We have been to more ICAST ASA National Conventions than we care to talk about but we have to say this one ranked right up there as one of the best.
It wasn't the largest or the highest in attendance but the fishing manufacturers were out in full force and the general feeling on the final day was superb. Most vendors we spoke to were really upbeat and that is a great sign that 2010 could be excellent.
We got to see some killer new products and made it so you could almost feel the economy getting better right at the show. Anglers will be excited with this years crop of cool items and we did our best to cover the ones we felt were off the charts in the blogs.
The product showcase was better but still needs some work in our opinion. We suggest the brand names not be present on the showcase items on display and then lets see who wins. Would be an interesting way to do it don't you think?
Some killer new items from our point of view include the new Ardent F700 Flipping Reels, American Rodsmith new grips for their line-up of rods, Laser Trokar hooks are awesome, Bio-Dip Dye from Berkley finally allows anglers to color GULP, several new plastics from Strike King using Rage technology will help you put more fish in the boat, Plano has some real neat saltwater boxes that are designed right, Yeti Coolers are the bomb, Gemini has a new hoodie that everyone wants, Spro introduced a new deep diving Little John that hits up to twenty feet, Vicious Fishing introduced braided line that fits every application and the new St. Croix MOJO Bass rods look great and have a excellent price point.
Quantum reels and rods look great. The new KVD PT at 7.3 to 1 is one fast reel.
Tru-Tungsten introduced a new member to their swimbait family with the 5 inch, Gene Larew has a new Biffle Bug that you will want and Jackall introduced more great bass catching products as well.
Skeet Reese introduced a new line-up of rods that not only look awesome but are priced right. They are light and have the best actions for all kinds of applications. These are just a tip of the iceberg and we will showcase many more.
Stay tuned to Wired TV over the next few weeks. Not only will you hear about them but see the people behind them as well.
Remember this year to "Buy Two."
