Ice Fish Ohio Forum

Ice Fishing => General Discussion => Topic started by: OhioFisher19 on December 13, 2011, 04:08:45 PM

Title: Gas Augers
Post by: OhioFisher19 on December 13, 2011, 04:08:45 PM: Hey guys I know gas augers were a big topic at the seminar.

My Dad will be buying one this winter and I am curious about which ones you like and why.

How long do the blades last?
Do they leak gas at all

We were going to get the Jiffy propane auger but the engines are no longer tecumseh and are probably made in China.

Thanks for your input!
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: HardWater Junkie on December 13, 2011, 05:06:18 PM: I hae an Eskimo Z51 Shark. Just got it towards the end of the season so I havent had it long enough to know how long the blades last. As for the fuel leaking my auger hasnt lost a drop. It is deffenetly a beast ripping thru the ice.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: OhioFisher19 on December 13, 2011, 05:17:19 PM: Also curious about weight. Is it a pain to carry?

Thanks junkie good seminar this weekend btw!
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: HardWater Junkie on December 13, 2011, 05:31:02 PM: It weighs 30 lbs. its not bad pulling it in the sled. An average 8 inch hand auger is 6 to 8 lbs. I will drag the extra weight everyday and not complain about it. The thing to complain about is how bad my arms hurt trying to drill 100 holes a day. You will find that with a power auger you fish harder then you ever have. Its a lot easier to fish 40 - 50 different spots to get on the fish.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: crv423 on December 13, 2011, 06:31:37 PM: I agree the extra weight is well worth the pain free shoulders. I drill three times as many holes.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: zoeconner on December 13, 2011, 06:34:00 PM: I have a Eskimo Mako. Awesome for the price. Here it it in action.

Eskimo mako (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSO4GjIEKFI#ws)
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: zoeconner on December 13, 2011, 06:36:31 PM: Also I had at least 1' of ice
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: mitch131 on December 13, 2011, 06:37:56 PM: I have a strikemaster it is 27 pounds i just got it last year and use one tank of gas when the ice is thick i use it i would say its worth it weight.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: slabslayer on December 14, 2011, 07:08:27 AM: I also fish the strikemaster, never leaked gas for me either. I've had mine 3 years, this will start the fourth season. Never had to touch the blades yet! If you're careful and don't drop the blades on the ice or on your garage floor, they should last a long time. The gas auger will change the way you fish. Like I said at the Fin, if you are mobile, and can drill a lot of holes, you're going to be a better fisherman because you will move to find fish. Now moving and drilling new holes won't seem like a chore. You can drill 50 in 5-10 minutes, instead of 1-2 hours. Plus it's easy on gas. Fill the tank before you start, and you won't need to carry a gas can. I've drilled over 200 holes in a day before and not run out of gas. ;D The added weight is very worth it as well. It seems light compared with dragging your gear around with aching shoulders from a hand auger.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: perchguy on December 14, 2011, 07:53:09 AM: I have the strikemaster don't use it much,never had any problems with it runs great.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: g on December 14, 2011, 02:55:25 PM: i've used my striemaster laser mag xpress for 7-8 years now. have never changed blades yet.doesn't leak any fuel. i had it for 3 years before i used it (always went with a buddy that had 1 ). i've had to replace the recoil, the gas tank (sled rope broke the choke lever ) and adjuust the idle. i love it, beats hand augers any day.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: OldSailor on December 14, 2011, 06:36:32 PM: Quote from: g on December 14, 2011, 02:55:25 PM
i've used my striemaster laser mag xpress for 7-8 years now. have never changed blades yet.doesn't leak any fuel. i had it for 3 years before i used it (always went with a buddy that had 1 ). i've had to replace the recoil, the gas tank (sled rope broke the choke lever ) and adjuust the idle. i love it, beats hand augers any day.
You need to get your shoulder in shape so I can watch it in action!! LOL... Or I'll use it and you can supervise!! You can take it easy on your shoulder and just catch fish!! ::)
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: futurestrader on December 14, 2011, 07:26:30 PM: I have a strikemaster 10 1/4". Bought it off craigslist for $100 bucks and got the blades replaced and it runs perfect.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: OhioFisher19 on December 14, 2011, 09:33:52 PM: Thanks for the info guys. My Dad picked up a brand new shark today at cabelas for under 300 don't ask me how but he is cupon crazy and what not! I am really glad to hear that the blades last so long!!! Only thing I am worried about is the noise but it looks SWEET! thanks all!!
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: futurestrader on December 14, 2011, 09:56:18 PM: Trick is keep the water off the blades and they will not rust on you. Take the two seconds to wipe them dry after you rip holes and they will be good for a long time.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: slabslayer on December 15, 2011, 12:23:12 AM: The noise doesn's seem to bother the fish. I've drilled a hole, cleaned it out, put a bait down, and pulled up a 14 inch crappie that fast. Not saying they don't hear it, just doesn't seem to bother them.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: Banker on December 15, 2011, 08:21:06 AM: Wd-40 works wonders on ice auger blades- helps for a smoother cut and keeps rust off.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: g on December 15, 2011, 10:25:30 AM: be sure to put the blade cover on after each use. it reduces the risk of the blades being damaged and injury to the fisherman.
Title: Re: Gas Augers
Post by: OhioFisher19 on December 15, 2011, 05:36:15 PM: Thanks for all the info guys. Sorry to rain on the parade but its looking like a while till it gets used!