For the first time in years, it is mid-July and I am not at the annual ICAST show. It is the biggest event in the fishing world and with the craziness this year, it has moved to an online-only show.
That didn't stop the fishing manufacturers from releasing new products, but instead of being able to hold them in your hands and talk to company representatives, they are just being shown online.
Every year, whether it is in-person or online, some truly unique items miss the spotlight. Here are my picks for the "truly unique" from ICAST 2020 online.
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Terminal Tackle | VMC Crossover Ring and Pliers
I have to admit that I am a sucker for terminal tackle and am always looking for better options. The new VMC Crossover Rings are one such item that I absolutely will be buying.
With Neko and Wacky-Rigs, I've used O-Rings for years and have experimented with different systems over the years. It is essential to have your hook going the right direction if you want the best hookup percentage and these rings make it very easy.
It is a small band with the ability to place your hook both ways. VMC also has specialized pliers that can also store your extra Crossover Rings.
Overall, it is just a good idea and makes sense and why I found it to be a genuinely unique new item.
Terminal Tackle | Trokar AXS Keeper
I added a second unique terminal tackle item for good measure, the TroKar TK25 with AXS Keeper.
This unique hook features an AXS keeper for an entirely new way to "nose hook" a drop-shot as you don't actually hook the bait. The bait is secured on the keeper and is said to allow the bait to rotate while also preserving your baits.
Lures | Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer StealthBlade
The new Jack Hammer is included in the hard bait category and the latest creation from Z-Man.
It has the same components and build as a regular JackHammer but a unique blade.
The blade is made of clear plastic and gives it a unique look and action.
Rods | Abu
For rods, it is even more difficult to decide based on written descriptions alone.
So, I chose a safe pick with the newest version of the Abu Garcia Veritas.
What makes this an easy pick is that they made a good and affordable rod even better.
Due to new technology, it is 5% lighter while also being 15% stronger. That's a win for Veritas fans.
Reels | Abu
These two categories are very hard to decide on during an online event. They greatly benefit from feeling them in your hands to get the real test.
Based on this, I chose the Abu Garcia Zenon reel. A $500 spinning reel is not for everyone, but this reel makes up for the price with some serious uniqueness.
First of all, it is incredibly light for a spinning reel and weighs as light as 4.9-ounces depending on the size. Besides just the light weight, it is designed to be extremely fluid during the retrieve, while having excellent durability with a smooth drag system.
Lures | Rabid Baits Rabid Craw
One the soft bait sides, the Rabid Craw from Rabid Baits caught my attention.
It is a pretty standard crawfish imitating soft plastic, but it has fur coming from each craw to give it a unique look.
The three-inch bait will be available in six different colors.
Whether this helps or not is still to be seen, but it fits the unique category.
Clothing | AFTCO Women's Hyrdronaut Heavy-Duty Waterproof System
This was a natural choice for me for two reasons. One, I have the men's version of this raingear and love it.
The second is that my wife loves to fish and I know there is a serious lack of proper gear designed for women.
Men's suits simply do not work for most women and this is a welcome new product, in my opinion.
“Extra Unique” Product | Bite 'Em Solar Frog
There are always a few items at ICAST that are truly something you have never seen before.
This year, the product that is my pic for the most EXTRA UNIQUE is... the Solar Frog.
Like it sounds, it is a frog lure that also happens to be powered by the sun.
Bite 'Em says it is supposed to be fun for the whole family, while still catching fish. I can get behind that mission.
It includes a small solar panel that drives a motor to create vibration and sound. I can't say that I would rely on it to catch fish, but it does look like fun.
Even though ICAST went from Orlando to online this year, the new products still came through for bass fishing fans. These items stood out among the crowd as truly unique.
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