ICAST showcasing new fishing products

If you want to know what is new to the world of fishing, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST Show, held last week in Orlando is the showcase for what’s new and improved in the fishing industry.

The Orange County Convention Center opened its doors to manufacturers, buyers and media from around the world to experience the latest innovations in fishing tackle, gear and marine products, as well new designs in apparel, sunglasses, coolers and other outdoor lifestyle categories. More than 14,000 attendees from 75 countries were on hand to see the latest the sportfishing world has to offer.

The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place. The New Product Showcase embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity with awards in 29 categories for “Best of Category” and, ultimately, one “Best of Show.”

Some of the winners and more interesting items from this year’s show include:

Fathom Electric reel – (Best of Show) — from Penn is a worlds’ first — the only reel with an integrated battery, providing anglers with incredible torque and power. With an easy-to-use LED display screen showing a true line counter, auto-stop functionality, and angler-friendly customizable settings, this reel will soon be regarded as the best electric reel on the market. Available in three sizes (30, 50, 80), with an array of accessories, the PENN Fathom Electric has an option for everybody.

Giant Lure from Rapala (Best Novelties) -the USA Original Floating Giant Lure is designed to hang proudly all across the country. Let’s bring patriotism to all fishing garages, restaurants, man caves, and homes. Fishing is a sport that unites us all. Thank you from everyone at Rapala for everything you do to grow and protect the best sport in the world.

Tough Sun Masked Hoodie (Best Clothing) — from Grundens is billed as the The toughest damn sun shirt on the water, UPF 50+ rated Tough Sun offers anglers breathable sun protection with increased snag resistance for extra longevity both on & off the water. Backed by a Lifetime Warranty. Made with ultra abrasion & snag resistant tough sun fabric technology and UPF 50+ sun protection and an integrated face mask with laser-perforated holes, it also has a lifetime warranty.

Create-A-Lure Shark Edition (Best Youth product) — is a unique do-it-yourself kit that is designed to allow you to create personal fishing lures. It comes with all the materials you need and step-by-step instructions on how to go about painting your new lures. It is meant to get kids of all ages to use their imagination and see their results of their work firsthand.

Under Armour Charged Shoreman Deck Boot (Best Footwear) — is engineered for a best-in-class fit, modeled after UA’s athletic footwear. At under 15 ounces, it is the lightest deck boot on the market, ensuring superior performance without sacrificing comfort or durability. Features include a flexible upper with integrated heel pods for a secure fit, an ASTM-rated, non-marking, slip-resistant rubber outsole for superior grip, responsive Charged Cushioning®, and ultimate waterproofing with a dual-layer moisture barrier.

XPECE One Fishing Drone (Best Electronics) — a waterproof fishing drone that can fly in the air, float on water, and see underwater while navigating on the surface. Its HD camera sends live video to the waterproof remote control so that you can drop 8 pounds baits up to a mile out. The Xpece ONE is the first drone ever equipped with BiteSense which allows you to troll bait and automatically releases it when a fish bites. Xpece ONE retails for $2299 and ships this summer.

Shadtron LT Swimbait (Best Soft Bait) — A true-to-nature shad profile swimbait, the Shadtron LT offers a pioneering over/under line-through harness for top or belly hook rigging. Driven by a rounded, wedge-shaped tail, the Shadtron swims with a genuine shad motion, activated at fast or extra slow retrieves. Precision weighted harness and tough, buoyant ElaZtech material maintain lure’s upright posture. Lifelike body sculpt with 8 photo-printed / hand-painted colors. 4.5” and 6” sizes in Slow & Fast Sink models, sickle hook included.

Berkley Krej (Best Hard Bait) — is a revolutionary hard bait that is creating a new style of fishing called “Krejing.” This lure defies conventional jerkbaiting, by working its way upwards in the water column, only to fall backwards towards its target. Designed to excel with FFS, Krejing allows the angler to take advantage of being able to see how the fish reacts and work the bait up and away from the fish better imitating a natural fleeing motion, or back towards the fish triggering reaction strikes.