Virtual Angling was excited to visit Orlando, Florida, this past week for the annual sportfishing tradeshow. Limited to manufacturers, media, buyers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, it is the big event of the year for fishing-related companies to unveil products for the upcoming retail year. The show is not open to the general public, so we consider it an honor to attain media credentials and attend to report on your behalf.
First off, the show is massive, held in the Orlando Convention Center with aisles and aisles of booths—everything from small 10’ x 10’ booths to large booths where companies erect everything from offices to mock fishing cabins for showing off their latest wares.
And then there’s the ICAST Lure Testing Tank, a semi-trailer-sized Florida-strain largemouth bass-filled aquarium, where anglers can demonstrate new lures, sometimes even catching fish on the new baits.
For anglers, visiting ICAST is like being a kid in a candy store. So, what follows are our picks for what we think were some of coolest new products coming out soon (some even available now) for walleye anglers.
ACME REEF RUNNER “FLASH” SHAD MIRRORED RATTLEBAITS – NEW FOR 2025
Acme Tackle Company announced the latest addition to their popular collection of Reef Runner Crankbaits, the “Flash” ShadLipless Crankbait. This lure features offsetting-recessed mirrors along both sides of the lure. The mirrors catch sunlight and scatter it like the bright scales flashes on a distressed baitfish, making an easy target for walleyes. So you’ve got flash, vibration, and loud rattles. Constructed of durable ABS material, the “Flash” Shad is available in 16 colors and two sizes: TF6 – 1/2 oz. and TF7 – 3/4 oz. with #8 and #4 treble hooks, respectively. PRICE: $10.99 MSRP.
AquaTraction
Although they didn’t have any new boat floor coverings, patterns, or colors at ICAST (at least to our knowledge), AquaTraction was in full force with their proven floor covering, which turn any boat into a floating living room. They look great, are easy to clean, can be customized with logos or images, and feel way better on the feet than standard boat flooring. While there are numerous me-too companies out there, in our part of the world, AquaTraction is the still the Real McCoy. Not only that, Nathan Brinker of AquaTraction was at the booth for awhile to talk to folks about his sister company, AFT-TEK, which produces replacement under-flooring for any fishing boat that puts an end to leaky lockers, poorly-sealing hatches, rot, and longevity issues with manufacturers’ standard boat floors and storage lid covers/hatches. Definitely something to check out. PRICE: VARIES.
BAJIO SUNGLASSES – NEW SIGS STYLE
This sunglass company has made a big name for themselves in a short amount of time. Launched by longtime Costa Del Mar staffer, Al Perkinson, Bajio (pronounced: bah-hee-o; translated: shoal or sandbar) offers top-notch lenses for various fishing conditions and some very stylish frames—including the new BAJIO SIGS style—which just launched at ICAST. Their models are also available in prescription versions or reader-ready magnifications – and available in myriad sizes to accommodate all facial types – even us ugly guys.
The cool thing is: These guys fish – and have fun doing it. Not a bunch of stuffed shirts, BAJIO has produced a couple really cool web program series, including Fishing With Jay and their latest, Renegade, which covers fishing all over the globe and some great human interest stories. And the
Their ICAST 2024 booth was non-stop busy with attention-grabbers besides the new SIGS sunglasses – like onsite haircuts and tattoos by the company creative director/world-renowned tattoo artist, Casey Anderson of Shamrock Tattoo.
Available in numerous frame styles, and polycarbonate or glass lens, we’ve worn the glass Bales Beach BAJIO glasses for over a year and they’re incredible—crystal clear, great for use with fishing electronics, stylish, and scratch-resistant. Plus, you can feel good about putting your money down on BAJIO frames – the company uses environmentally-friendly processes and recycled, sustainable materials in all of their sunglass designs. PRICE: $209 Poly; $259 Glass
BERKLEY FINISHER
While the Berkley Finisher hybrid glide bait isn’t “new new” they were on display at the Berkley/Pure Fishing booth. Take it from us—and the countless walleye pros who’ve earned big money on ‘em—these bad boys catch fish—especially the #7, the same size as Al Lindner’s favorite Jigging Rap. And speaking of Jigging Raps, this is the bait to use if you find yourself on fish that just won’t hit the old standby. There’s just something about the Finisher’s action and forage-mimicking movements that gets bit when others fail. Plus, the Finisher was designed to provide huge returns on FF sonar, a bonus if you’re into fishing with LiveScope, MEGA Live, or Active Target. A must-have bait if you don’t have it on deck already… PRICE: $8.99-$10.99.
CONNECT-EASE GRAPH-POWER PRO PLUS BOAT RIGGING SYSTEM
Rigging your boat can be time-consuming and frustrating, which is where a MN-based company called Connect-Ease comes in. Endorsed by walleye pros like Mark Courts and guide Johnnie Candle (and a bunch of bass pros), their pre-configured electronics and batteries rigging systems are easy-to-install and darn-near foolproof, as we’ve learned first-hand. Their GRAPH-POWER PRO system is available for both console and tiller boats and features all quality, marine-grade wire sheathed nicely to snake easily through whatever kind of bait you’re rigging. Shipping this fall, GRAPH-POWER PRO PLUS will also feature direct leads to hook up the GRAPH-POWER system to your onboard charger, a feature the previous version did not have.
Definitely worth considering if you want to save time, energy, and get premium-grade rigging components all in one place—preconfigured and ready to rig in a matter of minutes to hours—and not an entire weekend or more—or on the shop clock to the average tune of about $150/hour. PRICE: $349.99.
DAIWA 24 KAGE LT SPINNING REEL (REDESIGNED KAGE)
Following years of pro bassers singing the company’s praises, a lot of walleye guys have embraced DAIWA reels, pros like Tom Huynh and Duane Hjelm, besides many regular Joe anglers at boat launches across the Walleye Belt. Why? They’re smooth, reliable, and offer some buttery drag. Case in point, Tom Huynh earlier this year landed a fish that weighed nearly 12 pounds on a size 1000 first-generation DAIWA Kage paired with a short, medium-light power, fast-action DAIWA TDEye rod.
Well, apparently that reel is even better as of this ICAST, and in all sizes for us regular guys who like 2500 size reels for most walleye techniques…
What’s the big difference? Apparently the new 24 KAGE LT body is 20 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter due to its high-density carbon strain Zaion construction. It also includes Air Bail and Air Rotor systems that reduce the weight another 15 percent. Gotta love lightweight, sensitive, smooth, and tough… PRICE: $249.99
DHUKR HOOK REMOVER
In our opinion, this common-sense tool should have won “Best Product of ICAST 2024” for the solution it provides anglers, guides, pros, E.R. techs, veterinarians, etc. Conceived by a Marco Island E.R. Physician Assistant who’s removed tens of thousands of hooks from anglers in his career, he and his wife knew there had to be a better way…
Now, rather than having to jab a hook all the way through the skin and cut off below the barb—or use the braided line trick—this medical-grade device (soon-to-be FDA-approved) removes hooks with ease, no additional messing around required.
Apprehensive? We watched a guy intentionally bury a thick-wired redfish jig head into his arm and the inventor remove it. Dude didn’t feel a thing… the tool-assisted hook removal, that is.
Yep, the Dhukr Hook Remover will be on our Christmas list for every angler we know. Like owning a scale, bump board, pliers, fillet knife, trust us, the Dhukr Hook Remover is sure to become standard in fishing boats coast to coast (and beyond). PRICE: $60
GAMAKATSU CERAMIC BRAID SCISSORS
A better braid scissors? From what we saw at the Gamakatsu booth, sure looks like it. First, the 4.75-inch blades are made of ceramic so they’re not prone to rust in fresh- or saltwater—and apparently stay sharper longer, too. Definitely worth a shot. PRICE: $17.00
GARMIN PS22-IF ICE FISHING BUNDLE
Garmin did it for the second year in a row, winning 2024 “Best of Category” in the ICAST New Product Showcase Ice Fishing division. And for good reason. The company has redesigned ice forward-facing sonar in a pole-free shuttle format with an entirely new transducer and transducer-aiming system. And it’s $1300 cheaper than the LiveScope Plus Ice Fishing Bundle. Will it work just as well? Can’t say just yet, but the features and price should resonate with the ice fishing public if the performance is close.
Called the PS22-IF Ice Fishing Bundle, the system includes an ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv graph, Panoptix PS22-IF Transducer, pole-free transducer rotation system, and Garmin Navionics+ Built-In Coverage.
The Panoptix PS22-IF transducer is pole-free, making it ideal for hole-hopping faster whether you’re using it in forward or down mode. A rotator above the ‘ducer on the cable controls direction and depth. The ‘ducer also features a removable/tweakable lens that allows you to narrow or widen the beam focus. PRICE: $1999.99
KALIN’S TUNGSTEN “THE SHOW” JIG
New for 2025, the new Tungsten “The Show” Jig is designed with small reflective mirrors at different angles to shower the strike zone with refractive light on the retrieve. This innovative jig boasts a compact, high-density tungsten head and a range of captivating colors. Features include small reflective mirrors that mimic the flickering scales of distressed prey; ultra-sensitive tungsten material; three sizes (1/8-, ¼-, and 3/8-ounce); 8 colors including Chartreuse, Gold, Pink, White, Firetiger, Parrot, Purple, and Glow. PRICE: $8.99 – $9.99
LAKEWOOD LURE VAULT FOR GLIDE BAITS
Fact is, most tackle storage fails in real-world fishing situations. Either the compartments aren’t big enough, they’re some goofy design, or prone to leakage despite waterproof claims. That’s why a few of us at Virtual Angling have taken to Lakewood’s tackle storage over the years. While the Lakewood Lure Vault has been around for a few years and isn’t technically new-new, a lot of people still don’t know about ‘em. Given the time of year, this Lakewood Lure Vault looked like just the thing to organize all of our Jigging Raps, Tikka Minnows, etc. And then you need one for Rippin’ Raps, and Shad Raps/Flick’r Shads, the list goes on. But Lakewood’s got ya covered. PRICE: $124.99.
LOWRANCE EAGLE EYE LIVE 9 FISH FINDER
Brand new, Lowrance demo’d their new Eagle Eye Live 9 Fish Finder at ICAST 2024, a new 9-inch display in the existing Eagle family of graphs with an included transducer with one Active Target array built inside — for two beams of Live Target 2 sonar, CHIRP 2D, and DownScan with FishReveal all from the same ‘ducer – and in one package – for $999. We’re speechless.
NORSK LITHIUM MARINE BATTERY AND CHARGER DESIGNS
It’s hard to know where to begin with what we experienced at the Norsk Lithium booth during ICAST. Yes, all their batteries are controllable via an app called Guardian for convenience. Yes, they have heating technology for charging in below freezing temps.
And now? A complete redesign – and model-to-model cheaper than their previous battery generations with even more features like Deep Sleep (Guardian app or power management button controlled) which makes switches and regulators in rigging practically obsolete. It also eliminates any hard-to-locate parasitic voltage draws when you’re parked back at the motel or at the dock that slowly drain batteries. And then there’s their new Mercury-approved lithium starter batteries with 25% Emergency Start Reserve eliminating the need to carry a jump-start pack.
The other big news? A Group 31 size battery that actually functions as two lithium batteries in one – one side at 36V for your trolling motor – and the other at 28V to bring the voltage up to near the maximum allowed by Garmin, Lowrance, and Humminbird FF Sonar units for the brightest, clearest, and cleanest power possible. And that’s just the tip of the green iceberg from these guys. Check ‘em out. Unfortunately, the new stuff isn’t shipping until early fall. Oh yeah, they also extended their warranty from 10 to 12 years. PRICE: Varies.
MARINE METAL PRODUCTS POWER BUBBLES 12V PUMP BAIT AERATOR
If you’re looking for a way to keep your shiners, creek chubs, redtails, and other expensive and hard-to-find minnows in tip-top shape, the new Power Bubbles 12V Pump Bait Aerator looks like the ticket. Doesn’t draw much power so you can run on a 12V Vexilar battery and specs list air production as 99.5% saturation with dissolved oxygen via the twin bellow pumps. Comes with the 12V air pump, six feet of 18 gauge power cord, copper battery clips, 10 feet airline tubing, 2 large weighted glass bead air stones, 2 anti-siphon valves, T adaptor, and adjustable mounting clip/screws. PRICE: $69.99.
RUGGED ROAD OUTDOORS COOLER
After YETI lighting the fuse years ago with their success, seems everybody and their brother is now making rotomolded coolers. The problem with ‘em? They’re heavy, expensive, and to be honest, many have suspect coldness ratings. Guess that’s what attracted us to these guys—RUGGED ROAD OUTDOORS COOLERS. Call it a hybrid of your old-fashioned Igloo/Coleman and a YETI, these coolers are super-light, supposed keep ice and goods cold super-long, and are built tough—as the name implies. Are they cheap? No, but sometimes you get what you pay for. At least in our minds, they stood out as a great alternative to heavy YETI-style rotomolded coolers. COST: Varies.
SEVIIN (ST. CROIX ROD) GF SERIES SPINNING REEL
Given the success of their higher-end SEVIIN spinning reel series (GX and GSW) and mid-price-point GS launched only a year ago, the company (a brand of St. Croix Rod), is introducing a spinning version of their successful and reasonably-priced GF baitcaster reel in spinning format. While we haven’t tried ‘em, we’ve heard good things about all of the above—and with specs that include carbon construction, anodized aluminum braid-ready spool, multi-stack carbon fiber drag, and 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings, seems like SEVIIN/St. Croix has figured out a way to offer a lot of quality for not much dough, perfect for today’s economy. Available September 1, 2024. PRICE: $110
SUFIX RESOLVE ULTRA THIN FINESSE BRAID
Remember Berkley Nanofil? Yep, that was some super-thin, strong, and far-casting superline. Too bad it disappeared… But in the same category of ultra-thin yet strong braids comes this “Best of Category” winner at ICAST 2024 – Sufix Resolve Ultra Thin Finesse Braid, designed for spinning rods and the trend of using FF Sonar baits in finesse applications.
Utilizing Japanese line manufacturing technology, Sufix Resolve Ultra Thin Finesse Braid was created with pitch reduction which produces an ultra-fine diameter that also optimizes tensile strength while reducing wind knots. Each spool has a midpoint market to perfectly spool two spinning reels. Available in low-vis green and neon green; 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-pound test. PRICE: $19.99.
WHITEWATER GREAT LAKES PRO SUIT (JACKET & BIB)
Do you fish the worst conditions imaginable in pursuit of walleyes? Especially early-eason, late-season, and even winter open-water (besides ice)? Chances are, you’ve been on the lookout for a better cold-weather rainsuit.
Designed by guys who were involved in the original Cabela’s GuideWear way-back-when, as well as pros Jay & Jason Przekurat, Chase and Gary Parsons, Tommy Kemos, and a bunch of other top walleye pros who fish big waters in foul conditions – and open-water rivers all year long, this is the apparently result – a suit, by the way, which will double as an ice fishing suit, as proven and refined last year every day before the final blueprints hit fabric assembly by pro walleye angler and Devils Lake ice guide, Korey Sprengel.
After feeling it, touching it, and even putting it on at ICAST, we can say the Whitewater Great Lakes Pro Suit may be the best new cold/foul-weather suit walleye anglers have seen hit the racks since GuideWear first came out decades ago. And while GuideWear was great, it lacked one important attribute – mobility. Yes, it’s pretty stiff, making it hard to move about in the boat and do what you’ve gotta do as part of day-to-day walleye athleticism. And that’s probably the right word – athleticism – as walleye fishing has become a very active pursuit, what with moving all around the boat, bending over to pick up baits, casting from the bow with the help of FF sonar, etc. You typical stiff rain suit or marshmallow man ice-fishing style suit just don’t cut it.
The Great Lakes Pro Insulated Jacket is 100% Waterproof (30,000 mm rated); 100% Windproof; features an exclusive 3-layer waterproof/breathable material; 4-way stretch nylon-based shell with smooth polyester lining; Thermal Mapped Primaloft® Silver insulation (133 grams front, 170 grams back, 100 below the waist); Articulated shoulders and elbows; Skillfully taped seams; High insulated collar; 3-panel, adjustable, and insulated hood; Adjustable waist; 2 sewn-in D-rings (lower ring for safety cord, upper ring for trolling motor fobs; 5 pockets for storage and warmth: 2 AquaGuard® water-resistant zip chest, 2 AquaGuard® water-resistant zip waist, 1 interior zip chest for smartphone; and reflective material: PRICE – MSRP $499.99 – AVAILABLE FALL 2024
The Great Lakes Pro Insulated Bib is 100% Waterproof (30,000 mm rated); 100% Windproof; features exclusive 3-layer waterproof/breathable material; 4-way stretch nylon-based shell with smooth polyester lining; Thermal Mapped Primaloft® Silver insulation (60 grams front, 80 grams back, 100 grams sleeves, and 80 grams hood/collar); Gusseted crotch for added mobility; Articulated knees for added mobility; Skillfully taped seams; Waist tighteners to lessen pull on shoulders; BEMIS PVC on knees for added durability and waterproofness; Waist high side zippers for easy in and out; Adjustable suspenders with silicone grip to stay in place; Adjustable wrist closures; 6 pockets with highly water-resistant AquaGuard® zippers (2 chest, 2 waist, and 2 cargo); Zippers for dry storage; 2 sewn-in D-rings (lower ring for safety cord, upper ring for trolling motor fobs); Reflective material; PRICE – MSRP $499.99 – AVAILABLE FALL 2024
“Thermal mapping is key,” say Whitewater head, Aaron Ambur. “For example, in the chest area we included 133 grams of Primaloft Silver and 170 grams in the back. That’s for maximum warmth. In the sleeves we dropped down to 100 grams to emphasize motion. We went even further and insulated the hood and collar, too.”
“You pair the insulation package with the rainsuit’s 100% windproof distinction, and you are talking about unreal thermal results. The physical weight of this garment to its thermal value results is off the charts.”
Ambur sums it up this way: “We set out to design cold weather raingear with maximum thermal value and minimal physical weight, along with mobility, stretch, and durability. The Great Lakes Pro Insulated rainsuit even exceeded our expectations…”
