This year was my first ever time attending ICAST.I attended with my husband, Brian Bashore, a professional angler of the Walleye Guys working on photography and video for him. ICAST is the International Convention for Allied Sportfishing Trades held annually in Orlando, Florida. ICAST is only open to qualified members of the trade and you must be badged for the entire duration of the show. The show features hundreds of booths showcasing new products in the fishing market for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. This includes clothing, tackle, boating accessories, gifts, rods, eyewear, and so much more.Being the gear junky that I am, this was my playground.So much cool gear to check out and play with! There were also seminars to attend and social events to meet new people and maintain relationships with people you already know. Many of the items we saw will not be available until spring of 2018 so I decided to compile a list of 5 of my favorite things; bookmark this list and don’t forget to come back to it in the spring to get your hands on these items.
1) Gerber Fishing Tools (www.gerbergear.com)
Gerber is known for having unique quality tools for the hunting, military and general working industry. This year at ICAST, Gerber introduced an incredible line of well-designed fishing tools. These are not your average tools. This is gear for serious anglers that need tools that work just as hard as they do. The collection features a total of 12 items. Three of these items caught my eye; Controller Filet Knife, Magnipliers, and Neat Freak Braided Line Cutters. The Controller Filet Knife will be available in 3 different lengths. What drew me to this filet knife was how well it fit in my hand as a left handed woman, as well as my husbands hand, a right handed man. This tool is so versatile with an awesome grip for any shape or size hand. The Magnipliers and Neat Freak Braided Line Cutters are corrosion resistant keeping them from becoming unusable after spending a season on the water like many inexpensive brands do. The Magnipliers are also ambidextrous and features a thumb lock. These tools will be in our gear packs in our 2018 season on the water for sure!
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2) Astral Footwear (www.astraldesigns.com)
This company is not necessarily new (it has been around since 2002), but it is new-to-me and I am so thankful I stumbled upon their booth at ICAST. The footwear first caught my eye because of styles and colors available .But when I spoke to the representatives within the booth I learned just how much careful thought went into the design of these shoes. The sole is designed to grip the surface in slippery conditions (think: walking on wet rocks). The shoes are designed with an ability to hold up after constant soaking. Many designs shed water easily, and avoid accumulation of any funk. The position of your foot will be similar to when you are barefoot. I will be ordering the Rosa Flip-Flop that also converts to a sandal. These are so cute for casual evenings, but hardworking for day hikes and lake time.
(Click on each photo in gallery to view the full size image:)
3) Plano V-Crate (www.planomolding.com)
Much of what was being debuted at ICAST this year was geared towards kayak fishing or “adventure fishing” as it is often referred to. Plano is known for making tough storage to keep gear protected and the V-Crate is no exception. The V-Crate was specifically designed for the kayak fisherman. This unit was designed in the v-shape to match the angles of your kayak.Either side is open to hold two utility boxes each. There is also a rail system to attach rod holders and other accessories. This unit sits behind the kayaker. The top section is for larger gear such as food, rainwear, etc. There is a protected waterproof section on the bottom for any items that can’t handle water. The main unit detaches for easy transport or stowing. I am so anxious to get this mounted in my kayak!
(Click on each photo in gallery to view the full size image:)
4) Columbia PFG Omni-Shade Sun Deflector (www.columbia.com)
Columbia has also debuted a breakthrough sun-deflecting technology. This product is obviously geared towards anyone who spends many hours in the sun and is designed to allow you to be outside longer. Thousands of shiny tiny titanium dioxide (the same ingredient found in sunscreen) dots deflect the sun in order to keep the fabric, and ultimately you, cool. The fabric blocks both UVA and UVB rays protecting you from the damaging sun and preventing sunburn. The color selection will vary from solids to gradients with minimal patterned options available as well. The option of with or without a hood is also available. Personally, I am in love with the red to blue fade and can’t wait to get one in my hands!
5) Fishewear (www.fishewear.com)
Fishewear leggings are another product that isn’t necessarily new, but they have only been around since 2015 and their product is so beautiful I thought I needed to share with you. This company was started in Anchorage, Alaska by a woman with a vision to create clothing for women that fit, was fashionable, and also functional while on any adventure! Their patterns are so cute with very vibrant colors. The material of the leggings is thick (no see-through booty here) and protects your legs from the sun with UPF +50. Besides leggings, they also carry neck gaiters, dry bags, totes, hats, belts, tops, etc. New at ICAST was a cross body pack that they have partnered with Orvis to create.Perfect small pack for those day adventures and will be available in the same incredible patterns they are known for! Being from South Dakota, my first purchase will be the Pheasant leggings!
(Click on each photo in gallery to view the full size image:)
And there you have it! These are just a few of the items I came across while at ICAST this year. There was so much stuff to see it was overwhelming at times! But these items stood out to me the most and I felt compelled to share them with you all! If you have questions about any of the products don’t hesitate to reach out to me via instagram @tlbashore. And if you order any of these products be sure to tag me in your pics!I can’t wait to see your adventures!
If you are interested in learning more about ICAST head over to www.icastfishing.org.