Every year, we are so excited to see ICAST’s staggering array of brand-new bait, gear, accessories, and apparel — and 2026 definitely delivered! This year’s new product showcase included some awesome and innovative offerings in tackle, rods, reels, tech, watercraft, and more. Here’s a rundown of the show’s biggest hits.
Best of Show
Zebco Rhino
The Zebco Rhino has been named Best of Show at ICAST 2026, earning the fishing industry’s top honor and cementing the brand’s return. Reengineered from the ground up, the new Rhino lineup impressed ICAST attendees enough to take top honors.
The award follows months of development and testing for Zebco, who sought to resurrect one of their most recognizable brands. Prior to ICAST, Wired2Fish put the new Rhino through its paces, testing the rod on a variety of species fishing in Florida earlier this year. We were impressed with the results.
With the fishing industry’s top honor at ICAST, the new Rhino enters the market with high expectations. Wired2fish wishes them luck!
Best in Category
There might be only one Best in Show, but there’s also nearly 40 Best in Category products giving it some serious competition for the title. We provided that list with yesterday’s announcement that Bill Dance received this year’s ASA’s Impact Award for his dedication to the fishing industry, but they all deserve a victory lap:
Rods, Reels, and Combos
- Rods and Reel Combo: Rhino 30 6-foot 6-inch 2-Piece Medium Spinning Combo
- Freshwater Rod: St. Croix of Park Falls Triumph Freshwater
- Freshwater Reel: Shimano Curado DC
- Saltwater Reel: Daiwa 2026 BQ SW Spinning Reels
- Saltwater Rod: Bull Bay Tackle Company BANSHEE-BG
- Kid’s Tackle: Zebco Bottomland Spincast Combo
Electronics
- Motorized Boating Accessory: Garmin USA Spy Pole Mount
- Electronics: Garmin USA LiveScope 2 HD
- Energy: ePropulsion Technology Limited ePropulsion kMax Battery
Lures and Terminal Tackle
- Wired and Skirted Lure: Z-Man Fishing Products Chatterbait Elite EVO HD
- Freshwater Hard Lure: American Baitworks Co. Synch Fishing Artisan Wake & Crank 130
- Freshwater Soft Lure: Rapala CrushCity “The CEO” 21
- Saltwater Soft Lure: Rapala CrushCity IMPOSTER
- Saltwater Hard Lure: Shimano LEDGERUNNER
- Terminal Tackle: G-Ratt Baits Urchin Rig
- Braided Fishing Line: Daiwa J-Braid Grand X8 Ocean Splash
- Non-Braided Fishing Line: Seaguar BRWLR Monofilament
Boats and Watercraft
- Boats and Watercraft: VoyaX MOSSA Series Motorized Kayak
Apparel and Eyewear
- Women’s Lifestyle Apparel: AFTCO Women’s Overcast Sweatshirt
- Men’s Lifestyle Apparel: HUK Performance Fishing Tide Point KC Printed Shirt
- Extreme Weather Technical Apparel: AFTCO Hydronaut Insulated Jacket and Bib
- Women’s Technical Apparel: Fishewear Brookie ¼ Zip Thermal
- Men’s Technical Apparel: Simms Fishing Products Challenger Suit
- Eyewear: Bajio Sunglasses Concho Dark Blue Camo Matte Blue Mirror Glass
- Footwear: Hey Dude HEY20 Flip
Accessories
- Cutlery, Hand Pliers, or Tools: BUBBA Pro Series Gen 2 Electric Filet Knife
- Fishing Accessory: Rapala High Capacity Line Remover
- Custom Tackle Components: BUZBE Magnetic Launch Pad
- Tackle Management: BUZBE Basic Deep Urchin Bait Box
- Non-Motorized Boating Accessory: Turtlebox Audio Turtlebox Cub
- Ice Fishing: Evolution Fishing Ice Rod Locker
- First Time Exhibitor Product: ArcPro Fishing Floating Aerator
- Novelties and Wellness: Rapala Giant Lure Bald Eagle
Fly Fishing
- Fly Fishing Reel: Loopp Classic X Multiplier
- Fly Fishing Rod: St. Croix of Park Falls Imperial Fly Rods
- Fly Fishing Technical Apparel: Simms Men’s G37 Pro Stockingfoot Waders
- Fly Fishing Tools and Materials: Asghar Export Kampus Premium Quality Fly Tying Kit
- Fly Fishing Accessory: Simms Fishing Products Scout SlingBack
Check out FishUSA’s ICAST 2026 page for a complete list of the all-new tackle now available from ICAST 2026.
About ICAST
ICAST, or the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing, is where the the fishing industry has been coming together for almost seven decades. It’s fishing’s largest trade show, inviting global manufacturers to show off their latest offerings and encouraging attendees to embrace the event’s family-reunion atmosphere.
