Few fishing guides spend as much time on the ice or drill as many holes as Tony Roach of Roach’s Guide Service. Like professional tools, lithium battery-operated electric ice augers have quickly transformed the ice augers and taken market share, and for good reason. Roach discusses why he made a wholesale switch from gas to StrikeMaster electric ice augers. He then discusses some key buying considerations for electric ice augers, depending on how you intend to use them. And if you missed it, be sure to check out our Best Ice Fishing Augers buyer’s guide.
PRODUCT LISTING (retail links)
ELECTRIC ICE AUGERS & ACCESSORIES
• StrikeMaster® Lithium 24v: Buy at FishUSA, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• StrikeMaster® Lithium 40v: Buy at FishUSA, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• AUGER COVER – StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Magnetic Snap Cover: Buy at FishUSA, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• ICE AUGERS (all) – Check out at FishUSA, Check out at Bass Pro Shops
SYNTHETIC DRILL OPTIONS
• StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Ice Drill Unit (6”, 10”): Buy at FishUSA, Buy at Bass Pro Shops
• StrikeMaster Lazer Lite Drill Unit (10”) – Buy at Bass Pro Shops
ELECTRIC ICE AUGER PERFORMANCE – BETTER THAN GAS
First up, electric ice augers are super quiet. So what? Well, in addition to spooking less fish, the quietness of electric augers makes for a more serene outdoor experience and also helps you keep your secret spots, well, a secret. In addition to quiet performance, electric ice augers deliver peak convenience and reliability—no more fumes or fuel mixtures; insert the battery and get to drilling. Roach’s preference for electric over gas is evident as he explains their advantages in the cold, where they prove their worth with instant starts and fast drilling.
STRIKEMASTER 24V AND 40V ELECTRIC ICE AUGER PERFORMANCE
Roach highlights the nuances between the StrikeMaster 24v, a lighter option, and the robust 40v auger. Both can drill holes of all sizes, but each auger serves a specific purpose, from the agility needed for quick moves on early ice, reopening old holds, and to the power demanded for drilling lots of big holes through thick ice. Roach explains when he reaches for each throughout his ice fishing season.
CHOOSING ICE AUGER DRILL SIZE
When it comes to drill diameter, Roach emphasizes the importance of selection. From a handy and fast 6-inch drill for panfish to a hefty 10-inch for bigger gamefish or wheelhouse operations, the proper electric ice auger drill size improve the experience. For Roach, the 8-inch auger is an all-around go-to, but he’ll size up for big fish and in fish houses or downsize when drilling lots of holes in pursuit of panfish. Choose the right auger size based on your primary use.
STEEL VS SYNTHETIC DRILLS
Innovation in drill materials hasn’t gone unnoticed by Roach. He shares insights on the shift from steel to synthetic, particularly composite drills with reduced weight and less friction. Lighter equipment equates to easier operation and enhanced battery life without sacrificing power or durability. Keep these benefits in mind when deciding on a drill. You can’t go wrong with steel for durability, but composite drills offer durability and performance.
CUTTER VS CHIPPER DRILL/BLADES FOR ELECTRIC ICE AUGERS
Lastly, Roach breaks down the blade options for electric ice augers: cutter and chipper. While cutter or shaver blades offer speed and efficiency for clean ice, chipper blades offer more durability. Durability is needed when reopening holes, cutting through broken ice, or contending with sand and debris in the ice. Roach demonstrates a serrated shaver blade, explaining its design benefits that prevent wandering and minimize friction—suitable for cutting and reopening holes.
As a guide, Roach needs his augers to perform 100% of the time, regardless of conditions. His practical experience, drilling thousands of holes with the 24v and 40v models, provides real-world testimony to their effectiveness. With an onslaught of New Ice Fishing Gear each season, make your next ice auger purchase an informed one and your next ice fishing adventure more effortless and productive. Witness firsthand why electric ice augers are the best choice for anglers seeking efficiency and power. Check out our Ice Fishing channel for more content aimed squarely at making you a better ice angler.
