Each year, the fishing industry introduces its new-for-next-year gear in one giant convention called the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, or ICAST. Hundreds of exhibitors from around the world set up displays for media and dealers who are interested in what these companies plan to sell to the U.S. fisherman. ICAST doesn’t discriminate between fresh- and saltwater products, and it does not allow the general public to attend. In this gallery of 11 products, we’ll show you a handpicked list of some of the top gear for saltwater anglers. Some are already on the market, but others will debut in early 2017. Want more? Here’s a gallery of new reels, rods and tackle, and we’ve got videos and galleries from our on-site coverage of the actual ICAST show.
Costa Trevally Sunglasses
Costa says its newest style of sunglasses honors the fight of the brutish, sought-after giant trevally. Trevally frames are made from a nearly indestructible bio-based resin and come with integral hinges and hypoallergenic nose pads. They come in unisex colors, including tortoise, matte black, matte orchid and matte tortuga fade. Customize your Trevally sunglasses using any of Costa’s polarized 580 glass or polycarbonate lenses, as well as prescription lenses. The glasses start at $159.
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Cooler
Yeti has expanded its Hopper soft-sided lineup with the new Flip 12, a cube-shaped DryHide cooler that features Yeti’s HydroLok zipper and up to 1 inch of ColdCell insulation. The EVA foam bottom and radio-frequency-welded seams make the Flip waterproof and leakproof. The Flip is fog gray and Tahoe blue and costs $279.99.
Old Town Predator PDL Kayak
Building on its 2014 launch of the award-winning Predator XL Minn Kota kayak, Old Town has introduced the PDL: a pedal-drive boat featuring a weedless prop design that steers fore and aft. The 10.3-to-1 gear ratio means anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph. The 21-pound drive console pivots to avoid obstacles and navigate shallow water. The 13-foot-2-inch Predator PDL is 36 inches wide and weighs 117 pounds with the drive. It costs $2,799.99.
AFTCO SXHD Roller Guides
AFTCO‘s Super Extra Heavy-Duty roller guides and tip-tops are machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and employ ceramic ball bearings to meet the highest standards in corrosion resistance. Delrin insulators and stainless logo plates eliminate corrosion between rollers and frames. Oversize contoured feet grip rods with extra strength. Available in three sizes — No. 62, No. 72 and No. 82 — and in nine colors, SXHD guides cost $520 per set; tip-tops cost $84.
Huk Packable Rain Jacket
Huk‘s new packable rain jacket is 100 percent water- and windproof while remaining breathable and quick-drying. The polyester jacket features taped seams, a three-piece elastic draw-cord hood, Velcro cuffs, underarm zips and lower weltered zip pockets. Available in black or charcoal gray and in sizes S to XXXL, the jacket packs into its own pocket and costs $99.99.
Bluefin USA Camo Hoodie
Made from a silky microfiber material, Bluefin USA‘s camo hoodie is a long-sleeved rash guard with a front pouch pocket and anti-microbial properties. The form-fitting hooded tee features SPF 40-plus sun protection and dries quickly. The light blue hoodie comes in sizes XS to XXL and costs $49.
Cuda Fish Measure
Made from waterproof nylon, Cuda‘s Fish Measure device also comes with a removable straight edge that can serve as a starting point for measuring fish. The flexible material rolls up and fastens with Velcro for easy storage; it rolls out to gauge the length of your catch. The 50-inch measure costs $14.99, and the 120-inch version costs $19.99.
Hobie MirageDrive 180 Kayak Pedal System
Hobie was the first to introduce a pedal-propulsion system for kayaks, in 1997. MirageDrive has evolved to offer a reverse function in the new 180 version, which will be integrated into 2017 Mirage kayaks. By mid-2017, the system will retrofit to existing pedal boats with a stand-alone accessory. The MirageDrive 180 weighs 8 pounds and produces full power in both directions using two shift cables. The system adds $150 to new Hobie single-model kayaks and $300 to tandems.
Pelagic Dri-Flex Lightweight Jacket
Pelagic‘s lightweight jacket is made from the company’s proprietary Dri-Flex stretch fabric and offers water-repellent technology. The jacket also features a mesh-lined hood, fitted sleeve cuffs, three zippered pockets and quick-dry fabric technology. The jacket comes in charcoal gray and sizes S to XXL, and costs $89.
Xtratuf Kryptek Ankle Boots
Xtratuf has collaborated with camouflage designer Kryptek to develop a new boot collection featuring the Pontus (pictured) and Yeti patterns. The Kryptek ankle boot is lightweight and crafted for offshore fishing and boating. It features Xtratuf’s proprietary evaporative XpressCool liner, which wicks away moisture and creates a cooling sensation as your foot starts to sweat. The boots come in sizes 7 to 14 and cost $89.99.
Salt Life SLX UVapor Aquashield Performance Tee
Salt Life‘s SLX UVapor Aquashield long-sleeved pocket tee features a sublimated graphic on the left chest and back. It also comes with a built-in face shield with die-cut holes, attached at the neck. Made from a sun-protective fabric that’s 88 percent polyester and 12 percent Spandex, the lightweight tee also offers an underarm ventilation system for added breathability. The Aquashield tee comes in white and Malibu blue and sizes S to XXL. It costs $56.
