ICAST 2018: A First Look
ICAST is the greatest sportfishing industry event in the world. There is a lot to take in and it can be overwhelming.
We thought this year’s ICAST first look preview was innovative with a lot of diversity in game fishing tackle. Eager to showcase their newest selection, vendors did not disappoint us. In fact, here are our top ten picks, with an honorable mention.
1. Shimano Curado DC Baitcasting Reel
A game changer, the Shimano Curado DC Baitcasting Reel lets you say goodbye to backlashes. Featuring a braking system that utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed, the Curado DC applies the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and optimize distance.
2. LIVETARGET Hollow Body Crawfish
Natural looking, this hollow body craw delivers lively action with claws and a skirt designed to get down to where deep water smallmouth are. It has a softbody that fish can hold on to, plus an ultra-realistic profile bristles with three-dimensional anatomy.
3. Googan Baits Drag-N-Drop Freshwater Soft Lure
A new dropshot plastic from YouTube’s Googan Squad, the Drag-N-Drop is a finesse lure that’s infused with their “secret” Slaunch Sauce scent. Extremely soft and salty, this lure recreates the movements of an injured bait fish.
4. Rapala Ripstop 12
A hard-stopping jerkbait with a unique rear tail lip, the Rapala Ripstop is like putting a parachute on the back of a hard bait. It brings the lure to a halt. A new heavier design makes this lure very baitcaster friendly.
5. Diawa J-Braid Grand Line
Abrasion-resistant, the J-Braid is ultra-smooth at a killer price. Made in Japan, this line delivers increased functionality, breakage strength and knot strength. It comes in three different color schemes.
6. 13 Fishing Fate Chrome Rod & Reel Combo
Lightweight, the 13 Fishing Fate Chrome Rod & Reel Combo has soft-touch seamless reel seats that transmit un-matched communication through the blank. The high-density EVA split grip handles reduce weight while enabling precision balance. Overall, a good finesse rod at a solid price.
7. Missile Baits Bomb Shot Freshwater Soft Lure
A bomb D shaped plastic with lots of action in a great color selection, the Bomb Shot will not stop shimmying or quivering. The solid head allows for nose-hooking, or a Texas rig on a drop-shot.
8. Strike King KVD 1.5 Deep Hard Lure
A proven squarebill crankbait design, the Strike King KVD 1.5 Deep Hard Lure just got better. With a new deep diving version, this hard lure dives up to nine feet. In short, it opens up new water to bass anglers.
9. 13 Fishing Concept Z3 Freshwater Reel
Super light, the Z3 is a big fish reel with a vamped up drag system. It boasts an incredible 30 pounds of drag. Featuring CZB polymer technology, this reel delivers effortless distance.
10. VMC Neko Skirt
The VMC Neko Skirt combines a two-part skirt with live rubber and silicone material that creates a new unique action underwater. This takes a deadly finesse technique and makes it even deadlier.
An Honorable Mention
Savage Gear 3D Snake
The Savage Gear 3D Snake gets an honorable mention from us because -who doesn’t want to catch a bass on a snake?!