ICAST 2024 Best in Show

Each year, ICAST highlights the best of the best in 41 categories, with members of the media and buyers voting for their picks starting at 5 pm on Tuesday, July 16th. The Best in Category winners are announced after 6pm on July 17th and voting for the coveted Best in Show award begins on the morning of Thursday, July 18th. The votes have been tallied and the winners were announced after 2 pm.

ICAST 2024 BEST IN SHOW WINNER

It was a good year for Pure Fishing, with many category wins. They also took the Best in Show honors with the Penn Fathom electric reel. The Fathom electric, offered in 30, 50, and 80 sizes, is designed for deep drop fishing, kite-fishing duties and battling swordfish. It features an integrated 5Ah battery and a high-torque motor in a surprisingly light package, complete with an easy-to-use LED interface.

ICAST 2024 BEST OF CATEGORY WINNERS

It was a tough field, with excellent entries in every category. The following is what the attendees thought were tops:

FRESHWATER TACKLE

Freshwater Rod: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
Freshwater Reel: Shimano Vanford FA
Freshwater Soft Lure: Z-Man Shadtron LT Swimbait
Freshwater Hard Lure: Berkley Krej, Pure Fishing
Rod and Reel Combo: GXR Bass Systems, St. Croix of Park Falls
Fishing Line: Rapala Sufix Revolve Ultra Thin Finesse Braid
Terminal Tackle: VMC Redline Series Tungsten Swimbait Jig
Tackle Management: BKK Hooks OCD Tackle Storage System
Ice Fishing: Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle
Custom Tackle and Components: Do-It Molds Hover Jig Mold
Kid’s Tackle: Create-A-Lure Shark Edition

SALTWATER TACKLE

Saltwater Reel: PENN Fathom Electric, Pure Fishing
Saltwater Rod: Dominion Rods E-Rod Jigging & Bottom Rod w/ integrated power supply,
Saltwater Soft Lure: Z-Man PrawnstarZ
Saltwater Hard Lure: Okuma FishLab BBZ Hard Mullet Swimbait

FLY FISHING GEAR

Fly-Fishing Rods: Temple Fork Outfitters Elevare
Fly-Fishing Reels: Hardy Averon Fly Reel
Fly-Fishing Rod & Reel Combo: Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Combo
Fly Lines, Leaders, Tippet and Line Accessories: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Tarpon Full Clear
Fly-Fishing Tools and Accessories: AFN Fishing & Outdoors Xtreme Pliers 140mm
Fly Tying Vises, Tools and Materials: Renzetti C2303-MR
Fly Fishing Chest Pack, Sling, Waist Pack and Vest: Simms Headwaters Sling Pack
Fly-Fishing Backpacks, Bags and Luggage: Simms Tailwind Rod & Reel Vault
Fly-Fishing Waders and Wading Boots: Grundéns Vector Zip Stockingfoot Wader

APPAREL

Eyewear: Costa 580G Gold Mirrored Lens in Grand Catalina
Cold Weather Technical Apparel for Men: Simms Pro Dry Suit
Cold Weather Technical Apparel for Women: AFTCO Armorloft Zip Hood
Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men: Grundéns Tough Sun Masked Hoodie
Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Women: Simms Women’s Latitude Hoody
Fly-Fishing Technical and General Apparel: Grundéns Portal GORE-TEX Wading Jacket
Lifestyle Apparel for Men: AFTCO Coastal Layer Hood
Lifestyle Apparel for Women: Under Armour UA Fish Pro Hybrid Women
Footwear: Under Armour UA Charged Sherman Deck Boot