For 66 years, ICAST has been considered the Super Bowl of sport fishing trade shows. The show is not open to the general public. Only pre-registered industry manufacturers, buyers, pro staffers and media representatives are allowed inside.
Hundreds of manufacturers from around the globe rely on ICAST as a platform to launch their newest wares. The idea is to generate buzz, publicity and valuable contacts.
Lucrative sales and advertising deals are hatched there. Pro anglers establish relationships that sometimes lead to long term sponsorship contracts. Trends within the industry are unveiled. It's a pretty big deal.
More than 13,000 people representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico as well as 80 countries attended this year’s show at the Orange County Convention Center.
“There is no place like ICAST for the entire sportfishing industry, both domestic and international,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “We bring more manufacturers, buyers and media together than any other sportfishing industry event. ICAST has seen tremendous growth and the investment in new products is unsurpassed. That means new connections and new business possibilities for everyone who attends.”
One of the main highlights each year is the New Product Showcase (NPS). It’s a friendly competition among manufacturers to see how their crafts stack up against others in a variety of categories.
Entries are judged by buyers and media representatives. Craftsmanship, innovation and practicality weigh heavily on how the votes are cast.
Competition was brisk this year. The NPS featured 1,087 new products from nearly 300 different companies. Judges named winners in 37 different categories.
Interestingly, the event’s top “Best of Show” badge wasn’t pinned on a $5,000 trolling motor or $2,000 fish finder. Florida-based American Fishing Tackle grabbed the trophy with an innovative fishing rod component that costs $130 — G2 Tsuka 2 all-carbon fishing rod handle. The featherweight handle weighs a mere 1 ounce and is advertised to be extremely strong, super sensitive and much prettier to look at than traditional cork.
AFT’s Darrin Heim said the company has been working for nearly a decade to refine the manufacturing process for its carbon rod handles. The G2 Tsuka 2 evolved from a blown carbon building technology borrowed from the bicycle industry.
“Components are often overlooked,” said Heim. “But at this point, it’s hard to overlook them because this is true innovation.”
Here’s the rundown of a few other Best of Category products sure to appeal to Texas fishing crowds. For a full list, check out icastfishing. org:
MOTORIZED BOATING ACCESSORIES
Product: PowerPole Move ZR
Description: A top notch scissor lift trolling motor made for both fresh and saltwater. The brushless motor is loaded with all of sorts of cool features aimed at efficiency, power and durability. Comes with an aerospace titanium shaft and works with 24-volt and 36-volt systems. $4999.00, power-pole.com.
BOATS AND WATERCRAFT
Product: Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132 Description: The first seamlessly-integrated battery- powered pedal kayak.
Combining pedal propulsion, power-assisted pedal, and motorized cruise control, the ePDL+ allows you to seamlessly switch between modes with the intuitive keys and screen located on the drive. Powered by an included lithium battery. $5,999.99, oldtownwatercraft. com.
EYEWEAR
Product: Costa King Tide 8, Black 580G Blue Mirror Description: Features unprecedented sweat management, zero-fog venting, removable side shields and non-skid hooding to hold the fashionable frames in place. $349.00, costadelmar. com
LIFESTYLE APPAREL FOR WOMEN
Product: HUK Women's Coverup Dress Description: Offers 50+ UPF sun protection, an adjustable hood and cinches at the bottom. Made from soft anti-microbial fabric with mesh sides. $60.00, hukgear.com.
CUTLERY, HAND PLIES OR TOOLS
Product: BUBBA Pro Series Smart Fish Scale Description: Features a non-slip grip, 60 pound weight limit and precision accuracy. Three operation modes and works with a mobile app for social connectivity and hosting real time virtual tournaments. $229.99, bubba.com.
FRESHWATER HARD LURE
Product: ChatterBait Elite EVO
Description: Equipped with a hybrid molded splitgrip/ wire trailer keeper, 5/0 heavy-duty black nickel hook, wire-tied silicone skirting, detailed head sculpt and durable, plated stainless steel blades. $9.99, zmanfishing.com
SALTWATER HARD LURE
Product: MirrOlure The Duke Dog Description: Ideal for stalking fish on the flats or open water. Features clear eyes, contemporary colors and trout dots. Available in 7 colors, measures 3.5 inches and 3/4 ounce. $11.99, shopmirrolure.com.
FRESHWATER REEL
Product: Shimano Stradic FM Description: A high quality spinning reel equipped with premium gearing and and other reel technologies passed down from Shimano’s flagship offerings. $153.99, fish.shimano. com.
SALTWATER REEL
Product: Seapower 1200 Description: Built for winching big ones with 108 pounds of winding power, a 66 pound drag and a brushed variable speed motor. $999.99, daiwa.com.