Business & Pleasure
Trade show gives fishing community look at future
by Matt Williams
Outdoors Writer
The Orange County Convention Center transformed into global tackle box last week as more than 7,200 representatives worldwide from fishing community converged on Orlando, Fla., to attend the 52nd annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) Show.
Sanctioned by the American Sportfishing Association, ICAST is the world's largest tackle show that invariably shapes the way consumers buy the following year. This year's event --- a sellout despite the sluggish economy -- saw hundreds of lure, rod, apparel and accessory companies set up exhibit booths to showcase their newest wares for more than 2,200 buyers and over 500 media representatives.
ICAST's flagship event is the New Product Showcase. Participating vendors can enter everything from high tech fishing reels to kids' tackle in a variety of categories to see how their goods stack up against the competition.
Media representatives and buyers evaluate the entries based on levels of workmanship, innovation, execution and practicality, then cast votes to determine winners in each category.
All total, 208 companies entered about 600 products in ICAST 2009 New Product Showcase, but only a handful grabbed ribbons in the 17 "Best of Show" categories.
Perhaps the biggest surprise unveiled this year is the Mirage Pro Angler, a 13-foot, 8-inch long kayak from Hobie Cat that won the "Overall Best of Show" and "Marine Best of Show" crowns.
Designed for use in fresh or saltwater for fishing or duck hunting applications, the vessel is built around Hobie Cat's innovative MirageDrive turbo fin propulsion system. The pedal-driven system operates using two large blades that sweep opposite directions as you pedal along.
The pedal drive keeps your hands free for fishing or shooting, and allows you to navigate effortlessly and quietly. The propulsion system is easily removed for storage and can be adjusted to fit a wide-sized range of pedalers.
The kayak is 38-inches across at the widest point, weighs 138 pounds when fully rigged and has a carrying capacity of 600 pounds. It comes with a long list of cool features that include an ergonomically designed cool ride seat, retractable rudder, two vertical rod holders, a large storage hatch, work area/cutting board, tackle storage compartments, tackle boxes, grab rails, ruler, drink holder, dry bag and much more.
The company lists a number of options that include a livewell, anchor trolly, towing cart, stake-out pole and fish finder. It is available in three colors: olive green, dune and yellow. It retails for about $2,200. To learn more, www.hobiecat.com
Other ICAST 2009 Best of Show category winners are as follows:
• Best Soft Lure
Seblie Magic Swimmer Soft: The soft plastic version of Sebile's Magic Swimmer Swimbait is designed so it can be rigged weedless. The action-packed bait comes with a tungsten weighting system and will be available in two sizes and a half dozen colors. www.sebileusa.com.
• Best Tackle Management
Plano Liqui-Bait Locker System: A clear plastic storage box that allows you to see what you are looking for before cracking the lid. The box is airtight and leak-proof to prevent water from seeping in. www.planomolding.com.
• Best Freshwater Reel
Shimano Stradic CI4: Designed for finesse fishing applications, the spinning reel will be available in two sizes, both of which will feature a 6.0:1 ratio. The frame and sideplate are constructed of lightweight carbon fiber material to reduce weight and enhance durability. www.fish.shimano.com.
• Best Apparel
Cablz: A high quality eyewear retention system designed to stay off your neck, not absorb moisture or catch on clothing. Made with surgical grade steel cable and industrial strength rubber. www.cablzeyewear.com.
• Best Giftwear
MasterVision Mini Lantern: A super bright L.E.D. magnetic lantern that will burn for 10 hours on three AA batteries. www.mastervisionlight.com.
• Best Fishing Accessory
DuraSafe Codeable Locks: An innovative family of locks that are designed to learn your vehicle key, eliminating the need for multiple keys for different padlocks, receiver hitch locks, prop locks, spare tire locks, etc. DuraSafe says the locks are compatible with 88 percent of light trucks and over 70 percent of all Ford, GM and Chysler/Dodge vehicles. www.durasafelocks.com.
• Best Kids Outfit
Ross Reels Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit: A good entry fly fishing kit that includes a pre-spooled reel, Journey Series fly rod, handy carrying case and an instructional DVD. www.ross-reels.com
• Best Line
Berkley Trilene TransOptic: A nylon monofilament that captures UV rays to turn the line hi-vis gold above the surface while remaining transparent below the surface. Berkley says the line is extremely abrasion resistant and has superior knot strength. Available in 4 to 25 pound test sizes. www.berkley-fishing.com.
• Best Eyewear
Costa Del Mar Zane Series: The premium shades feature Hydrolite nose pads that won't slip and frame vents to help reduce fogging. The integral hinges provide a comfortable fit on just about any face shape. www.costadelmar.com
• Best Hard Lure
Sebile Spin Shad: A vibrating lipless lure that features a bismuth body, a killer finish and tail spinner. It will be available in two sizes, 1 3/8 and 5/8 ounce. www.sebileusa.com.
• Best Saltwater Reel
Daiwa Saltist Lever Drag: The premium-grade saltwater reel will be available in single- and two-speed models. The reels feature six corrosion resistant bearings, stainless gears, a carbon drag system and a speed grip handle. www.daiwa.com.
• Best Terminal Tackle
Better Bait Systems Circle Hook Rig: The tournament legal rig simplifies rigging dead bait like ballyhoo and is ready for rigging right out of the package. www.betterbaitsytems.com.
• Best Electronics
Lowrance HDS-10: A fish finder/GPS chartplotter that displays crystal clear imagery on 10.4 inch high definition screen. Comes preloaded with Insight USA cartography, which provides detailed inland and coastal coverage. Fully compatible with all Navionics chart cards. www.lowrance.com
• Best Freshwater Rods
USA Custom Rods Camo Stix: Designer nuts might like signature statement of these camo wrapped fishing rods. The rods are built around American made multi-modulus blanks using premium components. Available in assorted lengths in Mossy Oak Duck Blind, Pink and Mossy Oak Break Up patterns. www.usacustomrods.com.
• Best Saltwater Rod
G. Loomis Pro Green 882S: The medium action, 7-foot-4-inch rod offers the perfect combination of traits for targeting inshore reds and specks using assorted artificals. www.gloomis.com.
• Best Combo
Pflueger Arbor Combo: The high quality spinning outfit is designed for fishing fluorocarbon or braided lines. It features a large arbor spool reel that sets up nicely with an IM-8 graphite rod that is outfitted with oversized guides to keep the line feeding freely. Available in two models. www.pfleugerfishing.com.
n Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwilliams@netdot.com.
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