Show Winners
ICAST 2026 was held back in July and once again we have some Best In Show recognitions you may want to note for your next fishing season. ICAST, short for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades is held by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) with the goal of promoting the sport and the gear used to enjoy it. Where else can 10K retailers, influencers, pros and other fishing media industry members see nearly 600 brands representing 75 countries in one place? No where. ICAST is the biggest fishing tackle/gear show, period. Everyone from ABU Garcia to Man is there with their new products.
Inside the exhibit hall at the Orlando Convention Center, and the retention ponds outside it, manufacturers from across the globe show off the latest in fishing gear, tackle and electronics. Attendance is limited to members of the fishing industry, including manufacturers’ representatives, custom tackle builders, retailers, industry representatives, pro-staff and members of the outdoor media. So although the public is not invited to the show, members of the fishing media are still able to report on the latest tackle from the show floor, offering a glimpse of what’s available in the coming fall and early 2027.
Here are the Best In Show products for ICAST 2026.
Rod & Reel Combo
The Rhino 30 6’6” two-piece medium spinning combo took this categories top honors. Rhino combos pair an ultra-durable rod and an exceptionally engineered reel that’s ready for battle. Asyx Drive™ gears increase tooth contact for maximum torque. Five ball bearings, instant anti-reverse, oversized bail wire deliver smooth power. HydroShield™ seals protect gears, drag, and handle from water and debris. TriAx Core™ blank provides 360° strength and balanced power with a solid tip. ArmorOne™ PVD one-piece guides resist failure. RhinoGrip™ EVA handle with custom seat for control.
Cutlery, Hand Pliers Or Tools
The Bubba Pro Series Gen 2 electric fillet knife was recognized this year. The folks at Bubba said they listened to consumers and integrated suggestions in this Gen 2 product. There’s a 20% slimmer handle, proprietary paddle trigger, next-generation brushless motor, and species-specific blade technology that delivers unmatched comfort, control, power and efficiency. The result is cleaner fillets, maximum yield, reduced hand fatigue and the ultimate standard for speed, precision, and performance at the fillet table.
Saltwater Hard Lure
The Shimano Ledgerunner LR200SA wins with a new standard in offshore diving plugs. Its ADR system lets anglers adjust trolling depth instantly without retying, and HCW stabilization keeps ittracking at high speeds. A reinforced body adds long‑term durability. Designed for versatile spreads, it delivers depth adaptability, high‑speed stability, and rugged performance.
Freshwater Hard Lure
The Synch Fishing Artisan Wake & Crank bait from American Baitworks Co. is a subsurface wake bait built from the vision and craftsmanship of in-house artist Andrew Gardner. Based on the popular Artisan Gill platform, the Wake & Crank features a three-piece body and added bill design. Premium components include BKK treble hooks, heavy-duty swiveling hook hangers, UV glow glass eyes and soft plastic fins and tails to give a lifelike profile. The Artisan Waking Crank is a true blend of handcrafted artistry and modern performance.
Fishing Accessory
The Rapala High Capacity Line Remover has a patent-pending design that makes high-speed line removal easy and comfortable. Collapsible paddles allow the line to easily be removed and discarded. Built to handle multiple reels at one time, Rapala has made the process of removing line more efficient and organized. This innovative tool can easily be stored at home for spooling, or in the boat for on the water line management.
Custom Tackle And Components
The Buzz Magnetic Launch Pad is the ultimate rigging, repair, and maintenance workstation for all anglers. Built from a durable, easy-clean material that offers a cushioned work surface and built-in ruler. The Magnetic parts trays keeps tools, tackle, and components organized.
Motorized Boating Accessories
The Garmin USA Spy Pole Mount is the revolutionary motorized sonar control system that allows anglers to precisely and wirelessly steer LiveScope and GT360UHD transducers independently of their trolling motor. Stay locked on targets even while anchor-locked with Spy Lock technology or automatically sweep back and forth to find fish in SpyScan mode. SpyLink mode synchronizes Spy Pole with the speed and direction of the trolling motor to simplify sonar control when you stalk fish.
Tackle Management
The Buzz Basic Deep – Urchin Bait Box gives anglers an option for the hottest new bait craze. Featuring custom wire-post organizers, lock-in dividers that won’t shift, and BUZBE’s rugged waterproof construction, the Urchin Box keeps baits secure, protected, and ready to fish.
Terminal Tackle
G-Ratt Baits’ Urchin Rig puts the hook above the bait and the weight beneath. It offers all three options of hooks and several weight sizes to rig urchin style baits easily. If you need more hooks they sell also replacement packs.
Freshwater Rod
The St. Croix TRIUMPH Series combines premium materials and North-American manufacturing excellence, the reimagined and expanded TRIUMPH Freshwater series delivers St. Croix performance and quality at an appealing price. Including 29 models, TRIUMPH features proven SCII carbon fiber blanks strengthened with FRS tech, modernized stainless-steel guides, all-new contoured natural cork handles and a five-year warranty. Two-piece models feature ART and proprietary Slim Ferrule Design for multi-piece convenience with one-piece performance.
Electronics
Garmin LiveScope 2 HD gives anglers Garmin’s clearest live sonar yet, delivering unprecedented clarity, smoother images and simplified installation. Now with 20% greater resolution and improved image stitching, anglers can see real-time views of fish, bait and structure out to 125 feet with 50% more detail at closer ranges than the previous model. Plus, it features a new simplified setup that eliminates the need for a black box.
Braided Fishing Line
Daiwa J-Braid Grand Ocean Splash is built for inshore and offshore anglers that want that extra edge to keep their presence concealed from their target gamefish. Built on the J-Braid Grand braided line that boasts extreme abrasion resistance and superior smoothness, this new coloration uses alternating white, blue and aqua to blend into oceanic environments and keep a low profile for the angler above.
Non Braided Fishing Line
Seaguar BRAWLR High-Performance Monofilament – Advanced Knot and Tensile Strength. Low Stretch with Enhanced Sensitivity. Engineered and manufactured by Seaguar, the inventor and innovator of premium fishing lines.
Saltwater Reel
Daiwa’s new BG SW honors and improves upon the ultimate work-horse foundation of its predecessors. Now featuring PowerDrive design, including oversized PowerDrive DigiGear, Powerdrive rotor, and Crank Power Bail, these reels dish out unbelievable cranking power and boosted durability. Improving performance in heavy saltwater use, this model incorporates a gasket sealed waterproof frame. Additionally, the new Egg-Shape power knob increases leverage and offers an extremely comfortable grip.
Freshwater Reel
Building on the Curado DC legacy, the Curado DC 150 adds updated IDC4 firmware for improved casting control. Shimano’s Digital Control system monitors speed 1,000 times per second to reduce backlash and boost distance. A rigid Hagane Body maintains alignment, while the MGL Spool III improves startup with lighter lures. Four IDC4 modes match line and conditions, and three gear ratios with Cross Carbon Drag deliver strong performance.
Energy
The ePropulsion 48V kMax battery fits in multiple fishing kayak locations: inside hull, under seats, rear wells, & larger crates in multi-unit configurations. At 24.3 lbs, this compact LiFePO4 (13.8×7.1×7.6″) slips into tight spaces. Single cable handles power & communication, reducing wiring. Bluetooth enables monitor battery state & faster service diagnostics. Works with 3rd-party outboards. Supports 4 in parallel for extended range. Perfect for kayak anglers needing serious range without clutter.
Eyewear
The Bajio Cocho Dark Blue Camp Matte Blue Mirror Glass is the result of an XL fish. In South America, the term ‘Zancochio’ refers to the phenomenon of reeling up nothing but a fish head. When your snapper goes missing, or your tuna gets sharked, the head left is a reminder of what lurks below. Flex hinges and fully removable side shields make this frame fit for big predators above and below the water line.
Extreme Weather Apparel
Built for cold weather and long days in rough conditions, the Hydronaut® Insulated Jacket and Bib deliver dependable protection without sacrificing mobility. Constructed with a durable 2-layer nylon shell and a 30K waterproof membrane, this insulated system is built to handle heavy rain, low temps, and wind. PrimaLoft® Black insulation provides all-day warmth, while YKK® Aquaguard® waterproof zippers, double cuffs, and an adjustable hood help seal out the elements.
Wired And Skirted Lure
The ChatterBait® Elite EVO™ HD is a 40% stronger, heavy‑duty upgrade of the best-selling bladed jig, built for big fish, heavy cover, and the moments when durability isn’t optional. A welded ring line tie, reinforced head-to-blade connection, and custom 5/0 super heavy‑duty nano‑coated hook give anglers the strength to horse giants from grass and boat flip kicker fish. A hybrid split‑grip/double‑wire keeper grips trailers securely. Finished with premium details and offered in 20 proven colors.
Men’s Technical Apparel
The all-new Simms Challenger Suit is the most advanced and capable Challenger ever built. Featuring a premium waterproof, breathable 3-layer Hydroforge® fabric with integrated stretch, it delivers a new standard of mobility, comfort, and durability. Purpose-built for anglers who fish through the toughest weather and most challenging conditions, the Challenger Suit combines trusted protection with elevated performance to set a new benchmark for technical fishing outerwear.
Freshwater Soft Lure
CrushCity has done it again launching innovation in the craziest trend this industry has seen. Rapala has worked tirelessly with the R&D team to launch “The CEO” 21m built with Super TPE material that falls perfectly for its technique, with a weighted glass powder core. Multiple tapered legs create subtle action and twitching on the fall. CrushCity builds baits to win tournaments thanks to the Rapala Pro Staff and Product Development team. Seal the deal with the hottest asset in fishing.
Saltwater Soft Lure
Crush City wins with the new Imposter, a realistic shrimp imitation with a subtle action and added shrimp scent to attract fish. Rigged on a jighead it hops, darts, or swims with nervous legs and appendages. Custom back slit helps conceal the hook point for easy weedless rigging. Super TPE material is extremely durable and allows the bait floating characteristics and extreme durability. The imposter comes in 10 saltwater smart injected colors to make perfect presentations to salty predators.
