The 2014 ICAST “Best of Show” awards were presented July 16 at the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, held this year at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the industry’s trade association, ICAST — in its 57th year as the industry’s trade show — is the annual destination for the global recreational fishing industry. More than 11,000 thousand members from the global sportfishing industry, including nearly 1,000 media outlets, are in Orlando to see the latest innovations in tackle, gear, accessories and apparel.
This year, more than 700 tackle products and accessories were entered by 253 companies into 24 “Best of Show” categories in the New Product Showcase, all vying for the overall ICAST 2014 “Best of Show” award.
The Predator XL kayak by Johnson Outdoors Watercraft, was voted by buyers and media as the best product in both the boat category and the overall “Best of Show.”
“I congratulate all of the winners and everyone who participated in the New Product Showcase. Every year it’s amazing to see all the creativity and ingenuity our member companies use to add curiosity, excitement and discovery to the adventure of fishing,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman.
2014 ICAST New Product Showcase Award Winners
Overall Best of Show – Johnson Outdoors WatercraftPredator XL
Freshwater Rod – Duckett Fishing Micro Magic Pro
Saltwater Rod – Shimano American Corporation Terez Stand Up
Fly Fishing Rod – G. Loomis, Inc. PRO4x Short Stix
Freshwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc. Abu-Revo Beast
Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc. PENN Battle II Spinning
Fly Fishing Reel – 3TAND, LLC TF-70 Sealed Fly Reel
Hard Lure – SPRO Corporation BBZ-1 Rat
Soft Lure – Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation Savage Gear 3D PVC Crab
Lifestyle Apparel – Pelagic, Inc. 4TEK Fish Finder Boardshort
Technical Apparel – STORMR Fusion Bib
Boating Accessory – Johnson Outdoors Minn Kota Ulterra Trolling Motor
Boats – Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Predator XL
Combo – Lew’s Fishing Tackle American Hero Baitcast Combo
Electronics – Johnson Outdoors Humminbird ONIX 8SI
Eyewear – Costa Hamlin - 580P Mirror Lenses
Fishing Accessory – Lit-Industries, LLC Lit Coolers
FishSmart Tackle – Cuda Fishing Tools Cuda Grip & Scale
Fly Fishing Accessory – Plastica Panaro SRL M2300 – Fly Caddy
Footwear – Columbia Sportswear Megavent PFG
Giftware – Helter Skeletons, Ltd. Authentic Skeletal Articulation
Kids’ Tackle – ZEBCO Brands ZEBCO Splash Combos
Line – Pure Fishing, Inc Berkley IronSilk
Tackle Management – ENGEL U.S.A. UC30-RH
Terminal Tackle – Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle TroKar TK619
ICAST 2015 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, July 14–17, 2015.
