The premier showcase for the latest innovations in gear, tackle, accessories and apparel, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades—better known as ICAST—is a cornerstone of the global sport-fishing industry, as well as a year-round driver of recreational-fishing-product sales. Once again, this year’s show in Orlando, Florida, did not disappoint. Here are some of our editors’ top picks.
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Best Fishing Apparel from ICAST
Grundéns Women’s Shorebreak Hoodie
The feel of cotton with the performance of synthetics—with an airy, comfortable and quick-drying fabric—the Grundéns Shorebreak hoodie has a polyester/cotton knit blend that dries four times faster than cotton alone, plus permanent Freshguard odor protection and UPF 30 sun protection. The upper yoke is a woven ripstop polyester blend for extra durability when layered under bib straps, with the added benefit of light wind and weather protection. There’s even a scuba-style snap-closure hood. grundens.com
AFTCO Channel Hooded Fishing Shirt
Delivering industry-leading ventilation to keep you cool on the hottest days, the Channel Hooded Fishing Shirt from AFTCO features a 100 percent recycled polyester that doubles down on the cooling factor with quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties. It has UPF 40 sun protection and the company’s signature SpeedVent active hood channels to prevent the hoodie from blowing off in windy conditions. It was also a winner in the Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men category at this year’s show. aftco.com
Huk Icon Performance Knit Shirt
The Icon X—rebranded as the Huk Icon performance knit shirt—boasts an enhanced update, now with a full-mesh back section that maximizes breathability, allowing for optimal airflow and moisture management during long hours on the water. To further enhance functionality, the Icon features raglan sleeves for an increased range of motion and unrestricted movement. There are also integrated antimicrobial properties in the fabric, while the quick-drying capabilities contribute to its exceptional performance by swiftly wicking away sweat and moisture. hukgear.com
Best Sunglasses from ICAST
Fin-Nor Sportfisher
With Lateral Line lens technology engineered to enhance sight without distortion, the new Sportfishers are designed to decrease blue-light transmission and glare for exceptional vision in foggy, hazy, and sunny conditions. An oleophobic/hydrophobic coating on both sides of the lens reduces smudging, dust and spray to prevent permanent scratching; a multilayer anti-reflective coating blocks 99.7 percent of reflections and 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. They are available in gray or copper glass or polycarbonate lenses; blue, green or silver mirror; and in matte black or matte sienna tortoise frames. fin-nor.com
Costa King Tide 8
The Best of Category winner for Eyewear, the King Tide 8 from Costa Sunglasses is the result of five years of research. Just a few of the many technical features are removable side shields to block excess glare, additional venting to achieve a nearly impossible zero-fog effect, top-of-the-line sweat management, and the introduction of nonskid hooding to keep your frames exactly where you want them. Costa celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. costasunglasses.com
Best Boating and Fishing Shoes from ICAST
Xtratuf Women’s Vintage Deck Boot
One of the bestselling brands in the category, Xtratuf is often seen as the standard for deck boots for the recreational-fishing market. The Women’s Vintage 6-inch ankle deck boot has a lightweight silhouette that incorporates the same nonmarking, slip-resistant chevron outsole as the brand’s iconic legacy boots, combined with a proprietary Xpress Cool lining, which is perfect for warmer climates. New for 2024 is the vintage sage color. xtratuf.com
AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot
A winner of Best of Category in Footwear, AFTCO’s new Ankle Deck Boot was designed to exceed the high demands of the AFTCO pro team, captains, guides and others who need a professional-grade product. Features include an inner neoprene liner that is quick-drying and fully flexible, which is paired with a custom, compression-molded antimicrobial insole for the perfect amount of cushion, rebound, and arch support, season after season. aftco.com
Best Tackle from ICAST
Shimano Talica II
The benchmark for small two-speed lever-drag reels, the all-new Talica 12IIA and 16IIA series raises the bar thanks to Shimano’s innovative Infinity Drive technology, which increases drag force while reducing side-load pressure to produce up to 30 percent lighter rotation during high-drag situations. Also included is the popular light-line drag cam for added versatility with a lower drag curve for anglers using lighter monofilament. fish.shimano.com
Tantrum Lures Jet Pack
Since 2004, Nick Durham has been producing some of the finest Hawaiian lures under the Tantrum banner. This season, after several years of on-the-water product development and refinement, he introduced the Jet Pack at ICAST. Best-suited for medium to heavy tackle and offered in medium and large sizes and a variety of colors, this jetted bullet shape is perfect for the long rigger and shotgun positions. And while it’s fine in the calm waters of Kona, it also swims very well in rough seas. The full line of Tantrum Lures is available through Fish Razr. fishrazr.com
