This year at ICAST we got to see a number of new products in the showcase and as usual there were a hand ful that were absolutely great and a few that kind of make you wonder “what were they thinking”.
Below are the category winners for 2019 ICAST season.
Best of Category: Saltwater Reel
Product: Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel
Description: The STRADIC is already a well-known and highly appreciated spinning reel that is used by hundreds of thousands of anglers, all over the world. Already for years and years, all these anglers have the same experience with STRADIC: strong and reliable, a reel that will never let them down.
The new STRADIC FL – successor of the FK – will of course carry this same identity: strong and reliable. However, there are some new exciting features on the FL:
- Rotation Smoothness (MicroModule II, Silent Drive)
- Durability (Increased Hagane Gear strength, X Protect)
- Casting Performance (Long stroke spool).
This proposition makes the STRADIC FL the ideal ‘all-round’ spinning reel. It can be used for any type of freshwater fishing and is very suitable for ways of fishing where reliability and strength are important (river fishing, big fish, bigger lures). At the same time this reel is an ideal choice for saltwater inshore fishing. Because the versatile range with many sizes and gear ratios, there will always be a suitable Stradic for every angler.
Best of Category: Saltwater Rod
Product: St. Croix Avid Surf Fishing Rods
Description:
- AVID SERIES® SURF SPINNING RODS feature:
- Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) tooling technology.
- Premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite.
- Off-set, slim-profile ferrules on two-piece models provide one-piece performance.
- Fuji® K-Series tangle-free guides with Alconite® rings and black frames.
- Fuji® MN style top.
- Fuji® DPS reel seat with black hoods.
- Custom cork tape handle with machined trim pieces.
- Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
- 15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.
- Designed to provide surf anglers maximum casting distance.
Best of Category: Saltwater Soft Lure
Product: Live Target Slow-Roll Shiner
Description: For the ultimate realistic profile and enticing swimming action for both freshwater and saltwater applications, look no further than the LIVETARGET Slow Roll Shiner. This paddle tail swimbait features LIVETARGET’s Injected Core Technology. An ultra-realistic metallic core with lifelike eyes and scale patterns produces large amounts of flash, giving the bait the perfect balance.
The hard thumping boot-tail creates a whole-body action that triggers a subtle and enticing body roll. The Slow Roll Shiner is best rigged on a spring lock weighted swimbait hook or jig head.
Best of Category: Saltwater Hard Lure
Product: Live Target Flutter Sardine
Description: The LIVETARGET Flutter Sardine Jigging Spoon is like no other spoon you’ve used before. Utilizing LIVETARGET’s Injected Core Technology, these lures achieve a lifelike profile never before achieved by a spoon.
The lifelike inner core flawlessly resembles a baitfish, while the outer clear exo-skin creates the spoon profile necessary for its action. These unique spoons can be fished in a variety of ways. Lift and drop to create a fluttering action on the fall or snap the rod tip on the retrieve to impart a twitching action.
The Flutter Sardine features a feathered saltwater-grade treble hook and is perfect for inshore jigging for various saltwater species.
Best of Category: Freshwater Reel
Product: Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reel
Description: Built upon Shimano’s well-received SLX platform, the Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reels implement a one-of-a-kind digitally controlled braking system to put trouble free casting in the hands of more anglers than ever before.
The SLX DC features the same compact palmable design and rigid frame as the original SLX, and is equipped with Shimano’s I-DC4 Digital Control Braking system. This braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed and apply the precise brake necessary to slow the spool and prevent backlash adequately.
Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate the ability to focus more on fishing and less on thumbing their spool to avoid tangles that can put their equipment out of commission. Anglers will find DC braking especially beneficial in tough casting conditions such as heavy winds or when skipping baits under docks and overhanging structures.
Whether you’re a novice baitcaster user looking for a more forgiving experience, or a seasoned veteran looking for the ultimate cast control, the SLX DC is here to make trouble-free casting in any conditions a reality.
Best of Category: Freshwater Rod
Product: St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass Cranking Rods
Description: St Croix Freshwater Mojo Glass Casting Rods are bass rods made for superior performance.
- Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology
- 100% linear S-Glass
- Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong, aluminum-oxide rings with black frames
- Fuji TCS reel seat with black hood
- Split-grip/premium grade cork handle
- Exclusive Kigan hook-keeper
- Two coats of Flex coat slow-cure finish
Best of Category: Freshwater Soft Lure
Product: Lunkerhunt Phantom Spider
Description: Taking realism to a whole new level, the Lunkerhunt Hollow Body Phantom Spider looks as good as it fishes. Featuring a hollow-body weedless design similar to a hollow-body frog, the Lunkerhunt Hollow Body Phantom Spider is equipped with walking legs that glide and twitch as the bait is worked across the surface.
It also features a self-righting ballast in its sternum to ensure a consistent natural action that sits upright every time.
Best of Category: Freshwater Hard Lure
Product: LiveTarget Erratic Shiner
Description: The first anatomically accurate spoon of its kind, the LIVETARGET Erratic Shiner Casting Spoon marks the first true innovation in spoon technology. Utilizing LIVETARGET’s Injected Core Technology, these lures feature a lifelike inner core that flawlessly resembles a fleeing baitfish. The outer layer of durable clear material gives the lure an erratic, wide-wobbling action that brings the inner profile to life. The Erratic Shiner is a do-it-all freshwater bait for all types of predatory game fish, perfect for making long casts or trolling. Available in various colors, the Erratic Shiner will match the hatch wherever it goes.
Best of Category: Fishing Line
Product: PowerPro Slick V2 Braided Line – Moonshine
Description: PowerPro Super Slick V2 Braided Line has been redesigned to bring on a new level of toughness. This line features a “smooth as silk” surface. The smooth surface means reduced line friction on the spool and through the rod guides, which allows this Power Pro line to cast like a bullet.
It’s made with dense weave, 8-end construction with proven EBT coating process. This line also features added abrasion toughness. This provides the strength and power for this line to rip through the heaviest cover with the same force as traditional 4-end braids.
Best of Category: Tackle Management
Product: Plano Edge Professional
Description: Not just advancing tackle storage, but pushing it to the EDGE, the Plano EDGE Professional 3600 STD is the greatest tackle storage solution ever to hit the market.
Better in every possible way, the Plano EDGE Professional 3600 STD features Rustrictor rust preventative technology molded into the base and a Dri-Loc watertight seal that keeps your tackle in pristine condition.
It also features a crystal clear lid design for quick identification of contents and an oversized latch that allows for easy one-handed open operation.
Best of Category: Boats and Watercraft
Product: Hobie Mirage 360 Angler
Description: Truly the Ultimate Fishing Machine. The 2020 Pro Angler 14 with the MirageDrive 360 and Kick-Up Fins delivers power in every direction for unprecedented maneuverability and control. Staying on top of the fish has never been easier. Available Fall 2019.
Everything elite anglers are looking for in a fishing kayak – total control, power, stability, performance, stealth, comfort and feature-rich. Its wide, rock-solid standing platform comes decked out with noise-reducing EVA traction pads. Explore wherever you want to go with the all-new Kick-Up fins that automatically retract upon impact.
Ultra-comfortable, adjustable Vantage ST seat, dual steering, Guardian Retractable Transducer Shield and an extra-wide beam allow for long days on the water. Mount your rod holders and electronics on the 12-sided Hobie H-Rail bars.
Best of Category: Eyewear
Product: Costa Del Mar – Waterwoman
Description: Dedicated to the woman with an active, water-based lifestyle, the Waterwoman is a narrow-fitting, large frame with beautifully angled temples, polarized lenses and seamlessly integrated Hydrolite accents. The adventurous design and performance features are elegant and strong, like the women who rock them!
Best of Category: Footwear
Product: Frogg Toggs Skipper
Description: The Skipper is constructed with premium water drainage technology featuring a quick-drying air mesh, breathable uppers “hold tight” elastic lacing system.
With color options in mossy green or black, this high-performing shoe contains cushioned midsoles with water expulsion release holes and lightweight outsoles featuring strategic slip grip rubber inserts.
Best of Category: Cutlery
Product: BUBBA 110V Electric Fillet Knife
Description: Ideal for small, medium and large fish, the Bubba 110V Electric Fillet Knife is perfect for any fisherman. With a dual-rivet blade design and ergonomic trigger with guard, this non-slip knife ensures a smooth, safe cut with quiet operation and easy clean up.
The 8-foot power cord provides plenty of length to operate comfortably, and the entire kit is stored away in the Premium EVA Zippered Storage Case.
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