Leading the Pack for Mobile Anglers
Generally speaking, ice anglers as a whole are classified into two main groups. There’s the sect that views ice fishing as a form of rest and relaxation. They’re fully content with setting up shop, kicking back, and waiting for fish to swim through. Then there’s that other group, those folks that are determined to catch fish no matter the scenario. They’re stubborn, arguably impatient, and will travel far and wide in hopes of finding fish.
Truth be told, many fishermen are a mix of both, but those dedicated mobile anglers are in a class of their own, willing to do whatever it takes to get on that next hot bite. Such anglers demand equipment that’ll stand up to the test of time, equipment that can be used and abused and still perform at the highest level. Ice augers are no exception. Determined ice anglers demand something that’s fast, lightweight, efficient, and incredibly dependable. Enter, the ION Alpha.
With a moniker like “Alpha”, one can only assume it’s the cream of the crop – truly the top dog. An auger as such was built with the best anglers in mind – those gritty, never give up types.
Speed Demon
Mobile anglers, the run and gun folks, demand speed. Their entire objective is to quickly and efficiently locate fish. Thankfully for them, the Alpha is no stranger to speed, with an industry leading 3.4 inches of ice cut per second. Take a minute to think about that – 12 inches of ice in less than 4 seconds – that’s some serious hustle.
Users have the Turbo Blade cutting system to thank for that. These specifically designed blades were developed to cut through ice like a hot knife through butter. Speaking of butter, the drilling and breakthrough are about as smooth as it gets. No twisted wrists to slow a person down.
The speed savings only continues to add up when you take pull starts and warmups out of the equation, and to avoid scooping holes, anglers can utilize the reverse function to push slush below the ice. For those that like to quickly dissect an area, the Alpha is a top option.
Light as a Feather
In addition to speed, weight is a big factor for those that are constantly on the move. Experienced anglers know how important it is and are relentless in their quest to lighten the load. At just around 16 pounds, Alpha Series augers are about as light as it comes for a full-size auger. Heck, the entire auger weighs less than the powerheads alone of many others in the past.
Weight plays a key role in the success of mobile anglers and the ability to carry, maneuver and drill with ease is extremely advantageous. Traveling quickly across the ice with an auger in one hand and a flasher and rods in the other can make all the difference between staying on fish or not.
The Alpha’s lightweight qualities also make it much easier to pack in a sled or on a machine. The lighter the load, the less of a hassle it is to abandon unproductive areas in search of something better.
Ol’ Reliable
Beyond speed and weight, efficiency and reliability are key elements in a mobile ice angler’s setup. The harsh elements of the winter landscape take a toll on gear and having something that will work time after time is kind of a big deal. With the Alpha, there’s no question as to whether or not the auger will start. There’s no warming up or no idling – it’s literally just the push of a button.
For those that still have concerns with battery technology on ice, not to worry. The Alpha, and its batteries, have been put through the wringer repeatedly. Real-world conditions, thousands of holes, and it still functions flawlessly.
In terms of maintenance for the Alpha, it’s essentially non-existent. There’s no gas, oil, carburetors, or spark plugs to deal with – charge the battery and go. In terms of efficiency and dependability, there’s arguably no better option.
Provided with less-than-ideal conditions, the ice angling community has long been limited by its gear. The ability to be mobile was almost single-handedly kept in check by the available equipment. As tools continued to evolve, anglers were able to be more and more impactful. Ice augers are a perfect example. Having something quick, lightweight, efficient and reliable not only helps fishermen be more effective, but it ensures a more enjoyable experience. Our time on the ice is limited, so why not make the most of it.
