MonsterMatt wrote:
Any opinions on gas vs. electric vs. propane for augers?

In the past two years I have drilled holes with the clam gas, polar fire 33cc, jiffy 3hp stx, jiffy pro4 propane, eskimo stingray, Eskimo h.o. propane, strikemaster lithium and I.o.n. 40Lithium.

They all worked. My preference is toward the propanes. Both worked well and the efficiency of the amount of propane used to cut holes is great. I am not in to charging another battery or dealing with battery life. We have enough of that for cameras and flashers.

There are some great ideas already here. I would like to see a show that shows all the work it takes on the ice to find the fish. maybe a fish counter in one corner and a hole drilled counter in the other. I get the feeling when I guide for people that they think they should be able to just pick a spot on a map and that should produce the size and quantity that they desire. Especially when it comes to lakes with a bowl contour or large mud flats.

Secondly i would like to see more tips on presentation and jigging technique. From spoons to tungstens, plastics to live bait. With all the lures and new ones constantly coming out. for instance I would like to the learn the subtle difference of jigging that should be done with different rapalas designs and what you all have seen work.

thanks for your hard work.

Not sure all the dimensions of all the sleds but I made the switch from a trekker max to the side step ambush with the bench seat. Bad first: didn’t fit sideways on my trailer behind the fourwheeler the way the trekker did so i have to put it in the bed of the truck. You would think this is no big deal except the weight and just hassle it takes to pull out with trailer hooked up. its heavy to pull early season over 100 lbs with auger. good now: side step super plus, including fishable space room for gear, i often use a camera in shallows and it allows for 3 holes with ease. sled space is great i can put all my gear in with no problem. I especially like this when I am guiding. I am able to load this with all the heavy gear as the first shack in the train.

Everything has its pros and cons but for me i wouldn’t go back to any front doors for multi person shacks. The side doors are just to beneficial. I guided 12 trips last year and everyone loved the side doors.

just a side note if its just me I fish out of a 1 man flip over. allows me to be as mobile as i want to all day long. super light weight easy on the propane. I fish Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea and others in North Dakota.