There were some great new products for the fishing and boating market introduced at this year’s International Convention of Allied Sport Fishing Trades—better known as ICAST—in Orlando, Florida. Here are a few of our editors’ top picks.
Costa Untangled Performance Collection
The use of recycled materials was one theme at this year’s show. Costa—winner for Best of Category in eyewear—introduced the Untangled performance collection. The four new styles—Antille, Pargo, Caleta and Santiago (shown)— are built with a functional and durable NetPlus material that is made from 97 percent recycled fishing nets. costa.com
Watch: Learn to rig a swimming mackerel here.
Penn Slammer IV Reel
The new Slammer IV is optimized for hardcore offshore fishing, with an improved IPX6 sealed body and spool, as well as a redesigned drag system that delivers a much wider range of usable drag, all while being bearing-supported for extra smoothness. There’s all-brass CNC gear technology and an 8-plus-1 stainless-steel bearing system inside, and a new hydrophobic line-roller bearing as well. penn.com
AFTCO Adapt Tactical Phase Change Hooded Shirt
We really like hooded fishing shirts. The Adapt fabric has intelligent technology that automatically reacts to changes in body temperature to maintain balanced comfort, with UPF 50 sun protection, an integrated ergonomic face mask, mesh ventilation panels, and a custom camo print. This product won Best of Category, warm weather technical apparel. aftco.com
Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport
Winner of Best of Category in footwear, the new ankle deck boot from Xtratuf sports a slew of features that fishermen will love. The one-piece design means the Deck Boot Sport is 30 percent lighter than other 6-inch boots, while delivering the comfort and agility of a sneaker. xtratuf.com
Yeti Crossroads 22L Backpack
Durability is a key feature of the Yeti Crossroads series. The Tuffskin fabric is a water- and abrasion-resistant material that is highly stain-resistant as well. Inside, there’s a laptop/tablet sleeve with shock-absorbing foam protection, plus quick-access pockets on the front and top. yeti.com
Read Next: Having the right footwear is critical. Our top picks are here.
AFTCO Rescue Fishing Shorts
Winner of Best in Category, lifestyle apparel for men, AFTCO’s Rescue fishing shorts are a part of an all-new line of technical performance clothing made from Econyl, which is regenerated nylon, a unique fabric spun from ocean and landfill waste, including decommissioned fishing nets, industrial plastics, and textile fabric scraps. aftco.com
AFTCO Barricade Elite 4L Waterproof System
The Barricade Elite—winner of Best of Category, cold weather technical apparel—has a four-layer, 100 percent nylon construction that is formulated specifically for salt water. Check out the dual YKK AquaGuard chest zippers and double cuff with Velcro on the jacket, as well as the nylon-lined utility pocket and knee-high YKK AquaGuard side zippers on the bibs. aftco.com
