Story courtesy of Mary Jane Williamson
Orlando, FL – Last night, the 25 New Product Showcase Best of Category awards were presented during the New Product Showcase Awards reception held during ICAST, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades.
ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, is now in full swing (July 10 – 13), at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the industry’s trade association, ICAST – in its 61th year as the association’s trade show – is the annual destination for representatives from the global recreational fishing industry to see the latest innovations in tackle, gear, accessories and apparel.
One of the most prominent features for ICAST exhibitors and attendees alike is the New Product Showcase. The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity through the New Product Showcase awards competition.
This year, 974 products, accessories and apparel were entered by 331 companies into 25 categories, all vying for the overall ICAST 2018 Best of Show award.
“My congratulations go to all of the winners and everyone who participated in the New Product Showcase,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “Remember, there are also 949 products that also deserve recognition. This year, for the first time, all the New Product Showcase entries are available for viewing on ICASTfishing.org and on the ICAST app under the Exhibitor listings. I urge you to check them out.”
“This year we are living up to our reputation as the world’s largest sportfishing trade show,” said Trade Show Director Blake Swango. “We the most attendance and the largest number of exhibitors, ever.”
Swango also noted, “I also want to congratulate our New Product Showcase award winners and thank all our member companies who submitted products for judging. I also thank Fishing Tackle Retailer for their sponsorship of this important event.”
2018 ICAST New Product Showcase Best of Category Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners’ contacts listed below.
Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product: Minn Kota Ultrex
Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Jackson Kayak
Product: 360 Angler
Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Sunglasses
Product: Baffin
Best of Category – Footwear – Rivers Edge Products
Product: Fish Sandals
Best of Category – Giftware – Number 6 Brands
Product: Cauldryn Coffee
Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Hexatron Performance Fleece
Best of Category – Technical Apparel – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Hydronaut Heavy-Duty Waterproof System
Best of Category – Electronics – Garmin USA
Product: Garmin Panoptix LiveScope
Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – YETI
Product: YETI Tundra Haul
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – YETI
Product: YETI Panga Backpack 28
Best of Category – Fishing Line – PowerPro
Product: PowerPro SuperSlick V2 Brand
Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – AnythingPossible
Product: Kid Casters DUDE PERFECT Fishing Kit & Casting Game
Best of Category – Tackle Management – Tak Logic Lure Lock
Product: Lure Locker
Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Rapala
Product: VMC NEKO Skirt
Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – Westin
Product: Freddy the Frog
Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – 13 Fishing
Product: Octopi
Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: LIVETARGET Hollow Body Crawfish
Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp
Best of Category – Fly Reel – SEiGLER Reels
Product: Seigler MF Fly Reel
Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano American Corporation
Product: Curado DC Baitcasting Reel
Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Shimano American Corporation
Product: Tekota 500 Levelwind Reel
Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Lew’s Fishing
Product: Team Lew’s® Custom Black LFS Combo
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – St. Croix Rods
Product: Mojo Trout
Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – St. Croix Rods
Product: Legend Glass
Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix Rods
Product: Mojo Yak