Each year at this time, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) hosts the largest trade show in the industry. It’s called ICAST, which is an acronym for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades.
The event runs four days at the Orange County Convention Center, just outside Orlando, Fla. Among its many patrons are manufacturers, sales reps, angling celebrities, media and, of course, the buyers. It’s a huge event attracting enthusiasts from all across the globe.
New products are the focus and, trust me, there are a lot to see.
That said, I would like to share those I feel are standouts in design and application — products that I know will help you catch more fish or at least make the experience much more enjoyable.
Shimano on point
Over the past two years, Shimano has introduced a number of successful freshwater lures — all of which were created in Japan. Among them are their Macbeth series crankbaits, World Pop topwater, and World Minnow and World Diver jerkbaits.
Last year, they debuted the Zumverno — a small, three-hook suspending minnow with an erratic swimming action. Due to it’s popularity, the company is now introducing a larger 115 mm size — more specifically, the Zumverno 115SP MR.
While it delivers the same erratic movements as the original, what’s unique about this larger version is its stronger return during forward-facing sonar applications. When the lure is at rest, it takes on a more vertical, nose-down posture, and that vertical orientation offers a much larger surface to reflect sonar signals — which is ideal for tracking it through the water column.
The Zumverno 115SP MR also employs Shimano’s exclusive ‘Boost’ technology — including Flash Boost and Scale Boost for maximized light reflection, and Jet Boost for precision, distance casting. They come in six color patterns, including some with matte finishes.
For more information, visit https://fish.shimano.com/en-US.
Shimano spin zone
Shimano is also launching the new Vanford A spinning reel, a redesign of the current model but with a slew of upgrades — most of which trickled down from their flagship reel, the Stella.
The new and improved version boasts an MGL rotor, InfinityXross gear, and DuraCross drag system. The MagnumaLite (MGL) rotor is extremely lightweight and requires very little startup inertia. This is critical in stop-and-go, finesse techniques that require precision performance.
InfinityXross is a refined gear design allowing for smoother, more efficient retrieves and greater longevity. The DuraCross drag system increases durability and smoothness when battling hard-pulling fish, which in turn minimizes the risk of break offs.
The Vanford A is built on Shimano’s classic CI4+ frame, which reduces its overall weight while adding increased sensitivity. Available in multiple sizes, it is my pick for this year’s “Best New Freshwater Reel.”
To learn more, visit https://fish.shimano.com/en-US.
Yamamoto molding the future
New from Yamamoto Baits is the 2.5-inch Covert Craw — a diminutive sized, high-floating crawdad imitation with lifelike attributes.
Whether you’re fishing for smallmouth, largemouth or spotted bass, this new craw is ideally suited for a range of applications. It can be fished on a Ned rig, as a trailer on a finesse jig, or as a compact flipping bait for punching through dense, matted cover.
Molded with Yamamoto’s exclusive Mega Floater Formula, the claws flair in an upright, defensive posture — a definite trigger for the predatory instincts of a black bass.
Covert Craws come in eight natural colors, 10 per pack. For more information this and other new Yamamoto products, visit www.baits.com.
Sheltering with Simms
Tired of heavy rainsuits that restrict your mobility? Then you will like this!
Introducing the Simms Pro Dry Suit — a comfortable, lightweight alternative for hardcore bass anglers.
It features a fully adjustable hood, water resistant zippered chest pockets, zippered hand warmer pockets and watertight cuffs. The jacket’s center, full-length zippered closure is reinforced with a storm flap for maximized protection.
Utilizing Gore-Tex Pro fabric, the bibs feature air mesh suspenders and smartly positioned pockets for ease of access.
Although not cheap at $1,400 MSRP, this may well be the last rainsuit you will ever need. To learn more, visit www.simmsfishing.com.
Fuji guiding the way
Recognizing a growing number of commercial and independent rod builders, Fuji is continually expanding its product line to meet demand. Among their more recent innovations are high-carbon reel seats, grips and performance guides. And new for 2024 is their BB-Alconite line of rod guides.
Prominent rod manufacturers rely on Fuji brand components for their unmatched quality and durability. Among them are St. Croix, Loomis, Shimano, Cashion, Phenix and Dobyns. All recognize Fuji as the industry leader, and their BB-Alconite guides serve as a prime example of the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The new guides come in a “luxury” matte black finish and are perfectly suited for braid, fluoro and mono fishing lines, in virtually any type of application — everything from finesse spin to heavy-duty flipping … even magnum-sized swimbaits.
Treated with Fuji’s eco-friendly, Corrosion Control finish, the new guides are equally suited for fresh and saltwater use. For more information on Fuji brand rod components, visit www.anglersresource.net.
