Power augers engines are manufactured for various horsepower to produce maximum boring speeds. Hand-powered augers require plenty of muscle to operate and work fine in six to eight inches of ice, but generally hard to maneuver in thicker ice layers. Bait buckets are basically five-gallon plastic pails with sealed vented lid covers. Some bait bucket manufacturers have add padded foamed filled lids for seats and Styrofoam liners for insulation as extra options. When buying a bait bucket, add the price of a small floating dip net to overall cost.
Dip nets keep hands dry and warm when reaching for slippery minnows.
Full-fingered fleece lined neoprene gloves are another hot item when it comes to keeping hands waterproof and warm from winter's biting cold. Most lightweight sleds are easy to pull and fit into the trunk of a car. Many sporting goods stores now carry lightweight portable ice shanties which are basically small fold-away tents to help protect anglers from cold winds. Many shelters feature clear plastic windows, waterproof polyethylene tent fabric for lasting protection and molded plastic sled bases with a tow rope. For glare ice days, a pair of ice cleats help provide a positive grip and traction on slippery icy surfaces.