Each year at this time, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) hosts the largest trade show in the industry. It’s called ICAST, which is an acronym for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades.
The event runs four days at the Orange County Convention Center, just outside Orlando, Fla. Among its many patrons are manufacturers, sales reps, angling celebrities, media and, of course, the buyers. It’s a huge event attracting enthusiasts from all across the globe.
New products are the focus and, trust me, there are many to see.
That said, I would like to share those I feel are standouts in design and application — products that I know will help you catch more fish or at least make the experience much more enjoyable.
Shimano ‘Exsence’ excels
New to Shimano’s line of high-end reels is the Exsence B 2500 — the ideal spinning reel for scoping and light-tackle finesse fishing.
The flagship of Shimano’s MGL series, the Exsence B 2500’s features include a MagnumLite Rotor and Ci4+ Carbon frame with asymmetrical design, which cuts weight and lowers inertia for ultra-responsive feel and control.
Other features include InfinityLoop, which slows oscillation for a more measured line lay and feed for increased casting distance. Shimano’s Rapid Fire Drag system enables the user to make quick, incremental adjustments to the drag during battle. Ensuring the smoothest drag possible, the Exsence B 2500 utilizes Shimano’s proprietary DuraCross drag washers, which far outlive and outperform ordinary felt or cork washers.
In all, the new Exsence B 2500 is the ideal reel for scoping and other light tackle applications. Priced at $599, this lifetime performer is well within the budget of hardcore anglers.
To learn more, visit Shimano.com .
Yamamoto — at it again
New from Yamamoto is the 3.25-inch Slinko — a unique soft plastic that combines the design features of traditional ring-style worms with the profile of a classic Senko.
Like last year’s 5.5-inch introductory model, the new 3.25-inch Slinko features the same thin-ribbed body with pronounced egg sack and solid head. When submerged, the ribs slowly release tiny bubbles of trapped air, which serve as an added attractant for all species of black bass.
The Slinko’s unique body design expands and contracts like an accordion with the slightest movements, and it can be fished in multiple ways — from Ned rigs to Carolina rigs. Molded with Yamamoto’s exclusive “Mega Floater” formula, the lure stands upright on a jighead, dances vertically on a Neko rig and floats high on a Carolina rig.
The new smaller Slinko comes in 10 fish-catching colors, in eight-count bags. To learn more about this and other Yamamoto soft plastics, go to www.baits.com.
New frog formation
New from Frog Factory is the Mongrel — a hybrid frog that combines the design aspects of a traditional walking bait with those of a hollow-body frog.
The creation of acknowledged frog master, Fred Roumbanis, the lure casts far and walks with ease from side to side. When struck by a fish, the soft portion of the body collapses to expose a pair of wide-gap, needlepoint hooks — guaranteed to provide the highest hookup percentage.
Molded of hard plastic, the Mongrel’s head section houses a rattle chamber designed to call fish from heavy cover — helping them zero in on the bait even when they can’t see it. It can be skipped like a flat rock beneath overhanging targets, and pass through the densest cover without snagging. At rest, it remains buoyant at the perfect angle.
The Mongrel retails at $12.99 and comes in six fish-catching finishes — including Bone, Black, White, Gilly, Fred’s Frog and Hot Mustard. To learn more, visit Frog Factory’s webpage.
T-H Marine and Power-Pole rising
Combining power, precision and innovation, T-H Marine has partnered with Power-Pole to produce the newest version in their line of hydraulic jackplates — the ATLAS™ EDGE lifted by Power-Pole®.
Enhanced with cutting-edge electronics and intuitive control features, the new system will redefine how anglers and boaters interact with their jackplate. The company claims the ATLAS EDGE will perform smarter, quieter and more quickly than its predecessors.
At the heart of the new ATLAS EDGE system is One-Touch Height Control, which allows the user to instantly switch between three customizable presets for takeoff, running, fishing and trailering. With a single press of the controls, boaters can recall their ideal height positions, eliminating guesswork and maximizing efficiency. The Adjustable Speed Settings (Slow, Medium, Fast) offer tailored performance for varying water conditions and preferences, while the Auto Height Mode enables effortless operation. Simply double-tap the up or down button and the plate automatically moves to your saved setting.
Whether you’re fishing day or night, the ATLAS EDGE gauge stays clear and easy to use thanks to Auto Display Brightness, which adjusts the screen’s visibility based on ambient light.
Designed in collaboration with Power-Pole, the ATLAS EDGE now features a high-performance brushless motor, which provides whisper-quiet operation, ultra-fast lift speeds and zero-maintenance reliability. More than a jackplate, the ATLAS EDGE is a complete control system. It boosts hole shot, improves fuel economy and delivers better boat handling.
To learn more, go here.
Safe and secure
If your boat is equipped with high-end electronics, a quality trolling motor and hydraulic anchors, this product is for you!
Introducing the Elite Lock™, by Secure Outdoors, designed to secure and protect your electronics, trolling motor and Power-Poles from theft. These small locking devices are incredibly strong, and one lock will work for multiple applications. Should you require several locks, all can be keyed the same … so you will only need one key.
Employing a waterproof design, Elite Locks prevent corrosion and rust even in the harshest marine environments. They can also take a tremendous pounding, both from vandals and rough water.
Elite Locks are available in black or silver anodized finishes. Cost is $89 each, or purchase their dual kit for $179, which is nominal when you consider the replacement costs of a set of hydraulic anchors, trolling motor or high-dollar electronics.
For more information, visit Secure Outdoors.
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