The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), produced by the American Sportfishing Association, was back to an in-person event in 2021 and generated great enthusiasm among fishing tackle and apparel vendors and manufacturers seeking to build and renew business relationships.
The show brings with it their annual New Product Showcase which embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity with awards in several categories.
BEST OF BOATING ACCESSORIES
Plano Molding | FRABILL ULTRALIGHT CONSERVATION NET
One-handed catches have never been easier with the all-new Conservation Ultralight fishing net. The low-resistance net and handle slide in and out of the water swiftly to reduce strain on you and your catch. The newest addition to Frabill’s Conservation Series still includes all the features anglers love about these nets – fish-friendly knotless mesh netting protects the slime coat; flat, linear bottoms reduce fish rolling and support the weight of the entire fish; tangle-free coating prevents hooks from entangling in the net; and MeshGuard™ hoops greatly extend the life of the net. The modern 18″ x 21″ scooped hoop rounds out this innovative landing net to make the catch that much easier. FRABILL.COM
BEST OF EYEWEAR
Costa Del Mar, Inc. | UNTANGLED COLLECTION: NEW FRAMES MADE FROM OLD NETS
The Untangled™ Collection from Costa Sunglasses are made from Bureo® NetPlus™: 100% traceable, 100% recycled fishing nets that are 100% recyclable. The Baffin frames are part of this new line. Named for the cold water current that ushers discarded fishing nets across marine ecosystems, Baffin is marked by a unique tumbled finish and includes textured detailing on the outer temples and interior rubber temple grips for comfort and performance. COSTADELMAR.COM
BEST OF ELECTRONICS
Humminbird | HUMMINBIRD MEGA LIVE IMAGING
Humminbird has expanded the performance of their MEGA Imaging®️ technology with the introduction of MEGA Live Imaging™️. This new sonar technology delivers the clarity and detail of MEGA Imaging in live-action, allowing anglers to see fish and structure in real-time, even watching fish on-screen as they move in to bite an angler’s lure. Start seeing fish in real-time, in no time. MEGA Live Imaging views are provided by an accessory transducer that is compatible with select HELIX, SOLIX and APEX models. HUMMINBIRD.COM
BEST OF MEN’S LIFESTYLE APPAREL
AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company | AFTCO RESCUE REGENERATED FISHING SHORTS
The Rescue Fishing Shorts are part of an all-new capsule of technical fishing clothing made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, a unique fabric spun from ocean and landfill waste including decommissioned fishing nets, industrial plastics, and fabric scraps. During a time when more and more single-use plastic ends up in the ocean, clothing such as the rescue fishing shorts pave the way showing that quality fishing and lifestyle clothing can be made with regenerated materials. These sport a 4-way stretch, DWR stain resistant base with a reinforced plier pocket and a vertical zippered pocket to keep valuables secure. AFTCO.COM
BEST OF SALTWATER SOFT LURE
Savage Gear USA, Inc. | DURATECH CRAB
Excelling at scenarios where predatory fish are feeding on crustaceans, the Duratech crab delivers Hyper-realistic details in our custom Duratech formulation that adds the perfect amount of buoyancy with extreme durability. Equipped with a 3X black nickel high carbon steel hook to provide excellent strength and penetration on hooksets. Capable of handling large predatory game fish and it’s embedded weight keeps the center of gravity low. Scent infused with our crab scent formulation, the Duratech Crab has every feature needed to ensure game fish think it’s the real thing. SAVAGEGEAR-AMERICAS.COM
BEST OF FLY FISHING ROD
G. Loomis | G. LOOMIS NRX+ T2S SALTWATER FLY ROD
Designed for apex saltwater anglers, the NRX+ T2S series boasts a unique fusion of materials, technology, and innovative design. Increasing the casting distance “sweet spot”, Dynamic Recovery Technology provides the power, line speed, and loop stability expected from modern fast-action rods without compromising “feel” and finesse in the short game. An all-new two-piece “Tournament Configuration” offers one-piece performance with the convenience of compact transportability. A functional aesthetic feature completes the package with a glare-cutting, aggressive matte black finish, specifically chosen to boost boat side eats from weary targets. GLOOMIS.COM
