If you have been on social media at all over the past seven days, you have without a doubt seen photos, videos, tweets, and posts regarding ICAST. Over 13,000 representatives of the sportfishing industry converged in Orlando, Fla., July 14-17 for the 58th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. The world’s largest sportfishing trade show showcases the latest innovations in tackle, gear, and accessories.
Festivities began Tuesday morning with the Inaugural ICAST Cup presented by FLW. Anglers were partnered with a member of the media and an industry representative for a short, three-hour bass tournament on Lake Toho. Bill Dance, Cody Detweiler, and Dave East topped the 48-boat field with a 17-pound, 1-ounce five-bass limit to win the cup. Michael Micheli, Keith Poche, and Jeff Phillips teamed up to finish in second place with 15 pounds, 10 ounces. Steve Reed, JT Kenney, and Drew Mixon weighed in 14 pounds, 9 ounces to finish in third.
The New Product Showcase is one of the most anticipated events of ICAST, providing exhibiting manufacturers an opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in sportfishing gear and accessories. Buyers and members of the media voted on the 889 products submitted by 270 companies, all vying for Best of Show honors in 24 categories and the overall “Best of Show” award. The categories covered everything from boats, rods, reels, lures, clothing, and gifts to name a few. Here’s a rundown on the Best of Show winners.
Best Freshwater Rod: If it swims in a lake or stream, these rods will have you covered
G. Loomis E6X Bass
Best Saltwater Rod: Need a little NaCl H2O? Grab one of these bad boys.
St Croix Avid Inshore
Best Fly Rod: Have the desire to take a more relaxed approach? Get your mojo on while chunking bugs.
St Croix Mojo Bass Fly
Best Freshwater Reel: If you’re dealing with finicky bass, downsize with the new Stradic GHK.
Shimano Stradic GHK
Best Saltwater Reel: Be ready to clash with some serious drag pullers
Penn Clash
Best Fly Reel: Bass, trout, panfish, this should take care of it
Pflueger Medalist Fly Reel
Best Hard Lure: Snook, redfish, and trout are going to devour this thing
Savage Gear 3D Hard Shrimp
Best Soft Lure: Topwater fishing is about to go to the next level
LIVETARGET Full Body Sunfish
Best Lifestyle Apparel: Look good and stay dry
Under Armour UA Storm Pants
Best Technical Apparel: Raising the standard for PFD’s and style
Aegis LifeShirt
Best Boating Accessory: Gotta keep those drinks cold!
YETI Cooler Yeti Hopper 20
Best Boats: Take a more silent approach, whether it be fresh or salt
Eddyline Kayaks Eddyline C-135 Yak Attack Edition
Best Fishing Combo: Designed for the budget conscious angler, without sacrificing quality and style
Lew’s Fishing Tackle Mach 1 Combo
Best Electronics: One of the leaders in electronics steps it up again!
Johnson Outdoors Humminbird HELIX 7-SI
Best Eyewear: Protect those eyes, look cool, and see what’s out there.
Costa Rooster
Best Fishing Accessory: Long day on the water? Don’t wait to get home to hose down your equipment, or yourself!
Rinsekit Rinsekit
Best FishSmart Item: Easily measure and release those big fish!
Release Ruler Freshwater Release Ruler
Best Fly Fishing Accessory: Stay dry while wading through those chilly streams
Simms Fishing Products G3 Stockingfoot
Footwear: Breatheable, all day comfort while on the casting deck. If it gets a little wet, they’ll dry right up!
Simms Fishing Products Current Shoe
Best Giftware: Tired of your phone or electronic battery dying? Keep it charged through your navigation light port!
Yolotek Powerstik
Best Kids Tackle: Don’t worry about having to fix a mess
Steinhauser, LLC Tangle-free Combo
Best Line: Improve your casting distance
PowerPro Maxcuatro
Best Tackle Management: Keep those rods undamaged while sitting in the garage
Eposeidon Kastking Rack ‘Em
Best Terminal Tackle: Clean your catch with efficency
Eagle Claw Fishing Lazer Sharp Filet Knife
Best of Show: It’s big, it’s got all kinds of features, why wouldn’t it win top honors?
Eddyline Kayaks Eddyline C-135 Yak Attack Edition
ICAST is set to return to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. for 2016, July 12-15. Many of the companies that were in attendance at this year’s convention are working on new products that we can’t wait to see!
