What’s New at ICAST 2021

It’s been two years since the last ICAST brought industry professionals together to get a firsthand look at the advancements in the sportfishing world. From July 20 to July 23, companies and brands showcased the latest and greatest products for both fresh and saltwater anglers. We’ve highlighted some new, innovative and just plain interesting products that were on display at this year’s event.

: Produced by the American Sportfishing Association, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. The event was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

: Speaker Hall of Fame member Jay Baer was this year’s keynote speaker at the State of the Industry Breakfast. Baer discussed how the sportfishing industry can help retain the millions of people who took up fishing in 2020 with a focus on customer experience.

: Guests were able to get a closer look at an interactive Raymarine display to better understand the fish finders, transducers, chartplotters and more at booth 1227

: Chef Cosmo Goss demonstrates how BUBBA fillet knifes can get a tuna grill-ready in no time.

: Created through artificial intelligence, Premio AI is an innovative fishing plier. Revealed on Tuesday at ICAST, Danco utilized generative design to create a product that weighs only 3.2 ounces and is 60 percent lighter than other titanium pliers. Premio AI can withstand 500 pounds of crimping force.

: Hooker Electric’s live bait bucket system consists of three tuna tubes and uses an internal submersible water pump that cycles the water inside a five gallon bucket. The water then flows over the tubes and back down into the bucket, resulting in the water being cooled and aerated.

: ICAST may have been primarily inside but that didn’t mean AFTCO wasn’t prepared for a storm with some foul-weather gear.

: The fish may have been out of site but this fighting chair was ready for an angler to jump in.

: A Freeman Boatworks build with Mercury Marine engines is anchored between vendor booths.

: It was a kaleidoscope of color when it came to lures during ICAST.

: The BUBBA booth brought in a little more than just fillet knives.

: A trio of Danco pliers get the spotlight.

: Fish Razr Dredges hang from the beams giving passersby a full 360-degree view of what the bait might look like in the water.

: A few pairs of sunglasses float in a tank as attendees check out the surrounding booths.

: From Triple Fish Line to Quattro Braid, there was no shortage of options when it came to fishing line at ICAST.

: A BeatDown Outdoors’ graph mount is is show how it is used to hold sonar while out on the water. The mount also adjusts to anglers’ ideal height.

: Saltist Line Counter Reels from Daiwa are made with an aluminum frame and sideplate, ultimate tournament carbon drag, machined aluminum spool and spool click.

: The YETI Crossroads 35L Backpack features a clamshell opening with 180-dregree fold-open packing with a luggage pass-thru to secure the backpack to luggage.

: XTRATUF’s Ankle Deck Boot Sport is up to 30 percent lighter than other 6″ boots in this category and built from a new high-performance foam PRO LITE for durability and no slip while being a one-piece outsole.

: The Oceans Legacy Deep Contact 1100g jig is for anglers wanting golden tile and deep water species.

: Shimano’s Coltsniper Splash Walk uses walk-the-dog action and low-pitch knock while a heavier tail section causes the lure to sit vertical when paused.

: The 14″ Frequent Flyer Flying Fish from MagBay Lures comes with Polycarbonate Rods in the wings for stability and a custom buoyancy balanced foam core to keep the lure afloat while offering a realistic profile.

: The Yo-Zuri America, Inc. lure is an imitation of a small skipjack tuna and features flat forged stainless steel J hook and ball bearing swivels with two sizes that can be trolled up to 16 knots.

: Huk Gear was among the various fishing apparel brands showcasing new styles for on-the-water days.

: From right to left is the SEAGE Battle of the Forces saltwater rod, Stunner HD Saltwater Series 7′ 4 and Battletek Slow Jigging Series.

: The Brite-Strike Perfect Dream Cooler features a waterproof dry bag construction as well as UV LEDs in the interior to reduce bacteria and mold.

: The 12 x 18 inch Skallywags Fishing Flags feature original artwork by Guy Harvey and are screen-printed on both sides on UV-resistant fabric.

: Shimano’s redesigned Spheros SW is designed for both offshore and inshore fishing thanks to the Infinity Drive technology to improve pinion gear support with increased cranking power under load.

: Savage Gear’s SGS10 Saltwater Spinning Reel features an aluminum body, rotor and handle for a reel that is both strong and light.

: The AFTCO Urban Angler Backpack can hold a 3600 and a 3500 while still having room for a 1.5 liter hydration bladder. Lumbar support and elevated back rest are also built in for comfort.

: The BUZBE Swarm is a waterproof tackle bag that is over-engineered from RF welded TPU fabric that is puncture resistant and waterproof.

: The BUBBA Seaker 10L Hip Pack includes multiple storage pockets, removable waterproof pockets and an adjustable hip/shoulder strap.

: The Zirconium-infused stainless steel blades from Cuda Fishing Tools are titanium bonded and can handle up to 400 pound mono.

: Frabill’s Pow’R Source 12V 10AH can recharge or power devices and accessories in a compact package. The Pow’r Source is a water-resistant, lightweight and portable source for supplying power to any outdoor setting.

: The SIDEKICK from Kahuna Wagons is an all-aluminum fabrication with stainless tell hardware that comes with ten rod holders and the ability to haul up to 350 pounds.

: Hummingbird’s i-Pilot Link Integrated GPS Trolling System enables the Humminbird fish finder and Minn Kota trolling motor to communicate for boat control with a full-color LCD touchscreen.

: AFTCO’s absorbent pads absorb moisture when refrigerating and freezing fish to prevent bacteria for a fresher fish.

: Tackle HD’s water-resistant scale comes with a pair of gripper-lock pliers to prevent harming fish. The scale also features a ten-fish logging option and rubber side grips.

: Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation’s Bio-Flyer allows anglers to jig up a tank of baitfish by banding or pinning the wing harness onto them to create a mimic.

: The OVERBOARD Cooler Table attaches to roto-molded coolers from 45 qt. to 110 qt. without the need of tools while still providing access to the cooler itself.

: Amped Outdoors’ 34-pound battery has a capacity similar to SLA batteries double in size at half the weight. The battery can wire up to four batteries together in series to achieve higher voltage.

: This retractable reel leash from Big Game Leash holds nine feet of webbing inside a spring-loaded stainless steel cartridge that can be mounted anywhere.

: The Pressure Mate onboard marine pressure washer utilizes the boat’s freshwater tank to power a 12 Volt Pump to assist in cleaning surfaces.

: Sharkbanz Fishing tackle overwhelms a shark’s electroreception, creating an unpleasant sensation to repel the shark and protect your catch and gear while not harming the shark or repelling other fish. Photo courtesy sharkbanz.com