I just broke out my auger for the first time in 5 years since I moved out here. I sure miss me some ice fishing! we've had a cold enough winter that we actually have 6" of ice from the reports I've heard. I plan on going out a day here this weekend and see about getting me some crappies through the ice. I made the mistake of giving away all my short rods when I figured I wasn't going to get on hard water ever again. So last weekend I swung through Scheels and picked up 4 new rods (13.99 each) they came with reels and everything! couple cheap rattle reels that clip to a bucket and I was set. I made me some "airplane" tipups with the kids a cold day a week or so back so when I bring the family out we all can fish. out here we can use 4 lines a piece and I figure on doing just that!
I had much work to do on the auger from rebuilding the rewind to retapping a bolt hole that got buggered years ago and replacing with the correct bolt and put new gas in. Just when I thought I had it perfect I pulled and pulled and nothing was happening. I checked the fuel line, it was good. So I pulled some more, choked it, then moved it to half way after a few pulls and nothing. I was getting frustrated thinking the spark plug was bad until I looked at the on off switch and somehow I must have flipped it off. I put it back to on and with one pull she sprang to life. I gave her a little reving and she was humming along like a tune. I threw the auger bottom back on it and watched it spin a few times to make sure all was well. now I just need to break away from work long enough to get out on the ice. anyone have any tips for fishing small deep water reservoirs for crappies?
