Strike Master Lazer Mag Express Ice Auger

Well the ice fishing season is well under way as we are into February now. With the cold weather this year we have a lot of ice. Some lakes are up to 30” of ice and some auger extensions will be needed, especially if the cold weather stays in place through the end of the month. By now you have drilled many holes and you either love you auger or hate it. Now’s not the time to have an ice auger that doesn’t cut well or isn’t very reliable. My wife wanted to get me one big present for Christmas which was great. I told her if you get me one just one, I want the Strike Master Lazer Mag Express. I used the Jiffy STX Pro and the Strike Master and liked the Lazer Mag Express better. It cuts much smother and does not collect ice in the auger. It saves from pulling the auger out of the hole to free the ice and then go back down to continue cutting the hole.


The Jiffy bogs down much more and doesn’t seem to have the torque the Strike Master does. I’ve had my Lazer Mag Express for 5 years now. I have never changed or sharpened my blades and it still cuts like butter. The only maintenance I’ve done is change the spark plug this year. It runs like a top and starts on 1 or 2 pulls, always. I was recently out fishing with a very popular fishing guide in the Midwest who fishes over 300 days a year and he’s a Jiffy guy. But after he used my Strike Master Lazer Mag Express, he was hooked and went out and bought one. He cuts thousands of holes every winter and said it cuts without putting any force on the auger and is faster. Remember time is money to a fishing guide.

The Lazer Mag Express has a 8” or 10” auger with a 42” drilling auger depth, has a 2hp Tecumseh engine, with steel blades and a powder-coated auger. The 8” model weighs only 24lbs. and the 10” is 27lbs. From my experience the Strike Master Lazer Mag Express 8” is faster and much smoother on the cut than the Jiffy. The 8” runs about $425 If that’s a bit high on price get the Strike Master Mag 2000 ice auger, it has the single chipper auger and is available in 8 ¾” and 10 ¼” cuts and the 8 ¼” runs about $399. - Gary

Check out the StrikeMaster Mag 2000 Power Ice Auger

Frabill Ice Fishing Pail Pack and Ice Skimmer

Ice fishing without my Frabill Pail Pack just wouldn’t be the same. It keeps all my gear organized, and my ice rods tangled free. I put my ice rods, scoopers, and wooden tip ups on the outside of my bucket. That frees up the inside for my catch, or other lures, and accessories. When ice fishing, you want to be very organized and only carry out what you need. The Frabill Pail Pack keeps it simple. These are a pretty hot item and may be sold out, but you check Fleet Farm, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops or Dicks Sporting Goods.

Another great tool to have is the Frabill Ice Skimmer with the 30" Handle. This model features Polypropylene reinforced nylon construction, a 30-in engraved ruler on the handle and a large scoop to remove ice shavings more effectively. The long handle design prevents stress on your back, less bending over to keep the ice clear. The ruler comes in handy to measure the ice thickness too. - Gary

Frabill Ice Skimmer with 30" handle only $12.99