Before you can drop a line through the ice, obviously you need to drill a few holes or 10. Depending on the ice thickness, drilling holes can be an easy task or exhausting. So, if you’re looking to buy your first or upgrading the auger you have, here’s a little about augers that might help you make up your mind on which is best for you and your wallet.

MANUAL AUGERS, are the least expensive, are light weight. If you have a long walk and are not riding to your spot, they are easy to carry and are good for cutting 4 to 6-inch holes. I have used this type of auger and let me be the first to admit, if the ice is 8 or 10 inches thick, IT IS A WORKOUT. The more holes you drill, your arms and shoulders will feel it. They cost $50 to $140.

 ELECTRIC AUGERS, when fully charged, some say they will drill faster than a gas or propane auger. There are no fumes, are lighter, quieter and you don’t have to bring gas, oil or a propane canister. There have been reviews that state, in cold weather, electric augers are the least reliable than the other. As power augers, are the most popular. I read, if you plan on drilling a lot of holes and the ice is thick, the battery won’t last long. You have to keep the battery warm while on the ice. One solution would be, bring a charged backup battery, but that extra one can cost $150. There are augers that you can attach a drill to operate, but I would pass on those. Price for electric augers are $450 to $650.

PROPANE AUGERS, these are lighter than gas augers, quieter than gas augers, will drill 10-inch holes faster than an electric auger. You wouldn’t have to bring gas/oil with you, and they usually start with one pull. The bonus is, you can use them inside a shanty, and you don’t have to do anything special to them before storing. I was told (from a good source) it’s also best to keep the canister warm or if it is below zero and the canister is low, you must warm the canister so it will build pressure. Sell for $200 to $650.

GAS AUGERS are probably the heaviest, most expensive and like any gas engine can be hard to start in below zero temperatures. With the 2-stroke, you have to mix the oil with gas and although the new 4-strokes are more reliable, you should be able to drill holes all day on one tank of gas with both units. The downside is the fumes and should not be used inside a shanty. All in all, the gas auger is just as powerful if not more powerful than the propane auger. You can buy a gas auger for $180 to over $700.

REMEMBER, before you head out onto ice, know the ice thickness. 4″ safe to walk, 5″ to 7″ safe for snowmobiles 7″ to 8″ side by side 9″ to 10″ small car 12″ to 15″ medium trucks can be used. Now, go drill some holes and catch a lot of fish.