Why do people use 8+ inch holes

I swear some of those holes people punch on those lakes...I'm shocked kids haven't drowned or there a thread about "lost my vexilar" down the hole.

Because I can

Because it work's for me and what I prefer. I could argue it the other way asking why people using a 6" K-drill pop 30 - 40 or more holes a day, I'm sure because it's what works for them.

I have caught 14 inch crappie thru 6 inch holes no problem. A buddy of mine once pulled up a 16 inch speck thru a 6 inch hole I drilled for him. I too would like to know where Fantom is catching these monster crappie that need 8 inch holes! 

Legendary ice fisherman Dave Genz uses a 6 inch auger for all his pan fishing. He was once quoted as saying he wished he could hook a crappie so big, he couldn't get it thru his 6 inch hole, but it hasn't happened yet. I have seen magazine articles where he caught 17 inch crappie thru his 6 inch holes. But he has a heck of a lot more experience and talent than most of us. I'd prolly lose a 17 inch crappie trying to get it thru my 6 inch hole

most folks that i talk to or sell to that use 8+ inch holes is because it cuts down on locator entanglements when bringing the fish up thru the hole.  i personally don't care for them as i have twisted my ankle pretty good in them a few times.  ouch.  personal preference for sure.

Fantom,  where do you fish crappies?  Send me the info over PM please.

I have a 7.5" kdrill(8").  When a gill touches both sides it goes in my bucket.  Just Kidding.   I fish walleye, pike, perch and gills.   Only have one auger.  

I use an 8" hole because I want to be able to get the fish that I catch through it. 90% of the fish I catch would fit through a 6" hole, but we get some really big fish sometimes unintentionally. This year already I caught 2 large pike on a rig that I was trying to catch perch on. I also caught a 18" and 20" bass jigging and with 4 pound test it was nice to be able to use a gaff so I didn't break my line. We also catch crappies that don't always fit through an 6 inch hole. I really don't see the need for a larger hole than 8" but this is America and we should all have a choice so long as it is legal. Be safe and tight lines.

I use a 6 in Lazer with a Milwaukee powerhead. Most places I feel won't produce a 13 pound walleye. On the great lakes fisheries I do like an 8 inch because you may need the circumference for several different species that swim down there. It also provides a better sight fishing view. When the ice is thick with a vehicle I will use an 8 inch gas auger. Its the size of the stovepipe that goes thru the floorboard of the vehicle. If it was just Winnebago walking ice I agree a 6 inch is the perfect size. An 8 inch is more versatile if your going to only have one auger. Sometimes under the correct conditions I like to put a 4 inch hole next to the 8 inch hole for the transducer. A spud bar is really all you need but it spooks fish. 

Because I love freedom and believe in personal responsibility.

my uncle claims he likes to drift  :)

  because thats the size auger i bought. 

When it gets cold, holes start backfilling, I love 9" holes for walleyes at night.

I prefer 9-10" holes. seems like fish don't tangle in transducer as much, tip up fishing, also I have a permanent shack and the bigger holes don't freeze up to the point of recutting holes as fast.

Another reason I like the 8" over larger is my round Frabill tip ups would basically just be floating in the hole. As it is, they just cover the hole. 

I have a 6 inch auger off of a clam plate and Milwaukee drill. 

I was hole hopping and found someone's abandoned 10 in hole. It felt like I was open water fishing after fishing 6 inch holes. I can see why people would like it. More room.