Last modified on October 31st, 2022 at 11:03 am
Last modified on October 31st, 2022 at 11:03 am
A serious ice fisher often finds the manual ice augers a bit troublesome and frustrating, leading them to consider ice drilling a burden or chore. If you can afford to increase your budget, getting an electrical ice auger would be a wise option. It would save you a lot of effort and take care of all the drilling worries so that you can focus on your ice fishing. Having said that, if you are a beginner, it is always better to start with a hand ice auger.
Ice augers are available in a variety of sizes, including small, medium and big. Its size determines the depth and diameter of the hole you can drill with it. If you want a small hole go for the small size while a bigger hole would warrant a larger size of electric ice auger. To be more specific, if you are after small fish like crappie or yellow perch, choose the small models having a cutting diameter of 6”. For medium-sized fish, you would need products that have an 8” cutting diameter. Large 10” diameter models would best suit bigger species like trout, northern pike and muskie. The choice of size also depends on your fishing style.
Certain models, though highly efficient, are complex to operate. So it would be a good idea to check the working of the tool before buying it. If you find that it is easy to start and operate, you could go for it.
Lightweight and compact models are easy to carry and handle. If you need to make multiple holes in the course of your fishing trip, then a light electric ice auger could be your best companion. The models weighing between 20-30 pounds are light and easily portable.
There can be two types of blades that your electric ice auger comes equipped with. Shaving blades have a smooth edge and remove a small amount of ice in every pass. Being very sharp the blades allow you to cut the ice easily. However, they are less durable and not designed for working on thicker ice coverings. Chipper blades have wide teeth on their edges, resembling the groove of a serrated knife. They can drill through thick layers of ice but are slower and less precise. They are best suited for re-opening old holes that have frozen.
The material used in the construction of your electric ice auger should be durable and rust-proof. Aluminum and stainless steel are the best in that respect.
Your drilling tool shouldn’t make a lot of noise and scare away all the fish. Choose a product that makes minimal noise while cutting through the ice smoothly.
If you fish at night or from a dimly lit shelter, consider getting an electric ice auger that comes with lights to make life easier for you.
Boasts of longer battery life than others and quick and accurate drills. It is easy to carry and use. Features LED lights for night time. If you are ice fishing from inside a shelter, the closely set handles allow you to drill holes close to the shelter walls.
Cons:The price is on the higher side.
Final Word:Go for this bestseller for its strength, long battery power, high capacity and reliability
Heavy-duty motor and 5 amp battery that can drill more than 100 holes per charge. Lightweight and compact design at a cheap price. Has LED lights for night and a 4 LED indicator that shows the status of the battery. Has a reverse gear that allows you to flush ice from the hole. Uses twin serrated laser blades
Cons:Only a few size options are available.
Final Word:Though the model doesn’t have enough power, it doesn’t overheat when in use and is very accurate.
Lightweight and compact. Very simple to assemble and use. Drills smoothly and quickly. Wide ergonomic handles offer added comfort. Comes with LED lights for those who want to fish under a shelter. Boasts of a reverse mechanism and a quiet brushless motor
Cons:Requires assembly and not as light as its competitors
Final Word:This is the best electric ice auger if you are on a budget.
Can cut through thick ice. Blades are sharp and durable. Comfortable and easy to use. Portable and lightweight design. The charger comes for free. The overload protector prevents it from overheating and subsequent damage.
Cons:Requires assembly though it’s pretty simple to do it
Final Word:The rechargeable 2Ah battery that allows you to drill multiple holes in a single charge would make you want to go for it. It is best known though for the bright LED illumination it offers for working at night
Smooth and quiet performance. User friendly. Comfortable ergonomic grip. Equipped with a reversible drive that removes ice chips and slush from the hole without the need of a separate ice skimmer.
Cons:Heavier and slower than its competitors.
Final Word:No matter how thick the ice is, the Trophy Strike cuts right through without getting damaged, offering you good value and design for the money.
A thoughtfully designed electric ice auger gives you superior performance getting your job done with minimal hassle and fuss. All the products in the above list would meet your expectations on that front. We hope that this article would help you in choosing the best one suiting your ice fishing needs.
