ICAST 2022 – New Crappie Fishing Tools
by Ron Wong
The 2022 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Tradeshow, better known as ICAST, is the world’s largest fishing tackle show. It includes a collection of the newest and greatest fishing equipment any angler could imagine.
This year’s show featured 56 very long aisles of fishing tackle containing 560 different vendors. CrappieNow magazine representatives were on hand to check out the new products for our readers. It was virtually impossible to visit all the booths in the three days the show was open, but we did our best to hit the highlights.
New crappie fishing rods by many different companies were displayed at this year’s ICAST. Some companies such as Lew’s (Mr. Crappie), Pure Fishing and KastKing presented new lines of affordable crappie rods especially for those that are starting to fish for crappie.
B’n’M Poles new rods
B’n’M Poles, a long-time crappie rod leader, introduced two new rods specifically for crappie fishing – the redesigned Buck’s Gold Jig Pole and redesigned Buck’s Ultimate.
The Buck’s Gold Jig Pole is now a 30-ton IM8 graphite rod they say provides durability, stiffness, and sensitivity. Dyna-flow spinning guides provide smooth casting and line retrieval and allows this rod to be used in several poplar techniques. This fishing rod will be available in 10 and 12-foot lengths.
The Buck’s Ultimate premium rod is now fitted with one-foot ceramic insert spinning guides for superior casting. The Portuguese cork handle provides maximum sensitivity from tip to reel seat. A strong backbone and sensitive tip make this rod good for casting and jigging. The Buck’s Ultimate rod will be available in 8 or 10-foot lengths. Both fishing rods will be available late summer.
Jenko Fishing new baitcasting crappie rod
Jenko Fishing introduced the new BFS Double Down casting rod for crappie fishing. This is a 6’6” super ultra-light rod weighing only 4.2 ounces. They say it can easily cast a 1/80th-ounce jig with 2-to-6-pound test line. The Alps guides give your line no matter what type (braid, mono, flouro or a combination) increased casting distance and a smooth ride from cast to catch. This will help those seeking accuracy especially if using forward facing sonar.
TTI-Blakemore Sickle Hook Road Runner
TTI-Blakemore, best known for its’ Roadrunner lures, has introduced the new Roadrunner jig head with a sickle hook. They say fishermen have asked for this type of hook and TTI-Blakemore has responded. It will be available this fall in 1/32nd, 1/16th, and 1/8th ounce sizes in several different jig head colors.
Bobby Garland Mayfly
Many lure companies have either introduced new colors or sizes of existing baits. However, Bobby Garland has introduced the all-new Mayfly soft plastic bait for crappie fishing. The 2.25-inch realistic insect profile features a long-segmented body and long tail that is solid body which will stay on any jig head. This versatile designed bait makes suitable for a wide variety of crappie fishing techniques. The Mayfly is now available online.
Boomerang Splice Tool
Accessories for fishing are always interesting and some new products are helpful on the water. Many crappie fishermen like to use braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. However, most splicing knots are a pain to tie efficiently. Boomerang Tool has solved the knot typing problem with its’ Tie-Fast splice tool. This tool is now available online at. This is a stainless easy-to-use tool that ties a professional knot every time that is strong and durable. The finished knot guides through rod guides smoothly. Check out a video demonstration on YouTube.
Smith Consumer Products Aluminum Pliers
Who doesn’t need a good set of pliers when fishing. Smith Consumer products has introduced the Aluminum Fishing Plier that will not corrode once it becomes wet. It has a very sharp stainless steel line cutter riveted into the tool. A lightweight strong plier suitable for all types of fishing.
Leland Lure Loc-N-Knoc lure retriever
Leland Lures has introduced a new lure retriever unlike anything now on the market with the Loc’N’Knoc retriever. So easy to use to retrieve any snagged lures especially crappie jigs. Just insert line on the tool, twist cap, drop to lure and retrieve. This tool has been in development over a year and has now been perfected to save time and money. It will be available early fall at retail outlets or via www.crappiemagnet.com
Leland Lures Eye-hole Fin Spin
Crappie Magnet has partnered with Eye Hole Jig company to come out with a scent-holder Fin Spin jig head. It will be available this fall in 2 sizes, 1/16th and 1/8th ounce in several different colors.
So much to see at the ICAST trade show, it makes you feel like a kid in a candy store. Stay up to date with new crappie fishing products at CrappieNow. As new products are introduced, being tested and how-to-use, you will find it all here.
(Ron Wong attended Memphis State University (now U of M) on a music scholarship playing saxophone. He spent four years in the U.S. Navy, retired from FedEx after 34 years. An avid fisherman and journalist, Wong co-hosts the weekly radio show Outdoors with Larry Rea which airs on Saturday mornings from 6-7:30 a.m. on ESPN790.)
