Best New Sportfishing Products From iCast 2015

More than 12,000 representatives from the global sportfishing industry converged on Orlando, Florida recently for the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. Coming out of the four-day event were the winners of the highly coveted New Product Showcase Awards. This year, 270 companies submitted close to 900 products all vying for the “best of show” award in 24 different categories.

Taking the honors for the overall best of show was Eddyline Kayaks with their YakAttack model. “We are still a family-owned company, after 44 years,” sales manager Tom Remsing said in a press release. “With limited resources and a lot of drive, our staff worked very hard to bring this product to fruition. It’s an honor to win the Best of Show.”

In case you missed it, here is a rundown of the winners for the best new products of 2015:

iCast Trade Show

Overall Best of Show

Eddyline Kayaks
C-135 YakAttack Edition
MSRP: $2599

This versatile YakAttack Edition kayak is designed for the hardcore fisherman with a customized lightweight design and comfortable seating. The kayaks patented GearTrac allows the user to easily add a variety of aftermarket accessories.
Freshwater Rod

G. Loomis, Inc.
E6X Bass
MSRP: $179

The E6X Bass rod caught the attention of the judges in the freshwater rod category. Made by G. Loomis, the rod boasts a lightweight design that’s easy to cast. The rod reportedly transmits vibration rather than absorbing it, giving the user a profound advantage.
Saltwater Rod

St. Croix Rods
Avid Inshore
$210-270

The St. Croix line of Avid Inshore rods stands out as a rod that reverts to past success. No need to ruin a good thing. That’s the motto at St. Croix where time-tested design is respected. With graphic rods and stainless steel handles, the rods stand up well to saltwater conditions.
Fly Fishing Rod

St. Croix Rods
Mojo Bass Fly
MSRP: $110-$130

For a high-performance value-priced freshwater rod, the judges again chose a product by St. Croix in its Mojo Bass Fly fishing rod.
Combo

Lew’s Fishing Tackle
Mach 1 Combo
MSRP: $149

This baitcast combo by Lew’s Fishing Tackle delivered the best performance in the category for its quality and affordable price. It features a 10-bearing speed spool and dual cast control braking system.
Freshwater Reel

Shimano American Corporation
STRADIC C3000HG-K
MSRP: $199

Building on its longstanding tradition of quality fishing reels, this year’s “best of show” in freshwater reel went to Shimano’s Stradic C3000 line. Incredibly strong and super smooth, this Shimano builds on generations of fishing knowledge.
Fly Reel

Pure Fishing, Inc.
New Pflueger Medalist Fly Reel
MSRP: $119-$139

With the Medalist Fly Reel, Pfeuger is relaunching one of America’s most iconic fly reels. Redesigned with full machined aluminum and multi-position click and pawl system, this reel is a modern twist on a classic design.
Saltwater Reel

Pure Fishing, Inc.
PENN Clash
MSRP: $179-$259

A long-time fishing tackle manufacturer, the PENN Clash features everything you would expect from a quality producer. The gear train in this saltwater reel offers more durability and longer lasting with nine sealed bearings and a full metal body.
Hard Lure

Savage Gear
Hard Shrimp
MSRP: $6

Savage Gear set out to make one of the most realistic shrimp lures in its hard shrimp design. Utilizing 3D imagery, these lures might even perform better than the real thing.
Soft Lure

Koppers Fishing
LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish
MSRP: $12

The LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish offers the perfect lure for bass fishing on a slope. With a steady twitch and a trail of bubbling attraction, this lure is irresistible to a hungry bass.
Line

PowerPro
Maxcuatro

With 25 percent thinner than its existing PowerPro lines, the Maxcuatro line caught the judges attention this year for its strength and improved casting distance. Its advanced 4-carrier braid utilizes the latest technology.
Tackle Management

Eposeidon Outdoor Adventures
KastKing Rack ‘em Up Rod Racks
MSRP: $76

This super light and rust resistant fishing rod rack offers easy assembly and a lightweight design. The largest model holds 24 rods.
Footwear

Simms Fishing Products
Currents Shoes

The latest active footwear from Simms features a lightweight design with elastic laces that are perfect for th boat or around the water. But they aren’t due out until October.
Terminal Tackle

Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle
Lazer Sharp Fillet Knife
MSRP: $17

This 8.5 inch bladed knife has a white rubber grip handle and protective sheath. It’s also equipped with a lanyard and a built-in sharpener for getting the smoothest, most efficient cuts on your recent catch.
Giftware

YOLOtek
PowerStick
MSRP: $49

The PowerSTick by YOLOtek is the selfie-stick to end all selfi-sticks. Equipped to power devices through a USB port and fasten into the navigation light port on any boat, this is the perfect accessory for any self-documenting adventure.
Technical Apparel

Lifeshirt
Aegis Lifeshirt

The Aegis Lifeshirt debuted its lifeshirt at the iCast this year to much highly anticipated fanfare. Billed as the next step in life jacket technology, the lifeshirt is an inflatable life jacket-type device that offers comfort and reliability.
Fly Fishing Accessory

Simms Fishing Products
G3 Guide Stockingfoot
MSRP: $499

With 25 percent more breathable GORE-TEX fabric, Simms G3 wader has been revamped with convenience and comfort. Equipped with reach-through warming pockets and a micro-fleece lining, these waders will keep you high and dry.
Lifestyle Apparel

Under Armour, Inc.
UA Storm Covert Pant
MSRP: $89

Water-resistant, light and extremely durable, these camo pants caught the judges attention.
Fishing Accessory

RinseKit
MSRP: $89

This portable pressurized shower by Rinsekit is like having a garden hose in the field. You can use to clean your fish or yourself in an outdoor environment.
Eyewear

Costa
Rooster
MSRP: $249

These durable sunglasses have side-cupped frames to help you fight off the sun’s glare and peer into the water with 100 percent polarized and UV light blockage.
Boating Accessories

YETI Coolers
YETI Hopper 20
MSRP: $299

When it comes to holding ice, the YETI Hopper 20 took the prize. It’s a portable soft-sided design can keep things cold for days.
Electronics

Johnson Outdoors
Humminbird HELIX 7 SI
MSRP: $699

The HELIX 7 Series is the latest addition to the HELIX family of compact fishfinders, featuring a best-in-class, widescreen color display and powerful, professional-grade features.