The ICAST New Product Showcase; it’s all about what’s new in the fishing industry and the show’s acronym says it all. The International Consortium of Allied Sporting Trades — now that’s a mouthful, so we simply shorten it with a clever acrostic.
That’s a key point. Yeah, ICAST also exemplifies an acronym; but when those first letters actually spell out a word or phrase — that’s an elevated version we call an acrostic.
I cast.
Sounds pretty straightforward, but those of us who’ve enjoyed this sport throughout our years should never overlook the fact that it’s not necessarily intuitive for everyone. What gear do I need?
Another common pause point: the economics. How much does it cost?
A fair question and one that’s ultimately answered by the individual. You choose whatever species and complexity level you want, but when you’re just getting started, a budget of approximately $500 is more than enough to gear up for a good time.
Thankfully, the ICAST 2024 New Product Showcase introduced several items that checked the boxes of beginner-friendly and reasonably priced. For simplicity, we’ll stick with shoreline and small boat/paddle craft freshwater fishing and inshore saltwater fishing.
With these and other brands, expand and explore however your time and budget allow. This is a starting point, but one that’ll help you ease into the sport. (New product availability ranges from fall 2024 to spring 2025.)
Rod & Reel
Nothing wrong with buying the pieces separately, but selecting a rod/reel combo from trusted brands guarantees a properly matched pairing. Plus, it’s usually the more economic option.
In most cases, spinning tackle better serves the beginner or child angler’s skill level, as opposed to revolving spool baitcasting gear that requires much more user control. Removing the distraction of backlash potential allows anglers to focus on casting distance and accuracy.
St. Croix introduced the GXR Bass Systems series, which pairs specific rods with the right reel from SEVIIN. The 7-foot, 1-inch all-around model will serve many bass fishing needs. ($200, stcroixrods.com)
If you’re ready step up to baitcasting gear, the GXR Bass Systems family includes several models, including a 7-1 medium-heavy, priced at $210. Also, Shimano introduced the moderately-priced Caius baitcasting combo. ($149.99, fish.shimano.com/en-US)
For youth anglers, Rather Outdoors debuted new DC Comics themed Zebco spinning combos in Batman and Wonder Woman patterns. ($27.99, zebco.com).
On the saltwater side, Quantum’s new Strive series offers rod/reel combos starting at $129.99. Again, something in that 7-foot medium-heavy range will handle most efforts. (quantumfishing.com/)
Baits & Tackle
One of the most broadly applicable techniques dominating much of the tournament bass scene, the jighead minnow presentation is a fish catcher in anyone’s hands. In its simplest form, this rig comprises a light jighead like Rapala’s VMC Redline Series Tungsten Swimbait Jig ($7.99-$19.99, Rapala.com), which won the Best Terminal Tackle award and a minnow shaped plastic like the CrushCity Mooch Minnow ($5.99, Rapala.com).
Also known as “moping” or “Damiki rigging,” the basic deal simply holds the bait vertically over the fish’s head, but savvy anglers will also cast to distant and/or spooky fish. Either way, it’s all about mimicking that small, vulnerable baitfish profile that bass — along with walleye and crappie — can’t resist.
Modern electronics (specifically, forward facing sonar) definitely dial in this bait’s efficiency, but a simple drop-and-hold or cast-and-retrieve application also works. With practice, you’ll learn to count down your bait’s descent to target various depths until you find the fish.
Other beginner-friendly freshwater introductions include the Creme Lure Whacky Stick Bait ($4.99, cremelure.com), LIVETARGET Freestyle Frog ($9.99, mustad-fishing.com/livetarget/us), Lunkerhunt Frenzy Mouse ($10.99, lunkerhunt.com), American Baitworks Zoo Wake ($8.99, americanbaitworks.com/products/zoo-wake).
Pre-selected tackle kits are super helpful and Bassmaster Elite Chad Pipkens worked with Perfection Lures to create a dropshot kit with his choice of baits, hook and weight. ($7.99, perfectionlures.com)
Elsewhere, the RoxStar Fly Striker Blue Series kit combines elements of fly fishing and spin fishing in a 5-piece ensemble that’ll tempt bass, trout, walleye, and crappie. ($4.99, roxstarfishing.com)
Hope Floats: Fishing baits under bobbers never gets old and ICAST debuted a couple of innovative floatation options. Among them, the EzOn Popper affixes to your line with an internal clamp operated by a simple push button mechanism. ($5.99, ezonfishingco.com)
On the Coast: For the saltwater angler, a shrimp imitating lure is an easy sell, because so many fish love to eat these crustaceans. Z-Man won Best Saltwater Soft Lure for its ultra-realistic PrawnStarZ ($8.99, zmanfishing.com), which tempts a host of inshore predators with a slow hop or dead stick presentation.
Topping the Saltwater Hard Bait category, the FishLab BBZ Hard Mullet Swimbait ($17.99-$19.99, fishlabtackle.com/products/hard-swimbait) boasts a triple jointed body with realistic looking fins that does the work for you. Retrieve this bait at a slow, steady rate and the lifelike action appeals to snook, redfish, big trout, and tarpon. (You’ll want to throw this one on stout gear.) Available in 4 1/2- and 6-inch models.
Saltwater anglers know the effectiveness of using a float with a concave top to attract fish by creating surface disturbance. The new Line-Loc Adjustable Popping Cork simplifies rigging and depth adjustments by fastening directly to the line. Internal noisemakers increase the appeal. ($9.95, line-loc.com)
Tools, Accessories & Storage
With loads of gadgets and specialty devices, this category can quickly fill your gear bag and empty your budget. To simplify your selection consider that you’ll need to cut stuff and hold stuff. Toadfish introduced a set of handy tools including Line Nippers ($24, toadfish.com/collections/tools-gear) with retractable lanyard, and a Stowaway Fish Gripper ($30) that allows you to safely hold your fish for a quick photo and release.
For young anglers eager to catch their own live baitfish, Fitec Castnets displayed the Lil’ Captain Cast Net made with environmentally friendly weights and a reusable beach pail ($19.95, castnets.com/product/lil-captain-child-net). Store those live baits in the new H&H Lure Company Floating Live Bait Basket ($49.99, hhlure.com/collections/all/fish-basket) — a nice option for wading, kayaking or dock fishing.
Boating safety starts with wearing those personal flotation devices and Bluestorm introduced children’s PFDs with the instantly recognizable work of world-renowned marine artist Guy Harvey. ($65.99, bluestormgear.com)
A full day of fishing often requires backup tackle and baits, maybe a spare reel, lightweight jacket, hand towel, water bottle(s) and snacks. You’ll need a sturdy, water resistant container for all of this, along with your keys, and other valuables, so consider a couple of this year’s new products.
AFTCO’s new Bank Patrol X-Pac Backpack combines storage for 3600 and 3500 tackle boxes with rod holder straps and an internal 1.5-liter bladder and drink tube for on-the-go hydration. ($199, aftco.com). Mustad’s Game Time Backpack offers top and front loading storage with multiple exterior pockets, rod holder, bottle holder, and bungee cording. ($65, mustad-fishing.com/us)
For kayakers, YakAttack introduced the ShortStak Upgrade Kit ($65, yakattack.us), which replaces the BlackPak Pro fishing crate’s standard lid to provide a quick-access second layer of storage.
Apparel
Truth, I spent much of my youth fishing in cut-offs, t-shirts and cheap flip-flops. But once I learned about the sun protection, moisture-wicking and lightweight properties of modern fishing clothing, I adjusted accordingly. ICAST found several companies showing off such new apparel. Some was geared toward the serious angler, but many items would serve well the beginners and the more casual types.
SIMMS introduced the Latitude Hoody ($129.95, simmsfishing.com) with Nylon/Spandex fabric, UPF 50 sun protection, stain/odor treatment, integrated gaiter, and passive vents front and back. The women’s version won its ICAST category. Grundens won the men’s category with its Tough Sun Masked Hoody ($54.99, grundens.com)
To keep you warm on or near the water, AFTCO also won ICAST awards for the Men’s Coastal Layer Hoody ($55, aftco.com) and the Women’s Armaloft Zip Hood ($129). AFTCO also introduced the Deckhand Pants made with 4-way stretch fabrics and a hidden elastic waistband for comfortable movement. ($99)
Footwear varies with climate, but even though we often see folks fishing barefoot or wearing flip-flops, I’m now a big fan of fully-enclosed shoes for several reasons. First is sun protection, but you also have to consider the sport’s sharp objects, along with fish spines and teeth, as well as random foot poking items you may encounter when shore fishing.
ICAST introduced several angler-friendly shoe styles, including the HUK Men’s Rogue Wave Shoe, a low cut slip-on fully waterproof design with neoprene lining. ($80, hukgear.com). For cooler environments, or more splash exposure, Under Armour’s category winning Charged Shoreman Deck Boot weighs less than 15 ounces and offers a slip-resistant rubber outsole with interior cushioning. ($115, underarmour.com/en-us/)
Polarized sunglasses are a must for eye protection and shallow water visibility. You can spend as much as you’d like, but Flying Fisherman (flyingfisherman.com) introduced two inexpensive models, the ReelFine ($34.95) and the Waypoint ($79.95), both with sturdy, comfortable construction.
Watercraft
Racing around in an outboard-powered boat is undeniably thrilling, while quiet shoreline adventures offer peaceful, intimate angling experiences. Somewhere in between, various paddle craft offer a pleasant balance that won’t break the bank.
Here are a few standouts from the New Product Showcase.
Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128: This category winner was built with competitive anglers in mind, but it’s fair game for anyone looking for a comfortable, efficient kayak. Pre-wired for electronics and built with optimized storage, the Tactical Pro 128 includes a motor mounting plate. ($2,299, wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks)
Sea Eagle Fish SUP 1210: Built with two air chambers and designed to handle a 3-hp outboard, this spacious model includes seven mounts for rod holders and other accessories. If you’re new to these paddle craft, optional side pontoons and casting bar improve stability. ($999, seaeagle.com)
Retrospec June 11-6: A hybrid inflatable stand up paddle board/kayak, this budget-friendly model includes multiple accessory mounts, two rod holders and a removable AerComfort seat. ($499, retrospec.com)
With each of these categories, always chose the items that best fit your style and budget. Launching your fishing interests really does not require a huge expenditure, but buy the best quality you can afford.
Performance and durability will greatly impact your overall experience, so equip yourself with reliable items that remove the worry and allow you to focus on the main objective — catching a fish!
