Although the huge international tackle trade show, ICAST, is closed to the general public, covering it as a journalist who’s crazy about fishing meant spending two or three days gawking at brand new fishing products. So much new gear looked so interesting, innovative and promising at the July event. From the seemingly endless number of products, I’ve picked out 12 to share here. Some are so new they might not be available for a few weeks, but definitely look to be worth the wait.
Columbia PFG Pro Sport Deck Boot
Florida Keys fly guide and Columbia PFG ambassador Capt. Bear Holeman greeted us at the brand’s exhibitor space with big hellos, high fives and hugs; the former Division I offensive lineman even lifted one petite woman off the ground. The conversation quickly led to Holeman opening his phone and sharing photos of his recent fly-fishing trip to Ireland. From there, Columbia rep Andy Nordhoff gave us a tour of their coming additions for Spring 2025, including their entry into the crowded deck boot space: the PFG Pro Sport. Two standout features: the notches on the heel for easy removal, and the Omni-MAX sole. Unlike other deck boots that are flat with no foot contour, these soles provide adaptive cushioning, enhanced stability and high-level comfort. Think of it as the evolution of basketball players going from Converse to Air Jordan. Suggested retail price: $100. www.columbia.com — Shawn Bean
Daiwa Saltiga Light Jigging Rod
The new Saltiga light jigging rods from Daiwa exemplify an industry trend of focus on jigging gear, making it lighter and stronger. That was evident at the ICAST show, where anglers unsuccessfully tried to break the rod, pulling against stout braid tethered securely. That strength stems from solid carbon construction, with Daiwa’s X45 carbon-fiber weave throughout the blank. Fuji K guides with SIC (silicon carbide) rings ensure smooth passage of braid, with reduced friction and heat under load. The 6-foot, 2-inch conventional models accommodate jigs to 160 grams (5.5 ounces) and to 200 grams (7 ounces). Both are designed for up to 20-pound braid. Retail is set at $449.99. daiwa.us
Fish Arrow Riser Jack Jointed Swimbait
The marketing team for this 8 ¾-inch Japanese swimbait claim its swimming action is incredibly realistic. Watching it underwater, upon a moderate retrieve, one is hard-pressed to argue with that. The Riser Jack (so named because it rises headfirst, if paused during retrieve) is a collaboration between two leading Japanese lure manufacturers. The lip is easily removed for a very different movement (for example, as a topwater wakebait). The hard-plastic jointed lure weighs 2 ½ ounces and is available in 11 colors. Manufacturer’s price is $74.07. Spare lips and v-tails in different colors are also available. kkjapanlure.com
Halco Laser Pro 210
Halco’s venerable Laser Pro series has gained wide recognition as one of the premier trolling hard lures ever made. The Australian lure maker has finally bowed to popular demand and offers the largest Laser Pro ever, a 210 model. The 8 ¼-inch Laser Pro is designed with the same strength and durability as other LP models, including Halco’s noteworthy Triple-Turn split rings, the extra turn providing what Halco says is 70 percent more strength than most rings. It also uses polycarbonate lips (“bibs” Down Under) made to last. The 210 comes with super-strong inline single hooks. halcotackle.com
Isle Flywater Micro-Skiff Hybrid
Isle boasts that its new skiff-kayak hybrid is “300-percent more rigid than usual inflatables.” While that’s tough to really evaluate, a hands-on evaluation offers some justification. The Flywater’s patented Infinity Fiber composite construction makes it rugged and rigid. The 12 ½-foot boat’s shallow draft allows it the stealth to sneak into most waters. Its light weight (49 pounds hull only) makes it fast, whether paddling or with a small electric or gas trolling motor. An “Isle-Link” system is designed for installing accessories, such as one or two “Cloud Kayak Seats” (included with the boat). $1,695 list. islesurfandsup.com
Nocqua 20-Ah Lithium Battery
From personal experience, this little 12-volt rechargeable lithium battery is a small wonder for kayak anglers running electronics. Although it’s not much larger than your fist, it will easily power a 7-inch color sounder/GPS for a long day and have power left over. A water-resistant silicon skin encases the battery, further enclosed in a durable nylon sleeve. A sealed connection protects electrical integrity. The battery comes with a Nocqua Pro Battery Charger with circuit-board protection, overcharge protection and battery-level indicator. It offers a 12-month limited warranty. The 3-pound battery measures 8 by 8 by 4 inches. MSRP: $169.99. nocqua.com
Ocean’s Legacy Roven Jigs
Among the more eye-catching lures on display at the 2024 ICAST show, if these jigs catch fish as effectively as fishermen, they should be dynamite. The Roven series is a dedicated slow-pitch design, offering a slow side-to-side rocking motion as it falls nearly horizontally, offering appealing action even in low-current conditions. Its glow pattern and ultra-high-UV shimmer maximize reflection. The Roven comes in 9 colors and sizes ranging from 40 grams to 260 grams, priced at $11.95 (for the 40) to $22.95 (for the 260). oceanslegacy.com
Penn Fathom Electric Reel
Everyone at the show had to check out the new electric reel from Penn. The Fathom Electric reel incorporates an integrated lithium battery, easy-to-use LED display screen, and simple customizable settings. That’s right, this electric deep-dropper is entirely cordless. Well, unless you really want a cord, and Penn has optional corded batteries with pigtail or Hubbell plug connections. The reel has a max winding power of 35 lbs. and can achieve speeds of up to 750 feet per minute, says the company. Reels are currently produced in 30, 50, and 80 sizes. MSRP is expected to range from $799.95 to $899.95. Extra batteries cost about $100, chargers $100 to $200. The reels should be available in September 2024. pennfishing.com — Sam Hudson
Quantum Benchmark Spinning Reels
Quantum’s venerable Cabo and Boca reels developed a loyal following for reliability at a reasonable price. Now, the manufacturer offers its Benchmark series, employing rigid aluminum frames sealed with what the reel-maker calls Sealoq 6, promising to protect internal components and five stainless-steel ball bearings from water, salt and sand. The aluminum and brass gearing is cut to tight tolerances for smooth performance. The carbon-fiber drag system is said to offer impressive max-drag levels with a consistent performance curve. Six sizes range from 2500 to 8000, accommodating 10- to 65-pound braid. Prices range from $149.95 to $189.95. quantumfishing.com
Salta MagRunner 220 Deep-Diving Lure
What might be the ultimate deep diver will troll to more than 100 feet, claims Salta Lures. Its MagRunner 220 offers two attachment points, one for deep trolling and the other for ultra-deep — at up to 10 knots. The MagRunner is through-wired and made of aircraft-grade polycarbonate, said to be twice as strong as ABS. It comes with two stainless-steel big-game hooks, incorporated into a four-magnet HookMag system that magnetically keeps the belly hook in the downward stinger position until released on the strike. The lure measures 8 ¾ inch and features 555-pound stainless ball-bearing swivels connecting hooks via Power-Lokk 470-pound stainless split rings. It should be available by November, 2024, at a price of $75.95-79.95. saltalures.com
Stafu Tasman Hooded Tech Shirt
Seen one fishing shirt and you’ve seen ‘em all? Not quite: Turkish apparel maker Stafu’s new line of Tasman Rash-Guard hoody lightweight fishing shirts for men stands out from the crowd. But beneath their innovative graphics and colors, these ultra-lightweight shirts are loaded with features for anglers, including: moisture wicking, bi-stretch fabric; antibacterial properties; 40+ UPF protection; and they’re water- and stain repellent. The shirts are 85 percent polyester and 15 percent elastane (an exceptionally elastic polyurethane). The shirt is available in several colors in addition to the striking octopus pattern shown, in sizes small to 3X large. It will sell for approximately $95. stafupro.com
Strike King Rage Hawk Soft Bait
Among dozens of soft-lure designs, this Rage Hawk caught the attention of many anglers at the ICAST show. Strike King quotes one bass pro as choosing this bait “when you want to show the fish something different.” An apt description, the unique shape of the Rage Hawk can be rigged weedless and pulled through cover or sight-cast in the spring. Its body will accommodate a 5/0 hook perfectly, Strike King maintains. The lure measure 3 ¼ inch. It’s available in 13 colors, and a package of nine baits sells for $6.99. strikeking.com
