Reps unleash swarm of new gear at world's largest tackle show
Las Vegas might sound like a weird place for a bunch of fishermen to get together to talk about fishing. But when it comes to cutting business deals, Sin City, for some reason, ranks among the best places on the planet to roll the dice and get 'er done.
It was business as usual at the Las Vegas Convention Center earlier this month as the American Sport Fishing Association rolled out the red carpet for its flagship event, ICAST 2011.
ICAST stands for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. It is the world's largest tackle show.
This year's event brought together nearly 7,000 representatives of the sportfishing industry and hundreds of vendors, who showcased their newest innovations in fishing gear and accessories to prospective buyers and members of the outdoor media.
One of the highlights of ICAST is the annual new-product showcase -- a friendly competition where registered buyers and media cast votes to determine the best new products in a variety of categories. Here are few of the winners from the ICAST 2011 New Product Showcase:
* Overall Best of Show: Berkley Nanofil Fishing Line
Nanofil is a gel-spun polyethylene fishing line made using hundreds of Dyneema nanofilaments to maximize strength and promote longer, smoother casts. Designed for use with spinning reels, the line is said to have zero memory and superb sensitivity. It is available in eight test strengths, ranging from one to 12 pounds. Berkley recommends using a double palomar knot for maximum strength. Berkley-Fishing.com
* Best Boating Accessory: Power Pole Blade
Power Pole's newest addition to its shallow-water anchor family features a lighter, thinner, more aerodynamic design than the original version, made popular several years ago. The Signature Series Blade Edition is equipped with an EverFlex spike that locks into position when stowed and it is capable of anchoring the boat in water as deep as 10 feet when deployed. Power Pole also reworked the mechanics to include a new brushless motor and a high-flow hydraulic pump system powered by a wireless dash switch and remote control that allows the unit to be operated at fast, medium and slow speed settings. Available in black, white, blue or red with a five-layer powder coat finish. PowerPole.com.
* Best Electronic: Humminbird 1158c DI Combo
The 1158c DI Combo the kingpin in Humminbird's new lineup of electronics offering high-detail down imaging views of stuff beneath the boat and 2D sonar in the same package. It has a 10.4-inch color display, GPS chartplotting capabilities, Ethernet networking, NMEA 2000 capability and new waypoint managing software. Humminbird.com.
* Best Terminal Tackle: VMC Spinshot Drop Shot Hook
Drop shotting is a finesse tactic becoming increasingly popular with bass anglers. Here is a new hook from VMC to help simplify rigging, eliminate line twist associated with the traditional rigging method and enhance lure presentation. The eye of the hook is built around a swiveling wire with line ties at both ends. This allows free free rotation of the hook with any soft plastic. Available in six sizes: 1/0, No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 6 and No. 8. VMChooks.com.
* Best Saltwater Reel: Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Reel
Daiwa's newly designed spinning reel comes packed with some cool features that a hardcore saltwater angler can appreciate. For starters, Daiwa incorporated a magnetic sealing process using magnetic oil to prevent saltwater, dust and other nasty junk from penetrating the rotor bearing and reel body. They also revamped the rotor using corrosion-proof Zaion carbon to eliminate stress points and reduce weight. The reel has a dual, full-time infinite anti-reverse, a smooth 14-ball-bearing drive, including four CRBB corrosion-resistant ball bearings, digitally designed gearing and a manual bail trip for reliability. It is available in five sizes. Daiwa.com.
* Best Soft Lure: Koppers Hollow Body Field Mouse
Like its award-winning hollow-body frog, Koppers' new live-target field mouse is designed so well that it could easily be mistaken for the real McCoy. The bait is fitted with a heavy-duty double hook and cops a tail down, nose up stance in the water to help it come through thick cover well. It is available in four colors and two sizes, 3 inch (5/8 ounce) and 3 1/2 inch (3/4 ounce). LiveTargetLures.com.
*Best Tackle Management: Plano Hydro-Flo Bag
Keeping baits, hooks and other expensive gear dry and organized is the name of the game with the new Plano Hydro-Flo tackle bag. The foundation for the hydro-flo system is a raised, impact-resistant base and floor, which are designed to allow water to pass right through instead of collecting inside. Rubber feet at each corner help prevent the bag from sliding around when underway. The roomy bag comes with seven storage boxes and has a series of zippered compartments for storing loose items. There is even an expandable elastic pocket and two straps on the exterior for securing rain gear or a lifejacket. PlanoMolding.com.
*Best in Boating: Hobie Mirage Revolution 11
Whether you are a fan of secluded riparian retreats or a serious pond hopper, Hobie's new kayak lets you access those hard-to-get places with ease and unequalled style. Measuring 11 1/2 feet and weighing only 47 pounds, the Mirage Revolution 11 is a prime example of a big boat in a small package. Standard features include Hobie's Mirage Drive, a super slick peddling/flipper system that allows you to easily maneuver the boat and fish at the same time. The boat also has an oversized forward hatch, a pair of twist-and-seal hatches, two-piece paddle, on-deck receptacle, padded seat back with lumbar support, carrying grips and a gear bucket. HobieCat.com.
Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwilliams@netdot.com.
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