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Fishing in winters that too when water layers are frozen is a one-of-a-kind activity. One gadget that is specifically needed for such conditions is an ice auger. But for productive and enjoyable ice fishing sessions, you need to have the best ice auger for fishing that is reliable, easy to use, and can drill holes quickly and efficiently.
However, picking the best ice fishing auger is easier said than done. This is because for picking the best you need to go through a lot of options and compare auger specific components such as structure, blade, power source, etc. With that, you also need to map their utility to your requirements, which further complicates the equation.
To help you in the matter, we went through different ice auger for fishing reviews and compiled the information to create a list of 10 Best Ice Augers for Fishing In 2020 with a comprehensive guide. Check them out and see which one is best for you.
OUR TOP PICK
Eskimo Mako 43cc Quantum
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Powerful, fast, and fuel-efficient
- Easy to assemble and use
- Precise drilling
- Comes with mitten grip recoil
Best for: Precise cuts
Type: Gas
Cutting Diameter: 8 Inches
Auger Length: 42Iinches
Weight: 32 lbs
EDITORS CHOICE
Strike Master Lazer Hand
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Durable blades
- Powder coated paint
- Soft grip on handle
- Easy to carry and store
Best for: Strong blades
Type: Hand-based
Cutting Diameter: 8 inches
Auger Length: 48-57 inches
Weight: 8.5 lbs
BEST VALUE
Eskimo HD06 Dual Flat Blades
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Prevents over-tightening while drilling
- Flat blade design
- Lightweight
- Comes with blade protector
Best for: Lightweight
Type: Hand-based
Cutting Diameter: 6 Inches
Auger Length: 59 inches
Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Allows reverse flushing
- Energy efficient
- Easy to use
- Comes with LED lights for operations in dark
Best for: Night operations
Type: Electric based
Cutting Diameter: 8 Inches
Auger Length: 42 inches
Weight: 25 lbs
XtremepowerUS 1200W 1.6HP Electric Post Hole Digger
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Powerful battery
- Heavy construction
- Easy to use
- Includes safety lock
Best for: Thick Ice
Type: Electric based
Cutting Diameter: 4-8 Inches
Auger Length: 32 inches
Weight: 32 lbs
StrikeMaster Lithium 40v
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Quick charging
- Impact-resistant long filament handles
- Forward and reverse controlling
- Internal battery management system
Best for: Forward-Reverse Control
Type: Electric based
Cutting Diameter: 10 Inches
Auger Length: 48 inches
Weight: 24 lbs
Nils master UR600C Cordless drill Ice auger
- What Makes This Ice Auger For Fishing Stand Out
- Convertible and versatile
- Efficient cutting
- Replaceable blades
- Includes a disk to keep it afloat
Best for: Versatility
Type: Hybrid
Cutting Diameter: 4.5-8 Inches
Auger Length: 40 inches
Weight: 9 lbs
ThunderBay 33cc Power
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Easy to start
- Comfortable handles
- Heat-treated gears
- Allows fuel monitoring
Best for: Cold weather
Type: Gas
Cutting Diameter: 8 Inches
Auger Length: 42 inches
Weight: 34 lbs
Ion Eskimo Standard Series
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Strong reverse mode
- Lightweight
- Efficient battery
- Produces less noise
Best for: Minimum Noise
Type: Electric
Cutting Diameter: 8 Inches
Auger Length: 34 inches
Weight: 22 lbs
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Power-packed performance
- Environmentally friendly
- Allows fuel monitoring
- Powder coating
Best for: Fuel efficiency
Type: Gas
Cutting Diameter: 10 Inches
Auger Length: 42 inches
Weight: 29 lbs
How To Choose The Best Ice Auger For Fishing – Buying Guide
Type
The first decision you need to make is what type of ice auger to choose. Here are the different types available:
Hand Ice Auger
Hand ice augers are powered manually by turning the handle and exerting some downward pressure. They are easy to use and an ideal choice if you’re looking for your first auger, ice fish only occasionally.
Gas Powered Auger
Gas-powered augers are equipped with powerful engines and longer and stronger drill bits so they can cut through extremely thick ice. They are ideal for avid ice anglers who need to drill many large diameter holes quickly and effortlessly.
Propane Ice Auger
Propane ice augers usually have four-stroke engines and utilize propane to run. Compared to gas augers, they are lighter in weight, burn cleaner, operate quietly, and are also fast.
Battery Powered Electric Ice Auger
Electric ice augers rely on lithium-ion batteries to operate. They are less powerful than gas-powered types but also fast and efficient and ideal for smaller and fewer holes. The best battery powered ice augers bore down through the ice quickly and easily and have a high battery capacity. Plus, they start instantly and drill quietly with no emissions.
Size
Size is another important factor to consider while looking for the best ice fishing auger. Till now you have realized that auger comes in different blade sizes or cutting diameters namely 4.5”, 6”, 8”, and 10” blade sizes or cutting diameters. Here you need to consider the type of fishes you are targeting as for smaller fishes such as panfish 4.5-6-inch size does fine but for big fishes like trout, you need to pick a 10 inch one. Keep in mind, a medium 8” blade is the most versatile size so if you are not certain about the fish type, go with 8 inch one.
Weight
The weight of an ice auger is another important factor to consider. A lightweight auger is crucial as you need to carry it to fishing spots and causes less fatigue to the wrists. Hand augers are the lightest, followed by electric augers. Gas-powered augers are the heaviest. Here a piece of advice is first to sort the type and then look for the lightest option in the category.
You might also like: Ice Fishing Tips – Techniques On How To Ice Fish
Blades
When buying an auger, it is important to pay attention to the blade quality and durability. Here you need to ensure that the blades are tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of cutting through ice repeatedly.
Height
You want an auger with drill bits long enough to cut through the ice layers and one that suits your height so you can drill holes without struggling. The best ice fishing augers have adjustable height knobs or come with an extension that lets you adjust the height to suit the ice thickness and your height.
Ease of Use
The best ice auger for ice fishing should be easy to start and operate. Plus, it should remain stable on the surface during operation. It also should have ergonomic handles that make it easier to control the auger. And last but not the least, it should be lightweight to prevent fatigue.
Sharpness
Drilling through ice efficiently requires super-sharp blades. The best ice augers for fishing will come with blades that are super sharp right off the box, capable of holding their sharp edge well, and easy to sharpen and replace.
Accessories
The best ice augers come with essential accessories such as a blade guard for safety, an extension for adjusting the height for ice thickness and personal height, and a cover for the powerhead if you’re using a powered auger.
FAQs
Q: What size ice auger is best?
It depends on the type of fish you want to catch. However, an auger with a cutting diameter of 8 inches is considered the best option to go for.
Q: How well do hand ice augers work?
If you are operating an efficient hand ice auger properly, they do the drilling without asking for much effort.
Q: Is a 6-inch ice auger big enough?
No. a 6-inch ice auger is best suited for small fishes so it is not big enough for medium and large-size catches.
Q: Are hand ice augers hard to use?
No. if used appropriately, hand ice augers are extremely easy to use.
Globo Surf Overview
A reliable and efficient auger that is reliable and cuts through thick ice quickly and efficiently is a must-have for successful and enjoyable ice fishing adventures. With gas, propane, and electric ice auger options, you have plenty of options to choose from to find your personal best ice auger for fishing. It is also smart to have a hand-powered auger as a backup. Have fun on the ice and remember to keep warm and stay safe!
More Ice Fishing Reviews:
- Ice Fishing Tip Ups
- Ice Fishing Bibs
- Ice Fishing Flashers
- Ice Fishing Heaters
- Ice Fishing Line
- Ice Fishing Lures
- Ice Fishing Fish Finders
- Ice Fishing Shelters
- Ice Fishing Reels
- Ice Fishing Gloves
- Ice Fishing Boots
- Ice Fishing Suits
Which of the ice augers on our list is your top choice? We would love to read your thoughts or experience with the ice fishing augers we’ve reviewed! Let us know in the comment box below!