ICAST 2024

Staff picks from ICAST 2024

Take a look at some B.A.S.S. staff's favorite products from ICAST 2024.

Posted on
Photography by
Kyle Jessie
Photography by
Tommy Sendek
After a hectic week at ICAST 2024, our staff had a little bit of time to reflect on some of our favorite products that we had the opportunity to see for the first time.
…
James Hall
St. Croix Black Bass Series – There is no identity crisis with these rods. They are made by bass anglers for bass anglers … and every technique you can imagine has been covered in the 36 purpose-driven rods that make up the collection. The blanks are made of high-moduus SCIII carbon fiber. Lightweight stainless-steel guides and EVA split-grip handles surround a comfortable nylon reel seat.
Z-Man Prawn Star – Sure, this looks like a saltwater bait. However, when you watch this shrimp-imitator fall in the water column, it’s easy to see how effective it can be when targeting suspended fish on live sonar. Its upturned tail forced the bait to lift when twitched, offering a unique presentation.
Crush City Mooch Minnow – This minnow-style bait has a unique tail configuration (a couple tabs that look a lot like a propeller) which creates a couple unique actions, depending on how the angler retrieves the bait. On the pause, the tail quivers during the fall. On a straight retrieve, the tail section creates a tight wiggle. It is made of a superplastic material, which is very durable and buoyant.
Xbraid sinking braid – I love finesse fishing! However, throwing tiny baits on braided line that floats has always been a frustration. When I saw this on the show floor, I was immediately drawn to the benefits. It’s basically constructed of braided line tightly wrapped around 100% fluorocarbon. What’s more, the line has a light red marking every 3 feet, so you can accurately judge rate of fall.
Daiwa Sol MQ – There’s a whole lot to like with this new spinning reel. First off, the body is made of Zaion, a high-density resin and carbon material that is extremely lightweight, rigid and corrosion resistant. Inside the reel, Daiwa’s new Tough Digigear is machine cut for ultimate precision and smoothness. The company’s air bail and air rotor complete the package, focusing on smoothness. Also, the oversized knob handle will be welcome during the cold months when gloved hands are controlling the action.
Bryan Brasher
Lowrance Eagle Eye: This unit combines forward- and down-facing live views with CHIRP and DownScan imaging from one transducer. Best of all, the unit AND transducer sell for $999.
Hobie Eyewear Floating Collection: If you’re like me, you catch a fish, put your sunglasses up on your hat, and plunk! They’re gone the first time you take the hat off. That’s no longer a concern with this stylish and practical line of shades from Hobie that will float after you hear that ominous splash.
Bill Lewis Zig-Zag – The Zig-Zag is designed to be tied on in front of a walking bait and mimics an even smaller baitfish being chased. That adds another layer of realism to your presentation and should draw ferocious topwater strikes.
Simms Pro-Dry Rainsuit: If you always wait as long as possible to put on your rainsuit because it’s heavy and uncomfortable, this is the rainsuit for you. It’s lightweight, comfortable and has plenty of pocket space to hold fishing essentials. It’s also a little bit stylish because it’s OK to feel good and look good at the same time.
Kyle Jessie
AFTCO Fortress Rain Suit – For several years, I’ve had the opportunity to exclusively wear AFTCO rainsuits while covering tournaments at B.A.S.S. as well as fishing tournaments myself, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their outerwear. Naturally, when AFTCO announced their newest creation in the rainsuit lineup, it got my attention. After looking into all the new features of the Fortress Rain Suit, I was simply amazed by all the in-depth features that I would have never considered if it was up to me to design a top tier rainsuit. Amongst those features is an awesome hood system that keeps anglers protected under the worst conditions.
Shimano Vanford A Spinning Reel – I’ve always felt as if Shimano sets the bar extremely high in the spinning reel market, so I was thrilled to get my hands on the new Vanford A. It was no surprise I was instantly impressed by the feel and reactiveness of the reel. I’m already trying to figure out which spinning rod I’m going to pair with this reel when I get one for myself.
Strike King Hardliner 57 –  As a crankbait enthusiast, the Strike King Hardliner 57 immediately caught my eye. Over the years, I’ve built up a decent collection of balsa crankbaits that I love to throw, especially during the prespawn, and the Hardliner 57 is a bait that was developed to do a lot of the same things that a balsa bait can while being more durable. Another reason I’m confident that the Hardliner 57 will be a winner is because Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mark Menendez helped design and develop the bait.
St. Croix Avid Series – While I love seeing all the brand new stuff just like everyone else, I really do enjoy seeing an old-school staple that has been revamped. That’s exactly the case with the St. Croix Avid Series of rods.
Yamamoto Nuki Bug – While I haven’t had the opportunity to throw the Yamamoto Yamatanuki a lot, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of the heavy plastic that took the fishing world by storm. Now, the Nuki Bug takes the same concept with kicking craw legs. Utilizing the Nuki Bug weightless to flip shallow cover seems like a new, exciting take on this style of fishing.
Laura Ann Foshee
Z-Man Prawnstar– The PrawnstarZ, with its durable ElaZtech body and natural shrimp-like movements, is perfect for a variety of applications including sight-casting, freelining and using under a popping cork. The bait’s unique design includes anatomically correct features like antennae and swimming legs, making it irresistibly realistic. The PrawnstarZ is available in two sizes, 3.5 inches and 5 inches, and comes equipped with Mustad UltraPoint hooks. With its impressive action and durability, the PrawnstarZ is a must-have for any inshore angler.
AFTCO Women’s ArmorLoft Sweatshirt – This sweatshirt is designed for anglers who need reliable warmth and flexibility in cold conditions. Constructed from hyper-grid fleece with 92% recycled polyester and 8% spandex, this sweatshirt offers excellent heat retention and breathability. The four-way stretch fabric adapts to your movements, and the DWR water repellent coating ensures long-lasting wear and stain resistance. Complete with a versatile hood and double front zipper pockets, the ArmorLoft sweatshirt in Oak is both functional and sustainable.
Bassmaster Old Smoke Blue Short Sleeve Button Up – Elevate your fishing attire with the Bassmaster Old Smoke Blue Short Sleeve Button Up. Made by Follett on Demand, this premium shirt features a 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend, offering superior comfort and a slight stretch for ease of movement. The timeless blue color and tasteful embellishments add a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for both on and off the water.
Hobie Monica Frames – Designed for both style and functionality, these sunglasses feature polarized polycarbonate lenses, ensuring superior clarity and reducing glare for a comfortable viewing experience. The TR-90 frame and acetate temples provide durability and a lightweight feel, making them perfect for all-day wear. With HydroClean coating and 100% UV protection, your eyes are safeguarded against the harsh elements. The three-barrel hinges add extra durability, and the Rx-ready design allows for prescription lenses. 
Yeti Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler – Designed for maneuverability and durability, this cooler is perfect for tailgates, long road trips and weekend tournaments. It fits easily in small vehicle trunks, ensuring it’s always ready to go wherever you need it. Featuring the same cold-holding power and rugged construction as the Tundra Cooler, the Roadie 32 adds mobility with its durable handle and rugged wheels, making it virtually indestructible. With RockSolid Strength body construction, this cooler is built to last. It also comes with a dry goods basket, adding convenience to your storage options.
Tommy Sendek
Sufix Revolve Finesse Braid – I’m a sucker for some new spinning rod braid, and this one from Sufix definitely got me excited. Line companies are pushing to make line thinner and stronger which improves castability and control with spinning gear. I’m excited to get my hands on this braid and give it a try for different techniques. Perhaps my favorite feature is the midpoint marker halfway into the spool. This allows you to get two 100-yard spools of line and perfectly fill up two reels.
SPRO Little John Micro 45 – Real small crankbaits like this are lacking in my boat. I’m excited to get my hands on some of these and put them to work this fall and winter. This bait is going to be a killer in cold water. This is the same bait as the Micro 45 DD, but with that circuit board bill that the Little Johns include. Weighing in at 5/16 ounce, it should be heavy enough to throw on a light baitcasting setup with perfect conditions.
Daiwa Kage LT – Daiwa is well known for their drag systems in their spinning reels. The Kage LT has been revamped in this model and will continue to offer a great drag system and stylish body in the $250 price range. I’m a fan of the smaller frame and the cork grip.
Z-Man Tungsten ChatterBait Elite EVO – I’ve been a big consumer of the JackHammer, but this tungsten EVO might start to take up some space in my ChatterBait box. A major advantage with this ChatterBait is the head is 96% tungsten as opposed to lead with a tungsten coating. This bait is designed to be fished deeper because of the smaller head design, but in turn it can be fished faster while still maintain depth.
AFTCO Coastal Layer Hood – AFTCO took their ultra-soft Coastal 1/4 zip and made it a little more functional by adding a hood. Comfort is crucial on the water, or really in general, and this jacket lets you stay comfortable whether you’re wearing this on a crisp fall morning or as a layer under a rainsuit.

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