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
ACCESSORIES & OTHER
- Boats and Watercraft: Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128
- Fishing Accessory: KastKing Brutus Landing Net with Boat Hook
- Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools: Benchmade Water Collection
- Soft and Hard Coolers: Rugged Road 115
- Motorized Boating Accessories: Power-Pole Dual Bladed ONE Pump
- Non-Motorized Boating Accessories: Connect-Ease YAK EASE Power Pad Pro
- Electronics: XPECE ONE Waterproof Fishing Drone
- Novelties: Rapala USA Giant Lure
