Whats every one using? I have tried them all and I always go back to the 3.99 orange ice scoop. But I lost one down the hole yesterday when the wind blew my canvas slapped good enough to push my scoop straight in a hole. I always carry 2 but I figured before I buy another cheap ice scoop is there a actual better option? I don’t like the slush in halers nor the one that has 2 rods and swivels. Any thing else good ? Or just grab a big dipper ?
i still got 2 of the old metal scoops…….not saying no more or 1 is sure as hello going down next time i use it!!! 
I use the big dipper BC. I like that it’s hard plastic(doesn’t freeze as much) and longer handle with ruler.
I have Big Dipper for 8 inch holes and sitting in the big hub.
Got this one as a gift that is made by rapala. Not sure if they still make it but it extends and folds and is pretty light. Use it more often than Big Dipper.
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I have Big Dipper for 8 inch holes and sitting in the big hub.
Got this one as a gift that is made by rapala. Not sure if they still make it but it extends and folds and is really light. Use it more often than Big Dipper.
they still make it, I’ve had mine for years now.
I kept breaking the orange plastic scoops so I went with a galvanized steel one.
Big Dipper. Use it year round, great for scooping big sucker minnows from the bucket too.
I use a large minnow scoop attached to a Rapala magnetic release clip with the other half connected to my bibs. Its always with you when you hole hop and never have to look for it. If you clean the holes some when you pull the auger out, it more than big enough to take care of the rest.
Just to clarify, I’m referring to a solid plastic minnow scoop.
I’ve used the Big Dipper for many years!! But my go to is no longer made, all plastic, blue handle with a hook and a red scoop, measurements to 18” on the handle.
I use one of these:
Welp, that didn’t work. It’s a regular food strainer. The metal mesh type. Gets almost everything in one scoop all the time.
The dippers are the way to go.
They float.
If they ice up you can whack it on your boot.
I began making them as a school project about 15 years ago.
My son is actually with me today building another.
Good Will for golf clubs – Still makes the best handles! Drill out the scoop from the POS handles and pop rivet to the club handle.
Dz*mn, that’s bad all mighty make lodges BUT interesting nonetheless!!!!
I honestly don’t even bring one most of the time. It’s just more crap that I really don’t need to drag with.
The auger gets 95% of the slush out, 99.5% if you use reverse.
A quick swipe with the minnow scoop does the rest (when needed for finesse presentations). Note: fine mesh net ones work way better than the plastic scoops.
Another vote for the Big Dipper brand skimmer. Tough as nails.
I’ve got the Little Dipper with the longer handle, and really like it.
When done drilling the hole I just put the drill in reverse and gun it for a second and all the slush is gone.
The $3 ones are perfect for running/gunning. Not to mention my auger clears out most of the ice so the smaller dippers work great.
My big dipper sits on the wall unless I go on a big fishing trip and when the ice gets thick and I have to move a lot of slush away from the hole.
I use a large minnow scoop attached to a Rapala magnetic release clip with the other half connected to my bibs. Its always with you when you hole hop and never have to look for it. If you clean the holes some when you pull the auger out, it more than big enough to take care of the rest.
I have a tendency to leave the scoop behind when I am hole hopping. Some times I find too much ice in the hole for my lure to drop through and then I just use my hand to scoop some ice out. Your method sounds much better….
One shot ice skimmer. Was fishing with guy that had one. Used it, ordered one before we left the lake.
Tilts to lower it in hole. Flatten and lift. Works great in wheelhouse, too
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One shot ice skimmer. Was fishing with guy that had one. Used it, ordered one before we left the lake.
Tilts to lower it in hole. Flatten and lift. Works great in wheelhouse, too
I second this. But the only drawback of them is that they’re only good for freshly drilled holes. Hole hopping I still carry a cheap plastic one for cleaning after kicking open a skimmed over hole.
I use the bigger minnow scoop from Fleet Farm or wherever. The neon green for like $2. I keep one in each portable and another one or two in the buckets. Been using only these for over 5 years now and haven’t broken or lost one, including bring kids out.
Every auger is different, but the strike master laser on a Milwaukee drill doesn’t leave much slush behind.
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