I’ll always remember the exhilaration of childhood Christmas mornings. While that capacity for delight diminishes over the years, I still feel that flash of adrenaline when I enter the annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) fishing-tackle show each July.
All Sport Fishing editors attend this trade-only event, and we report on it online with galleries and videos from the site, Orlando, Florida’s Orange County Convention Center. But before all that happens (July 11-14), we want to give you a sneak peek of the tackle, gear, paddle craft, electronics and accessories that we’ll see. As you read about these 22 soon-to-be-released items, we hope you experience a little of that youthful anticipation.
What’s Hot: International VI Reels
The Buzz: After nearly 15 years, the Penn International V big-game reel gets a makeover. The new International VI reels are American-made, with domestic and imported components. The new series of 28 models — including gold, silver, single- and two-speed, wide and extreme — features many upgrades; the reels are also lighter and quieter, with a more refined and adjustable Dura-Drag system. The reels come with machined, anodized-aluminum bodies and side plates, stainless-steel main and pinion gears, a Quick-Shift II two-speed system (select models), and more.
MSRP: $499.95 to $1,299.95
Available: September
What’s Hot: SpinDrift Boat Shoes
The Buzz: To perform their best, anglers need proper footwear. Xtratuf says its new SpinDrift provides all-day comfort in an athletic silhouette. The molded-TPU cage and heel provide lateral stability, and the perforated, molded-EVA insole, paired with a drainage outsole, offers comfort and performance. SpinDrift also comes with Xtratuf’s nonmarking, slip-resistant chevron outsole. The shoes are available in men’s sizes 7 to 14, in black, white and blue. Women’s sizes range from 5 to 11, in blue, coral and sea foam.
MSRP: $100
Available: February 2018
What’s Hot: Ocea Plugger Full Throttle Spinning Rods
The Buzz: Offered in three lengths and strengths, Shimano’s Ocea Plugger Full Throttle spinning rods combine the company’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The 8-foot-2-inch medium-heavy-power and 8-foot-3-inch and 8-foot-8-inch heavy-power models were designed to throw pencil baits and poppers to pelagics. All two-piece models, the rods feature Fuji tangle-free silicon carbide K-series guides.
MSRP: $599.99
Available: August
What’s Hot: Telescoping Nets
The Buzz: Cuda’s new line of nets includes a dip net and three telescoping coated-mesh nets in small, medium and large sizes. The bait net features an aluminum shaft with a stainless-steel frame and a 51⁄2-inch-deep mesh bag; it measures 29 inches long. All four models feature corded nonslip grips and a replaceable net system. Unzip the water-resistant zipper to change the mesh. The small, medium and large nets are made of aluminum and range from 43⁄4 feet to a fully extended length of 73⁄4 feet, with varying net depths.
MSRP: $29.99 to $99.99
Available: August
What’s Hot: Eclipse Gloves
The Buzz: Buff’s Eclipse gloves feature advanced grip technology that’s designed to perform well in salt or fresh water. The gloves are quick-drying and breathable; Buff says they deliver unsurpassed durability and eliminate chafing with palm wrapping and bonded stretch hems. Made with antimicrobial fabric, the three-quarter-length fingers provide UPF 50 sun protection while leaving the fingertips free.
MSRP: $35 per pair
Available: Spring 2018
What’s Hot: 360GT Coastal Trick Tail
The Buzz: Storm’s 360GT Coastal Trick Tail glides and changes directions like a fleeing baitfish when rigged with an accompanying VMC weighted swimbait hook. When paused, the bait’s entire body rocks and its tail wiggles on the descent. Remove the bait’s “tail webbing” for a more exaggerated wiggle on the fall. The Trick Tail also comes with a solid VMC jig head, an alternate rigging opportunity. The bait measures 5 inches long and is available in 18 color patterns. Each package includes one pre-rigged bait and three extra bodies.
MSRP: $4.99
Available: July
What’s Hot: Solar Allover Billfish Shirt
The Buzz: The long-sleeve tee is made from a soft, microfiber-spandex-blend fabric that wears like a second skin to protect against chaffing like a rash guard. The blue billfish design is dye-sublimated to maintain the shirt’s technical features, which include SPF 40-plus sun protection and quick-drying properties. The vented armpit mesh keeps air flowing to the torso. Available in sizes XS to 2XL, the shirt features flat-lock construction.
MSRP: $45
Available: Mid-July
What’s Hot: Tesoro Star-Drag Reels
The Buzz: Okuma’s new Tesoro star-drag reels will be released in two sizes — 10 and 12 — this fall, with a third coming next year. The fully forged, machine-cut aluminum reels were designed to offer power in…
