ICAST is a convention where fishing industry manufacturers and associated companies meet to display their new and current products for 2016. Fishing retailers can make orders so they will have them by next year’s fishing season. Media gets a sneak preview, too. This issue includes an abbreviated list of the show winners that may apply to your crappie fishing.
Overall Best of Show- Eddyline C-135 YakAttack Edition kayak. Eddyline is known for its high performance thermoformed kayaks. Geared for fishermen, this rig can get into places difficult or impossible to access with a big boat. Plus, it can be launched almost anywhere. 69-pounds. $2200.
Boating Accessories: Yeti Coolers, Yeti Hopper 20. A soft-sided cooler makes it easy to transport a dozen cans, or a mixture of products to a picnic or in the boat. It’s punctureresistant, leakproof and sports an anti-microbial liner that resists mildew. Plus it keeps your beverages cold for days thanks to an inch of closed-cell foam insulation on the sides and 1.5 inches on the bottom. $300.
Lifesyle Apparel: Lifeshirt, Aegis Lifeshirt. Here is new item worth checking out. It looks like a conventional knit fishing shirt but hides an auto-inflating PFD. The shirt-lifejacket will make wearing your lifejacket an easy choice. $150.
Footwear: Simms Fishing Product, Current Shoes. Fishing environments can throw plenty of obstacles at your feet. New current shoe combines breathability with all day comfort and support. TPU welded construction for comfortable seams. Minimum slip soles and quick dry uppers. $100.
Terminal Tackle: Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, Lazer Sharp Fillet Knife. The first fishing knife of its kind with 3CR14 stainless steel. TPR slip-resistent handle. Hard plastic sheath with sharpener and magnets to hold knife in plac e. $25
Electronics: Humminbird Helix 7 SI. There was stiff competition in the electronics division. High-tech innovations were impressive. The Helix 7SI won the award with an ultrabright screen that delivers a crisp, easy-to-see view even in the brightest sunlight…all at a more affordable price. The Helix has sonar, down imaging, side-imaging and mapping. $700.
Giftware: Yolotek, PowerStick. This one was a show-stopper with great appeal. It’s a phone-charging product from a Kansas City based company. The PowerStick plugs into a boat’s navigation light port and allows boaters and anglers to securely charge their cell phones while on the water . $50.
Fishing Accessory: RinseKit. The RinseKit is a portable pressurized shower/clean up system that’s like having a hose on the go. Fill, attach the spray nozzle with the quick coupler, select the spray setting and spray. It provides 4 minutes of pressurized spray for portable convenience. Great for camping. $89.
Tackle Management: Eposeidon Outdoor Adventures, KastKing Rack’em Rod Racks. This rack is a cool man toy but also a practical system for storing rods. They are portable so you can take them with you to use at the shoreline or cabin. Cushioned in the right places with 6, 9, 12 and 24 rod units available. $77.
Eyeware: Costa, Rooster. Durable sunglasses with their side-cupped frames fight off the sun’s glare to let you focus on fighting the fish. They have a heavy frame, 100% UV for protection and 100% polarization to kill reflected glare. Comes with case and lifetime warranty. $169.
Kids’ Tackle: Steinhauser, Tangle- Free Combo. 41-inch, medium action inline fiberglass rod, adjustable seat EVA handle, engineered for standard and micro size reels. The best thing is that it is tangle-free because it feeds line through the shaft. Easy storage and travel. The Deluxe Tangle-Free is $36.
Fishing Accessory: FishSmart: Release Ruler. An excellent measure and weight ruler for measuring fish. Eco friendly. Coming in a crappie model soon. Prices vary, but estimate $15 for crappie ruler .
