Every summer the fishing world’s sport fishing companies—giant, large, medium, and small, and every size in between—meet to show off their new products at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, the official name of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show that no one uses. Everyone calls it ICAST, and it’s produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the recreational fishing industry’s trade association.
Last month marked the 59th year for ICAST, and it drew to Orlando, FL, nearly 15,000 industry representatives from around the globe to display and check out the latest innovations in tackle, gear, accessories and apparel. All of the heavy hitters were there, of course, household names that even the most casual sport angler would recognize. But also in attendance were smaller, family-run companies, showcasing their brain power to make fishing and boat safer and more fun.
More than 240 companies entered 1000 products into ICAST’s 24 “Best of Show” categories, hoping to be named the overall winner. Some familiar names took home honors but so did first-timers including Cobra Garage Door Storage for “Best of Show” in Tackle Management, Maryland-based Squidnation, winning the designation in Soft Lure, and Trapper Tackle in Terminal Tackle.
“I congratulate all of the winners and everyone who participated in the New Product Showcase. The creativity and ingenuity that exists within our member companies add excitement and discovery to the adventure of fishing,” says ASA president and CEO Mike Nussman. Here are several new products debuting either later this year or in 2017 that caught my eye:
Best in Show
It used to be trolling motors were standard issue only on freshwater bass boats, but these days you see more and more saltwater bay boats and skiffs using them. So it’s no big surprise that Minn Kota—a longtime leader in trolling motors operating under the umbrella of Johnson Outdoors—won “Best of Show” for its new Ultrex trolling motor. Key features include effortless power steering and i-Pilot features, such as Spot-Lock, that when paired with Steering Lock, allows you to take your foot off the pedal without losing motor heading. These and other features should give anglers both ultimate control and responsiveness in shallow water and current.
Best Reel
From bull reds and cobia to amberjack and tuna, I can envision the Penn Slammer III taming a myriad of tough-fighting gamefish. The Slammer III features a full-metal body, plus the new IPX6 Sealed System to prevent salt water from invading its gear box and drag system. Penn rates the Slammer III’s drag between 30 and 60 pounds.
Best Soft Lure
First-time ICAST attendee and Maryland-based company Squidnation walked away with this coveted award for its new and innovative Long Tail Flippy Floppy, the progenitors of which are popular with mid-Atlantic bluewater fishermen. Mimicking a fish attacking a school of baitfish that are swimming for their lives, the latest Flippy Floppy lure should consistently draw strikes from marlin, sailfish, and tuna, as well as wahoo and mahi mahi. Says Squidnation’s Bill Pino, “It was all such a surprise being that it was our first ICAST, and all our friends said nobody wins in their first attempt. We will remember our first show for a long time. Not just because of the award but also how well the show was run and how many people we got to meet. We will be back.”
Best Terminal Tackle
Fishermen love to experiment and tinker, and rigging hooks to deceive gamefish are a favorite. Taking the Terminal Tackle prize was Trapper Tackle’s Dropshot/Live Bait/Finesse Hook. The hook is designed with a right-angle box, which its designers say will help prevent the fishing hook from rotating out of the fish’s mouth, as well as helping to keep bait on more securely.
Giftware Category
I’m not exactly sure what “giftware” is but I’m sure glad there is such a category because this new product from Weego, a company formed in 2014 that specializes in portable power, sounds cool and super useful. The Jump Starter 44 can jump start any vehicle—and most small boats—with a gas engine up to 6.4 liters and a diesel up to 3.2 liters. The Starter 44 also will recharge smart phones and other USB devices, and also sports a 500-lumen flashlight. So long, jumper cables and clunky jumper packs.
FishSmart Category
Any product that helps me land more fish with minimal stress to the fish is a winner in my book. ICAST panelists must agree since they picked the Kryptek S1 Genesis Medium Clear Landing Net as the show’s “Best FishSmart Product.” The lightweight, clear rubber-mesh net has a detachable handle and floats. Dig it. For the complete list of winners, check out icastfishing.org.
by Captain Chris D. Dollar