The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is a blur of excitement and chaos, bringing together many of today’s top fishing tackle, electronics, and apparel manufacturers. Taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, lots of major players in the fresh- and saltwater fishing industries are there to showcase new products. ICAST is an industry-only event and not open to the public. But outdoor media was there in July, on the ground, to check out all the new gear and products. Salt Water Sportsman put together a list of noteworthy products that caught our eye. Some of these products are available to buy, some will be available later this year or into 2023. Ordered alphabetically below:
AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed Metal Jig
The AFTCO Blue Fever Crossbreed jig is designed for fishing on the fall or retrieve. A purposeful erratic and fluttering action comes from its weighted center section. Try a straight retrieve back to the boat too, if a slow descent isn’t working. The Crossbreed is available in four sizes (60 grams/85 millimeters, 80g/90mm, 100g/100mm, and 120g/110mm) to match the local bait size. Rigged with oversized split rings and 4X hooks. Price is $14. Available in Fall 2022.
Berkley Gulp! Surf Bytes
Berkley Gulp! now has specific baits for surf fishing. Fishing from beaches, piers, jetties or bridges, new Surf Bytes feature proprietary scent and dispersion technology, plus 4X firmer durability to handle tough surf conditions. Gulp! Surf Bytes Strips are segmented for customized size selection. They can also be recharged in their reusable storage bag. Available in five saltwater colors. The actual strip size is 5.75 inches by half an inch. Six segments per strip, four strips per package. Price is $7.99. Available in July 2022.
Costa Jose PRO Sunglasses
At ICAST, the fishing community saw a sneak peek of Costa’s new Jose PRO sunglasses. As you might know, the Jose frames are named in honor of the legendary waterman Jose Wejebe. The PRO glasses build off the original frames, with six new performance innovations to help anglers manage sweat, reduce fogging, and keep their frames locked in place in rough water. Price is $264-$284. Available in September 2022.
Daiwa Coastal 80 Casting Reel
A coastal blue finish stands out on the new inshore-tough Daiwa Coastal 80 baitcaster. The lightweight casting reel is built for inshore and bay fishing, targeting species such as redfish, trout, stripers, snook, and bay bass. Wade and kayak anglers can easily toss plugs and swimbaits without tiring. Some features include the deep spool (20-pound-braid line capacity of 160 yards), Hyper Drive Digigear, Ultimate Tournament Drag, rigid aluminum frame, T-Wing System Level Wind, and four Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings. Price is $249.99. Available in October 2022.
Garmin LiveScope XR
Garmin’s LiveScope XR delivers real-time images of fish and structure up to 350 feet away in salt water. The new tech ramps up the live-scanning sonar range without sacrificing image clarity and resolution. Its transducer can see both long- and close-range views in real time. Aim the transducer forward for a live look in front of the boat; point it down to see beneath the boat; or turn it sideways to scout open water or shorelines. The LiveScope XR System comes with a GLS 10 black box and LVS62 Transducer. Price is $2,999.99. Available in July 2022.
HUK A1A Pro Guide Pants
Captains fishing most days will like the durability of the new HUK A1A Pro Guide Pants. The pants feature abrasion resistant fabric sides to cut down on wear and tear. Other features include 50-plus UPF, 8-pocket design, two secure side cargo pockets with grommets, two zippered back pockets, adjustable waistband and hem, and a crotch gusset. The pants fabric is finished with a durable water repellent. Price is $125. Available in 2023.
Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock
A collaboration between Minn Kota Ultrex Spot-Lock and MEGA Live Imaging, the new accessory from Humminbird allows anglers to remote steer a MEGA Live transducer independently of the trolling motor. The two technologies together are called Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock, and the new option from Humminbird won the company best award for electronics at ICAST in 2022. Anglers can now separate live sonar from the trolling motor, allowing a live view of fish-holding structure whether the boat is moving or anchored via Spot-Lock. Price is $2,999.99. Available in July 2022.
Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Kayak
Check out the major updates to the 2022 Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 12.5, originally launched in 2020. Biggest changes include converting the cockpit area from a rotomolded seat base system to sitting on the track and drawer system. Added were removable electronics switch plate, raised deck for a drier ride, and new bow hatch area drainage. Also, a small change that shouldn’t be overlooked, was the slight design modification to accept the new springblade rudder accessory easily. Paired with the Propel Pedal Drive and Power-Pole anchor system, and the new Slayer Propel Max 12.5 is a saltwater fishing machine. Price is $2,899. Available now.
Pelagic Traverse Hybrid Shorts
What stood out was a tiny little hole on a pocket of the Pelagic Traverse Hybrid Shorts. You might have guessed, but that’s where you stash your fluorocarbon spool, with the tag end sticking out of the hole. The feature makes it very easy to access leader material. Details like that make the pants a great option for offshore anglers. There are spots for braid scissors, tools, pliers, or even hooks. The two-way stretch nylon material and drawcord are meant to keep you pants from sagging when loaded with pliers or other heavy objects. Price is $85. Available now.
Plano Edge 3700 Hook Box
Plano’s Edge 3700 hook box is a creative way to store all your hooks. A dual-level design offers organization of both loose and packaged hooks. Pierce the soft compound mat with your single hooks to keep them organized in place. Other features include Dri-Loc O-ring seal, Rustrictor rust-preventative technology, WaterWick insert with reusable moisture-wicking packet, DuraView crystal-clear polycarbonate lid, and EZ Label system. Price is $59.99. Available in September 2022.
XTRATUF Kiata Men Shoes
XTRATUF’s Kiata shoe is the result of years of prototyping a high-performance sneaker in Alaska. What better place to test footwear in the elements? Crafted from a single yarn to provide a seamless design. Constructed from 100-percent waterproof 3D knit upper. The lightweight sock-like upper has a high rebound cushioned midsole and perforated comfort insole. A TUFgrp outsole provides dependable traction on flat hard surfaces and uneven terrain. Go anywhere shoes to do anything. Price is $120. Available in August 2022.
Z-Man Kicker CrabZ Soft Bait
No one can deny the creativity of Z-Man Fishing. The folks out of South Carolina continue to produce original fresh- and saltwater soft baits, along with the hooks and hardware to rig them. This year, they scored ICAST awards for Best Saltwater Lure and Best Terminal Tackle (DieZel Eye jighead). The company’s new saltwater lure is the Kicker CrabZ. The ElaZtech soft bait imitates a sideways-swimming crab, designed with a single paddle-tail claw. The 3.5-inch bait is easily rigged on a jighead or weighted swimbait hook, but anglers will no-doubt come up with their own unique configurations. Ten color patterns. Sold three in a pack. Price is $4.99. Available in July 2022.
