To say we get fired up for ICAST every year is an understatement. Even though we stay tuned in to new products on a daily basis the "industry reunion" is one we never want to miss. Old friends, new friends, great displays and products all in one giant room is what we live for. This year was no exception.
The energy this year was noticeable. We saw all kinds of pro's from both the FLW and BASS tours and it seems that the fishing industry has been invigorated and ICAST 2010 was the kick-off. Even though it seemed the numbers of attendee's were down by walking around the show the buzz was there and those that attended got everything they paid for. We spoke to hundreds of friends, blogged all day and have some exciting videos from manufacturers we think you will like. New products, creative ideas, and hopefully we will see 2011 as a banner year for fishing. All indications seem to be leaning that way.
We were excited by what we saw and more over were thrilled to see innovation and creativity, something sometimes lacking from other years, at this year's extravaganza. Some old companies brought out new innovative products, new companies helped elevate the bar and the pizzazz we were used to was back. We didn't get to see everything but below is a few of the highlights we felt worth noting:
1. Power Team Lures- A new company that is bringing new shapes and innovation to plastics. No one trick pony here but rather a bunch of new products that have great packaging, great scent and shapes that will flat "catch em". Big worms, punch baits, pitching baits, drop shot worms all designed by application and all with very unique actions and formulations. Look for big things from these guys in 2011.
2. Minn Kota Talon- There is a new player in the boat anchoring arena. The Talon is an all electric anchoring system that is a low profile unit and
comes in two sizes perfect for any boat. No pump, no hydraulic fluid, just a battery and a key fab and you are ready to go. Built in memory to adjust to the bottom composition, 6 LED's, one per foot, and easy to install. This is one neat looking unit.
3. Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory reels- Reese has hit the mark again with his new line up of right and left hand reels. At around 90 dollars this reel fits any anglers pocketbook and will hold up to the punishment. In Reese's black and yellow these reels are smooth. Built with strong gears, and oversized handle and very lightweight these reels are a perfect match for the Wright and McGill Skeet Reese rods. He also introduced a killer new kids series starter rod and reel that should blow off the shelves as well.
4. Koppers Live Target Frogs- To say this is one sweet looking frog(s) would be an understatement. Koppers has again done a superior job matching a live frog to a lure. From the nose to the eyes to the legs every detail is precise. We predict every frog lover will have one of these in their tackle boxes. They will have two models, the one pictured below and a hard bait version called the "Walking Frog".
5. EGO Net- The paradigm in net building has just been changed with the new EGO uitlity net called the S2. More than just a net the S2 adds utility tools, great function and it all floats. Another cool feature of this net is its easily stored in any rod box. Several attachments including a boat hook, a vegetation knife, a gaff, and several different hoop sizes are all available in this light but yet heavy duty offering.
6. Spro- Spro introduced several new products at ICAST including the BBZ-1 Baby, the Fat John Crankbait, new sizes of the McStick and a new McRip ripping bait. They also announced numerous color additions to the Bronzeye and Popping Frog line up. Each of these product lines have a stellar reputation for catching fish and the new additions will add to that.
The Fat John is a new crankbait for shallow cranking that combines the attributes of the Little John with a wide wobbling fat style fat crank that will work perfect around and over grass and in wood.
They also introduced the new BBZ-1 Baby Swimbait that should be a hit from coast to coast.
7. Sebile- always an innovator Patrick Sebile is at it again and several new offerings were just what the market was asking for. The new Sebile soft tungsten product won best of show in the terminal tackle category and its a winner. A shallow Crankster crank bait was also included.
8. Bandit Lures- Bandit hired Jim Gowing and he hit the ground running. Knowing how to build a quality crankbait has never been a problem for Bandit but Gowing's first is a good one. A "hunter" for shallow cranking the bluegill Bandit integrates design and quality paint schemes into a single package. Will be a must have for serious "crankers".
9. Strike King- a company that gets it, Strike King will again be offering a new line up of sunglasses, plastics, spinnerbaits and hard baits sure to catch on with anglers everywhere. From a smaller Thumper Worm to a mini Burner Spinnerbait to a new Series of KVD cranks in 1.5 and 2.5 sizes Strike King has it covered again. Strike King also introduced a new line up of crappie cranks as well. Stay tuned to Wired2Fish for some upcoming contests with their new products. Chris Brown and the entire Strike King staff got engaged on our visit. Some funny stuff on video.
10. Tightlines- Tightlines introduced a new plastic weight that had the crowd buzzing. Made of dense plastic it is similar in size to lead and tungsten weights but has the environment in mind as well. They also introduced several new products in their UV line-up as well at the show.
11. Laser Trokar- Several new hooks were introduced in many new sizes and all built with the super sharp and durable Laser Trokar point.
12. Frabill- Rainsuits just became storm suits with the new Frabill Storm suit introduced at ICAST. Better hood and sleeves, light material and ties that keep foul weather out are all in this single suit.
13. Pinnacle Competition Rods and Reels- stepping it up, Pinnacle has taken their product line up one notch with the new Competition Series Rods and Reels. Look for Pinnacle to have quality and an affordable price in this space in late 2010 and 2011.
14. Power Pole- the innovator in boat anchoring, Power Pole has a new offering that has all the features. Light weight, just a little over 23 pounds, great colors and user friendly features that adjust to the bottom, the new Power Pole adds a dimension to their offering that both fresh and saltwater anglers will love. They have a full line up of products for all kinds of boats. Watch for a video with Power Pole pro Chris Lane in the next few days.
15, Pure Fishing- we walked into the Pure Fishing area and it was a buzz with activity. Rods, reels, GULP, line, new plastic products and a host of other angler ammenities again puts them in a very rare class. We spoke to Mike Iaconelli about his new rods and the new REVO spinning reel just introduced. Watch for those video's very soon.
16. Rapala-a leader continues to be a leader and new introductions of several more clackin baits becomes a reality with Rapala this year. The Clackin Crank, Clackin Minnow, Terminator Thumper, Touch Screen Scale and a whole new group of new colors. New shapes in Trigger X is also on the forefront including the Trigger X Hammer Worm and the Big Moe. Rapala also introduced the new GORE Sufix 832 braid which we guess will be a hit with anglers everywhere and also one that other manufacturers will want to emulate.
17. Big Bite Baits-Big Bite Baits continues to innovate with new shapes and they are using their pros in the development. Russ Lane, Jeff Kriet, Dean Rojas each have new products that we know will be fish catchers. The Flying Squirrel, the Sugar Cane Worm, and the new swim bait called the Cane Thumper are on the way.
Overall this was a very good ICAST and those that missed it missed one of the best. Great products and companies ready to show they are not holding back. New products will be to the market sooner than years past and the new selection looks awesome.
One other mention, We again would like to see a better way to present on the New Product Showcase. It was very hard to cover it all and be sure to take the reels out of a glass case. Handling is part of the equation. It still needs some work but our vote is a job well done by all of the ASA staff.
Stay tuned for all of our Wired Media videos.
