Looking for tips!

[FishBucket]

Hey everyone great site, quick introduction: I'm Tim, originally from Sault ste marie, grew up fishing there mainly ice. Been in the navy for the last five years where the ice doesnt form, so im just getting back into it. I now live in Deerton and am going to NMU. I'm defiantly planning to get down to little bay de noc a few times this season, but will also be trying some spots around here. I tried Au train lake on wed. and got 2 small perch and a pike, plan on hitting the small deer lake by me tomorrow morning, if anyone has any experience with either of these lakes or other suggestions near me that'd be great! 2 side notes, i'm in the market for a used power auger, there is a 8'' jiffy on craigslist for 300$ wondering if thats a good price. http://up.craigslist.org/spo/3519708177.html I also just ordered http://www.basspro.com/Lowrance-PPP18I-Ice-Fishing-Bag-with-Transducer/product/1110241145/ to go with my elite-5, wondering if anyone had experience with one. Thanks!

[The Bait Shop Guy]

Welcome to the site.

Without knowing what features and how old it is, $300 for a used auger sounds a little steep. You can buy a brand new, basic model Jiffy for only $50 more. If it's a newer propane powered four-stroke, that's a pretty good price.

[FishBucket]

O ok, I see the link didn't work. I think its a jiffy legend probably at least a few years old 3hp. Looks in pretty good shape, but ya I was thinking that seemed high, was gonna offer maybe 250. Where can I find a new one for 350$?

[The Bait Shop Guy]

$300 might not be too bad if it's in good shape, and has a Tecumseh motor. They were originally around $450, if I remember right. Those Tecumseh's are pretty much bulletproof.

You should be able to pick up a new Jiffy at your local tackle shop or sporting goods store. If you're down in our neck of the woods, we always have them on hand during the winter months.

[FishBucket]

Thanks alot for the info Chris, after researching around i've narrowed it down to the eskimo mako for 265$ or the shark z51 for 329. Cant really find any differences in the 2 beside the shark having 8 cc more, wondering if its worth the extra 65$ for that, any input would be great probably gonna order one today.

[The Bait Shop Guy]

The quality of Eskimo augers has improved greatly the last few years. You'll be happy with it, (anythings better than drilling by hand.)

If you're going to get it with an 8 inch auger bit, either one will do the job. If you're going to go with a 10 inch, get the bigger motor. The Shark models come with a Hyper coil starter that makes starting much easier.

Biggest problem with Eskimos these days is finding replacement blades. Order a spare set with your auger, just to be on the safe side.

[FishBucket]

I appreciate the input, I ordered up the shark z51. It was 329.99 no tax and free shipping from l&m fleet online quite a bit cheaper then anywhere else as far as I could see. It sure will beat the hand auger and spud.

[Dooger]

I bought an Eskimo Z51 10" back in 2010....love it. My buddy bought one last year too!

We both got ours for $299 plus free shipping. Never had an issue either. Google them and look for a good price....spend a day or two and you'll find a cheap one.