ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2024 ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) Show went down in Orlando a little over a week ago, and at that event, most of the manufacturers in the sportfishing industry unveil their newest products, much of which won’t be available to the public until late this year if not 2025. It’s overwhelming to say the least, but WON is always on the spot and willing to whittle it down to some of the best products to highlight for readers, and even that’s just scratching the surface.
Berkley fattens up the trout arsenal
When Western Outdoor News boots hit the ground at ICAST, it was evident how much attention the new trout baits from Berkley were getting. A new smaller sized Berkley Mice Tail stood out as a bait that could be a solution to several issues such as trout not “committing” to suckin’ down a whole Mice Tail (or short biting), or fish under a lot of angler pressure resulting in a slow bite.
There’s an all-new Berkley PowerBait Trilobite which is a 1.5-inch creature bait (has strong buggy vibes) that’s going to be a killer either split-shotted, drop-shotted or fished on a tiny leadhead. The new Gulp! Stonefly will also be available as another option for filling that role. Trout anglers are also going to want to keep an eye out for the Berkley PowerBait Minnotator. It looks like something intended for walleye or bass, but with sizes including 2-, 2.5-, 3- and 3.5-inch, WON staffers immediately said the realistic-looking Minnotator looks perfect for targeting Eastern Sierra brown trout. There’s also a PowerBait Honey Worm worth grabbing for Sierra and SoCal trout fishing. It’s essentially a PowerBait mealworm that’s going to be a producer either fished by itself or tipped on a minijig.
Wayne Hendrix is one of the primary distributors of trout tackle to shops all across the Sierra, and he spent a lot of time in this area of the Berkley booth at ICAST. He’ll be the one distributing this stuff, as well as an exclusive PowerBait color that he basically commissioned Berkley to produce (garlic Strawberry Limeade), so look for that in your favorite Sierra tackle shops next season.
Ugly Stiks get more upgrades at no extra cost
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik new-and-improved GX2 spinning rod won the Freshwater Rod category in the ICAST New Product Showcase, and a $50 rod scoring that honor is saying something. A new proprietary guide coating delivers longer casts and improved performance, durability and sensitivity for the best-selling rod in history. There were two things that were not changed: the price tag and the 10-year warranty.
Gamakatsu continues to find ways to innovate
“Gama” always hits ICAST with a long-list of new products tasking WON staffers with extracting which products would be of the most interest to its readership. One is the G-Finesse Stinger Drop-Shot hook developed with California-based pro basser, Brent Ehrler. It features ultra-sharp, thin and strong wire and a welded-wire keeper that holds plastics in place. Gama also dropped the Worm 34R Hyrdoll designed by Japanese angler Takeru Tomimoto. This narrow-gap worm hook features an integrated swivel to reduce line twist and improve fishing around heavy cover. That swivel can also be partially embedded in the tip of plastic baits for added weight without sinkers making it ideal for scat and Fluke-style baits.
New addition to Sea Eagle’s FishSUP armada
The FishSUP 1210 from Sea Eagle is just under 13 feet long and is built with Fusion Drop Stitch technology with two air chambers for safety and stability. Able to take a 3hp motor and a trolling motor on the bow, the FishSUP 1210 has 7 mounts for Scotty fishing accessories, and the whole rig can handle up to 550 total pounds while weighing just 45 pounds and packing into its own backpack. A pair of side pontoons can be added for additional safety and a higher seating position, and other optional packages include rolling wheels and a casting bar.
Plano beefs up popular line
No one touches Plano when it comes to storage solutions, and perhaps the greatest testament to that is currently, 4 out of 5 tackle boxes out there are Plano. The Weekend Series is one of Plano’s long-running families of tackle bags that get better with each passing year yet remain affordable for any level of angler. The 2024 Plano Weekend Tackle Bag has a solid, molded base that creates a waterproof and durable foundation. The large main compartment offers quick access to up to four 3700 Stowaway boxes, and die cut tool sleeves keep things in place during transport and easy retrieval when they’re needed. Quick access pockets offer more convenience, a daisy chain feature further expands storage options, and the new blue color is really cool.
Abu Garcia maxes out Max spinners
The Max line of spinning reels stands as the best-selling spinning reels in America due to Abu Garcia’s ability to deliver top-shelf performance in a reel that can be had for under a hundred bucks. This latest installment of Abu Garcia Max Elite reels feature an asymmetric body insprired by Abu’s Zenon and Revo series, a compact and light C6 carbon frame, CNC machine gearing and an ultra-smooth 9+1 stainless bearing package.
FFS-specific braid launched by Berkley
Within a year of deploying the first set of forward-facing-sonar-optimized lures, Berkley unveiled Berkley Forward Braid at ICAST 2024. Purpose built for FFS utilizers, Forward sports a proprietary longitudinal construction allowing longer casts, and smaller diameters allowing quicker sink rates for finesse applications. It’s very “slick” line without that braid feel, it flies off the reel, and it’s properties will also make it a popular choice for non FFS anglers just looking for a finesse braid that sinks fast and handles well. Berkley’s FFS-optimized Krej lure took top honors for Best Freshwater Hard Bait in the New Product Showcase.
Daiwa hits on all categories
Touching on everything that Daiwa unleashed on ICAST 2024 would be impossible, so it might be best to do so in quick-hitter fashion. Keep an eye out for the Tatula 100 and 100su reel with a bunch of new features as well as new Kage LT reels. The Tatula SU 100 features the SU spool, hyperdrive and features maximizing casting distance and minimizing backlash. There is also a new J4 Mainline from Daiwa and X-Braid Finesse that scales down to 4-pound to look forward to, and the new Ardito Travel Rod that’s telescopic and fits in an anglers back pocket when broken down.
Well thought-out Pro Series Bib/Jacket highlights Huk
WON took a top-to-bottom inside-and-out tour of Huk’s premium Pro Series Bib and Jacket combo that’s expertly engineered to shrug off the harshest foul weather conditions. One of the most critical aspects of the Pro Series Bib and Jacket is the superior waterproofing and breathability. With a 20K waterproof rating, the bib and jacket can withstand heavy rain and intense moisture, keeping anglers dry in torrential downpours. The 15K breathability rating ensures that moisture from perspiration can escape, preventing the buildup of sweat and maintaining comfort during high-intensity activities. This suit was impressive at every turn, and any angler who fishes in wind and rain owes it to himself to check out the laundry list of features this product packs in.