of ice? Lol

[@nickjones9304]

@@LostLakes lol, 1 eternity later.

[@dennisgholson4449]

👍

[@RoadLifePursuits]

Just get 8 and call it a day...

[@LostLakes]

I typically agree, unless you're running and gunning on thick ice