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.
Bluewater Movements Announces New Statewide Billfish Tournament, The Florida Sailfish Cup
Bluewater Movements, July 20, 2021—Bluewater Movements, a sports marketing and event company out of Pompano Beach, Florida is proud to introduce a new fishing tournament that will cover the entire state of Florida. The window of competition for the Florida Sailfish cup begins on November 1st, 2021 and continues through May 31st, 2022. Eligible species for the Sailfish Cup are, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and White Marlin.
Frabill Pow’R Source: Outdoor Battery Power
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 20, 2021—Even outdoors, people often carry a range of electronic devices, all of which require power. Whether they’re off for a weekend at a remote camp, out on the ice or just a day on the water, anglers need a way to keep these devices charged. Frabill’s new Pow’R Source makes it easier than ever to keep cell phones, bluetooth speakers or other electronic equipment powered up and ready for action.
DAIWA to Show Latest Technology and Innovations at ICAST
DAIWA, July 20, 2021—Anglers hoping to work up explosive action on their next trip would do best to carry plenty of dynamite – and that’s exactly what Daiwa’s new Saltist MQ spinning reels bring to the table. Lightweight, smooth, durable and sexy, the entire series features Daiwa’s ground-breaking MQ construction, allowing extra power to be packed inside an exceptionally rugged, corrosion resistant frame. As if that’s not enough, Daiwa has piled on many additional cutting-edge features at a price that offers plenty of bang for the buck.
Anglers Reflect on the Universally Successful Topwater Pencil
Shimano, July 19, 2021—The rocky shorelines and cold offshore waters from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast are home to the best striped bass fishing in the world. Along southern shores, snook, redfish and jacks prowl flats, marshes and bayous, feasting on bountiful inshore prey. Along the entire length of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, these and other predators have one thing on their agendas: Eat, and then eat some more.
Plano Introduces New Atlas Tackle Pack
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 19, 2021—The new Plano Atlas Tackle Pack is a durable tackle-carrying solution that combines the strength of a hard-sided tackle box with the lightweight portability of a soft-sided tackle bag. This innovative design breaks all the rules for traditional tackle storage solutions.
Seaguar Reveals New Entry Level BasiX Fluorocarbon
Seaguar,, July 19, 2021—Seaguar, the inventor of fluorocarbon fishing lines, is introducing BasiX Fluorocarbon to meet the demand from anglers who are managing a budget but not willing to sacrifice quality and performance in their fluorocarbon line. “We’ve spent our first 50 years developing high-performance lines and leaders used by pros, captains, guides and avid anglers across the country,” says Gerry Benedicto, Seaguar General Manager. “With BasiX, we’re looking forward to serving the millions of anglers who are either fishing for the first time, getting reacquainted with the sport or managing a tight budget,” he added. [Read more…]
Visser Reels Introduces the Model S series
Visser Reels, July 17, 2021—Visser Reels is introducing the Model S series, a higher-level reel from its current number series. The reels will be available in 6 different sizes from the No. 3S to the No. 8S. The all-machined aluminum reels will be manufactured at our Seymour Connecticut location with about 60% valued content from outside the United States.
PENN SLAMMER IV Redesigned with More Durability & Strength
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 17, 2021—Few things get an angler’s heart beating like the feeling of a hook set and the drag peeling—especially when fishing in big-fish waters. When anglers target saltwater species, they demand a reel that stands up to saltwater conditions and delivers absolute performance.
Confessions of a Charter Boat Captain
The Excel heading out of Kailua Kona to fish the Golden Marlin tournament. The team caught a small marlin on day two of the three day tournament and won a little money for the captain and crew. Photo courtesy Jim Callas
By Capt. Jim Callas
Forgive me Father for what I’m about to write. Many people that acquire the honor of driving a boat for a living start out with their dad, or uncle, or their friends dad or uncle and begin by simply messing about in boats as they say. They may be fishing, or water skiing or in some places engaging in some form of trade or commerce to help out with the family’s bottom line. For me, it started out with my dad, and the Nancy J. The Nancy J was a small wooden boat that dad bought for the express purpose of chasing salmon around the Pacific Northwest. He kept it in our carport of our family home, and I would sit in it for hours pretending I was out at sea conquering hordes of invaders or catching monster fish. Next it was a seven-foot plywood pram that I would row all day long in Puget Sound, if the folks would let met.
