My Favorite Gear from ICAST 2024

ICAST is a hidden gem of a show. Despite the post-covid downfall of many tradeshows, ICAST has managed to thrive thanks to a healthy local buyer audience, their location in Florida and relatively affordable booth space. Retail in the fishing industry is still largely dominated by specialty brick and mortar with the bulk of doors being in, you guessed it, coastal states like Florida. So the aisles are always packed with buyers, albeit small ones, but it makes the show feel alive with qualified attendees. Since these guys actually place orders, vs say, going door to door wasting a brand’s time trying to sell them some shit that they don’t want, the energy from an exhibitor’s perspective is good. Plus it hurt help that a 10×10 goes for around $4k at ICAST.

That said, about half of the exhibitors are pretty irrelevant to what we do (lots of bait and tackle companies, small fishing trinkets and component manufacturers vs actual product brands) so I only schedule a day and a half for this show. But within that day and a half, I found some decent products! Here were some of my favorite finds.

Island Optics Mako XL Sunglasses – $98.00 – Available Now
Founded by a dad and three sons, Island Optics is perhaps my favorite new brand, not just in fishing, but in general. While the quartet come from a bloodline of eyewear industry veterans (their family started Lens Direct back in the day), Island Optics in particular aims to challenge the corporate-dominated sunglass industry with a focus on affordable points and second-to-none customer service. The Mako XL sunglasses represent a fresh contender in the fishing eyewear market. Designed for larger faces, it features vented side shields inspired by the hydrodynamic form of Mako sharks, providing enhanced protection from the elements. These frames are equipped with proprietary Gator Grip anti-slip technology on the nose pads and temple tips, ensuring a secure fit in challenging conditions. With dual flex hinges for added durability and a design tailored for long days on the water, the Mako XL offers both style and functionality for serious anglers.

Turtle Box Gen 2 Waterproof Speaker – $399
The Turtle Box Gen2 Waterproof Speaker is a rugged, high-performance audio solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers. This speaker stands out in the marine audio market due to its combination of durability and advanced features, making it ideal for use in harsh aquatic environments. The Gen2 boasts 100% waterproof and drop-proof construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of fishing trips and outdoor adventures. With an impressive 25+ hours of battery life, it provides extended playtime for long days on the water. The speaker delivers hi-fidelity stereo sound and features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for seamless pairing with devices, while its multi-sync capability allows users to connect multiple units for an enhanced audio experience.

Temple Fork Outfitters Elevare Euro Nymphing Rod – $499
The Temple Fork Outfitters Elevare Euro Nymphing Rod is a 10 foot or 11 foot high sticking rod. The series caters to the precise needs of euro nymphing, a method that requires exceptional sensitivity and quick hook-setting ability. The Elevare, named after the Italian word for “to lift,” enhances an angler’s capacity to detect subtle bites and efficiently hook fish in challenging conditions with light lines and small flies. Featuring a fast action for responsive performance, these rods are available in lengths from 10’0″ to 11’0″, ideal for the extended reach needed in euro nymphing. With weights ranging from 2.5 to 2.9 ounces, the Elevare series offers a lightweight yet powerful option for freshwater anglers seeking to elevate their nymphing game.

Cheeky Burst Fly Reel – $299 – Available Q4 2024
The Cheeky Burst Fly Reel is an innovative new offering in the fly fishing market, combining cutting-edge design with high-performance features. This reel stands out for its fully sealed disc drag system, which provides smooth start-up inertia and impressive stopping power, all at a competitive price point under $300. The Burst reel boasts a large arbor size, ensuring industry-leading retrieval rates crucial for efficient line management. Crafted from CNC-machined aerospace aluminum, the reel offers durability without compromising on weight. Its unique biomimicry design, inspired by tree branch angles, provides an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio. The fully-sealed disc drag system incorporates interspersed stainless steel and carbon fiber disks, while the fixed-spindle features a dual-gasket configuration for enhanced reliability.

Grundens Turbulence Hybrid Hoodie – MSRP TBD – Available Q4 2024
Grundens has figured out the age old problem of what to do with your sleeves after you’ve caught a hog. With the Turbulence Hybrid Hoodie, the answer is nothing. No more need to awkwardly roll up your jacket sleeves with one hand while your rod is tucked between your legs; the quick drying double weave cuffs reduces water absorption while also drying fast, making it easy for anglers to dunk their arms in the water, handle their catch, and let the quick dry cuffs dry out later. The hoodie features a recycled polyester stretch shell with a specialized coating that enhances water, wind, and tear resistance, providing crucial protection from the elements. Its body-mapped G-Loft Eco EVOX stretch insulation regulates temperature effectively, making it an ideal midlayer for on-water activities. Other features include a large chest storage pocket, two zippered hand warmer pockets, and DWR treatment for liquid and stain repellency.