The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on just about every aspect of our daily lives, and fishing has not been immune. ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show, transitioned from an Orlando-based, in-person show to a virtual event with ICAST 2020 Online. This meant that where in a normal year a group of Fisherman staffers make their way to Florida in the middle of July, this year we “attended” remotely via virtual meetings and presentations held on our respective laptops. It was a different experience for both presenters and attendees alike.
That said, each year there are things that jump out at me. Sometimes it’s a theme in new products, other times it’s a catch phrase that everyone is using, and this year it was the latter. Quite often you’ll hear companies add a phrase like “game changer” when speaking of their latest and greatest. And why not? This immediately instills interest in the product about to be shown if for no other reason than to see what all the hype is about and whether or not it’s justified. Well, this year’s buzz phrase that I kept picking up on was “super excited” or some variance of. It seemed that every product, even from companies which debuted a long list of great new stuff, got their guys and girls super excited, and I kept hearing this said over and over again. Now don’t get me wrong, I am in no way saying this is a bad thing as who wouldn’t be excited to present their new wares. But I often wonder if it’s just strange coincidence that companies latch onto a given saying or if there is some sort of cosmic power at work; the commonality across the board can be rather eerie at times.
So what of those exciting new products? Well, several product partners here at The Fisherman Magazine (virtually) walked away with some new office hardware in the form of both the ‘Best of Category’ as well as the highly-coveted ‘Best of Show’ award. Four hundred thirty four new products were entered in the competition, by more than 180 companies in the ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase, with online voters made up of retailers and media members selecting favorite products among 30 different entry categories. One of those 30 category winners – the Old Town Sportsman Series Autopilot kayak – was ultimately awarded the coveted Best of Show trophy on the final day of ICAST. Best of all, the Old Town Sportsman Series Autopilot 136 kayak is also the top prize in The Fisherman’s Coastal Kayak Clash in 2020. Yes, that’s right, we’re giving away the best of the best from this year’s ICAST 2020 in our first-ever subscriber-only kayak fishing tournament! (Visit www.theFisherman.com for complete rules and details on the tournament.)
But it wasn’t just our friends at Old Town who were acknowledged for their exciting new products, here are a few others that are worth checking out in the coming weeks and months as they begin to hit tackle shop shelves, if they haven’t already done so.
Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Minn Kota Raptor Shallow Water Anchor
Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc. Ferg
Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Women – Simms Fishing Products Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib
Best of Category – Electronics – Humminbird CoastMaster Charts
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Plano Synergy Frabill Floating Trout nets
Best of Category – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy Plano EDGE FLEX
Best of Category – Ice Fishing – Rapala STRIKEMASTER LITHIUM 24V
Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc. SP-Orca 150 Flash Boost
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – Pure Fishing, Inc. Hardy Zane Pro
Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls Mojo Inshore JIC79XHMF
Best of Category – Fly Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc. Hardy Ultradisc UDLA Reel
Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc. Vanford 2500 Spinning Reel (VF2500HGF)
Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc. PENN Battle III Reels
To learn more about these and other great products released at ICAST 2020, stay tuned to The Fisherman and TheFisherman.com for in-depth product reviews.
