Between July 15 and 18, 2,000 plus industry professionals from 75 countries converged at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades to reveal new and upgraded fishing rods, reels, lures, electronics, accessories, apparel and more. There was an overwhelming amount of gear to explore, so we gathered some of the New Product Showcase winners (along with a few in-house favorites) and compiled this list of must-see items from ICAST 2025.
Keep in mind, some items may not yet be available for purchase.
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Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite
Featuring a 60-pound weight capacity, an IPX4 water-resistant rating, a full-color LCD screen and Bubba’s iconic non-slip grip, this low-profile scale is a must-have tool for the year-round bass fisherman. With a Pro BUBBA App subscription, you can manage your livewell and utilize Tournament, Rally and Competition modes.
AWARD: Best of Cutlery, Hand Pliers and Tools
AFTCO Pinnacle Shorts
These performance shorts are made from a polyester-blended fabric that is treated with C0 DWR stain resistance, which sheds fish blood and slime without the use of PFAs. Each pair is packed with features, including a 300-denier pliers pocket, an invisible zippered cell phone pocket, and belt-loop bottle opener when it’s time to crack a cold one.
AWARD: Best of Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men
Turtlebox Audio Ranger
The bluetooth-connected Ranger speaker boasts an IP-67 rating, so it is dust-tight and waterproof. In addition to a 12-hour battery life, it includes magnetic side mounts for convenience and security when in motion. Plus, in Party Mode, it pairs with any (and as many) of Turtlebox’s Original Gen 3, Ranger, and Grande speakers for a surround sound experience.
AWARD: Best of Non-Motorized Boating Accessories
PowerPro Max 8 Braid
Designed for offshore anglers, each fiber of this 8-carrier braided line is infused with resin for a rounder, smoother, and 25-percent thinner line, which improves casting distance, line management, and abrasion resistance.
Available in white and 4-color lines.
AWARD: Best of Fishing Line
Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel
The new and improved Cabo touts an IPX8 rating to protect against saltwater and sand intrusion, which makes it a great choice for Northeast surf. Plus, Quantum’s machined gearing technology generates smoother, stronger cranking power while extending gear life, and slow oscillation design (in the 2500 to 5000 sizes) improves line lay and casting distance.
Available in 2500- to 8000-size models.
VMC Minnow Shaker Jig
With its 45-degree line tie, 3D holographic eyes and dual molded monofilament keepers, this jighead is built to enhance the lifelike rolling movements of minnow baits across a range of depths to draw more bites from finicky fish with live- and forward-facing sonar.
AWARD: Best of Terminal Tackle
Z-Man Trout Trick® Thick Trick™
Building off the original Trout Trick, this tear-resistant finesse-style bait has a stouter, beefier profile and ribbed body, which produces a subtle wriggling action with each hop of the jig. Measuring just under 4 inches, it is an irresistible size to toothy predators like weakfish, fluke, and speckled trout.
HUK Performance Camp Shirt (Spanish Moss print)
Made from a lightweight and breathable 4-way stretch fabric, this relaxed-fit shirt features moisture-wicking properties and UPF 30+ sun protection to keep you cool, comfortable, and looking fresh whether on the boat or on a date.
AWARD: Best of Lifestyle Apparel for Men
Okuma Integrity Fly Reel
The large arbor design on this freshwater and inshore-capable fly reel allows for fast line retrieval and reduced line memory, while one-way roller bearing ensures quick drag engagement. The die-cast aluminum frame is corrosion-resistant and adds durability without adding weight.
AWARD: Best of Fly Fishing Reels
Under Armour Kilchis River Shoes
These lightweight, supportive, and abrasion-resistant shoes are a great choice for wet wading along rocky coastlines or through meandering trout streams. The perforated EVA footbed drains quickly, allowing air to circulate, and the deep lugs on the Exogrip rubber outsole provide traction on moist and mossy surfaces.
AWARD: Best of Footwear
Columbia PFG Wild Cast 34L Backpack
Designed for the traveling angler, this water-resistant backpack is made from a 100-percent polyester shell and is loaded with features, including a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, a rod tube holder, an internal laptop sleeve, a hydration pocket, reflective safety accents and more. Plus, its foam-padded back and adjustable shoulder straps provide customizable comfort.
AWARD: Best of Fly Fishing Backpacks, Bags and Luggage
Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor
Kayak anglers require a stealthy, efficient, and compact trolling motor, and Garmin’s Force Current delivers that with a hands-free wireless throttle and optional power steering foot pedals. The brushless motor is capable of full forward and reverse thrust for quick and seamless changes in direction without the need to put down your fishing rod.
AWARD: Best of Motorized Boating Accessories
Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
Featuring sunlight-readable displays, an intuitive interface, and wireless connectivity, the XPLORE series Fish Finders deliver Mega-Live 2 forward-facing sonar, ultra-clear imaging, and GPS precision with Lakemaster and Coastmaster Charts that help you locate your fishing spots faster than ever.
Available in 9-, 10- and 12-inch displays.
AWARD: Best of Electronics
Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT 3000
This workhorse spinning reel features a Monocoque (MQ) one-piece body for maximum rigidity and gear support in an ultra-light, corrosion-resistant frame. Daiwa’s Zaion Air Rotor enhances sensitivity while the water-resistant Magsealed bearings provide long-term durability and strength in light-tackle applications. It’s a freshwater/saltwater hybrid spinning reel that is well-equipped for wrangling any of the Northeast’s gamefish, from crappie and walleye to back bay stripers, fluke, and weakfish.
Available in 1000- to 4000-size models.
AWARD: Best of Freshwater Reels
Rapala Magnum Countdown Elite
Built to fish like the world-record producing Rapala Wounded Minnow, this wooden, through-wired trolling plug is equipped with heavy-duty terminal tackle, including VMC 3x tin hooks, to withstand strikes from hard-hitting pelagic fish. It has a unique stainless-steel bill that produces a natural and balanced swimming action at speeds of up to 10 knots.
AWARD: Best of Saltwater Hard Lures
Daiwa 25 Saltiga Spinning Reel
The beefed-up 25 Saltiga uses MAGSEAL technology to create an oil-based water- and sediment-resistant barrier over gears and ball bearings to maintain rotational performance through saltwater abuse. Additional highlights include a fully Monocoque body to boost space for a larger drive gear, and a redesigned spool and bail that minimize friction for smoother, longer casts with heavy line.
Available in 8000- to 25000-size models.
Z-Man SWAG LT Line-Through Swimbait
With its over/under line-through harness, this versatile swimbait gives anglers the option for dorsal or belly-hook rigging around different types of cover and structure. The keeled tail generates a wide, exaggerated kicking action at a range of speeds. In addition to its 10X Tough ElaZtech construction, the SWAG LT comes in 8 natural color and scale patterns and includes an internal rattle to attract fish in stained water or low-light conditions.
Available in 5- and 6-inch models.
AWARD: Best of Freshwater Soft Lures
Quantum Merit Saltwater Spinning Combo
This spinning combo delivers premium performance at a budget-friendly value. The reel is sealed to IPX6 standards with Quantum’s Sealoq™ technology for superior protection against saltwater and sand to keep the carbon fiber drag system running smoothly. The high-strength graphite reel body, aluminum sideplate, graphite composite rod, and one-piece stainless steel guides make for a lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant combo that can tame any inshore gamefish in the Northeast.
Available in 2500- to 8000-size models.
AWARD: Best of Rod & Reel Combos
St. Croix Legend Elite Fly Rod
This reengineered fly rod combines advanced materials and craftsmanship for all-water versatility. Built on IPC mandrels with SCIV and SCII carbon matrix tapers, each of the 12 models offers a unique, technique-optimized action. The medium-fast blank delivers refined power, precise control, and exceptional feel, while upgraded ergonomic cork grips enhance performance and comfort for long days on the water.
