Each year at ICAST both new and established companies bring their best ideas to the show. Some of the ideas never take off, some look very similar to what is already on the market and then there are the truly innovative products. The media and retail buyers vote on the ICAST Best of Show awards and usually pick deserving winners, but there were four other items that got my attention at the show for their unique designs.
Lures – Savage Gear Line Thru 3D 16” Swimbait
At an event dominated by giant swimbaits, Savage Gear was the talk of the show. Their 16” version of the popular Line Thru Trout is a massive hunk of plastic that is sure to generate excitement from trophy hunters and skepticism from everyday anglers. I heard about the bait and didn’t realize just how giant this bait was until I held it in my hands. It has an excellent swimming action as evidenced by the tank tests and swims with nice balance. The bait weighs a reported 24 ounces and retails for $64.99. The biggest question now is what gear to use for this swimbait.
Jig- VMC Gliding Jig
While not a traditional jig, or really a traditional anything, the VMC gliding jig is totally different than what is on the market. A small metal spoon that is really just a spinnerbait blade, with a molded on jig hook makes up the Gliding Jig. You are able to add any soft plastic you prefer to this to create a side to side action for your bait as is flutters downwards. It comes in two sizes (1/8oz and 3/16oz), Oklahoma blade and a Willow blade and also several different colors. Retail price is $6.99 for a pack of two.
Electronics – Lowrance StructureScan 3D
The ICAST winner was the Humminbird HELIX 7 SI, which is an amazing unit, but the new Lowrance StructureScan 3D is a game-changer. StructureScan and DownScan have changed how bass fishermen locate structure, and the new 3D version makes it much easier to understand exactly what you are seeing underwater. The new technology only works with Lowrance HDS Gen3 units but will change the way we see what is under the water and will allow anglers to get a better look at what they are seeing under the surface.
LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish (also won ICAST Best in Show)
I agree with ICAST voters here, the LIVETARGET Hollow Body Sunfish deserves an award for the innovative design. The realistic design of the sunfish, the amazing action and Trokar double hook make this product stand out. It is designed to fish anywhere you would fish a hollow belly frog, but excels in open water as it walks, spits and dives slightly under the water. It also created a bubble trail when worked quickly, adding to the appeal of the bait. It comes in two sizes 3” and 3.5” and will retail for approximately $12.99.
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