The second day of the three-day-long ICAST sportfishing tradeshow gave Kayak Angler’s team more time to search out great tackle and gear for kayak fishing. The big news today is a jet-drive kayak winning the coveted Best of Show award. We also saw technologically advanced sunglasses, shoes and clothes, learned hot new tactics for glidebaits and finesse fishing and pushed buttons on new fish finders and trolling motors. After a full day at ICAST, we’re excited to share the new gear you’ll be using in the coming year.
FluxJet Jet-Powered Kayak Wins Best of Show
With everyone racing to add electric outboards and trolling motors to their kayak, FluxJet came at kayak propulsion from another angle. The FluxJet kayak looks like a typical sit-on-top fishing kayak with a frame seat and rod holders. But turn over the FluxJet to see a compact jet engine tucked into the kayak hull.
The jet motor is powered by a 12- to 60-volt battery that hides under the kayak seat. A dial beside the seat controls forward and reverse speed, and foot pedals angle the jet nozzle to turn the kayak. A small display near the seat shows motor and battery data. The 10-foot kayak only weighs 88 pounds to fit in a pickup truck bed or on a roof-top rack. With almost zero added draft, the FluxJet goes as shallow as a paddle kayak with the power to travel at up to seven miles per hour. The kayak and motor cost just under $3,000. Kayak Angler staff is scheduled to receive a FluxJet for testing. Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of Kayak Angler magazine.
Shimano Creates Perfect Glide Bait System
Swimbait anglers aren’t cut like the rest of us. These guys and gals dedicate their fishing to using the biggest lure in the tackle box to catch the biggest fish in the lake. To feed the needs of swimbait angler, Shimano has developed a new rod, reel and lure system.
Shimano designed the new Outlier rod to satisfy the most demanding swimbait aficionado. The rod uses a spiral-wrapped carbon fiber blank to reduce weight and increase sensitivity. The carbon reel seat also increases sensitivity and maintains durability. My favorite feature is the shrink-wrapped grips to improve grip when I’m casting a heavy lure all day.
The Outlier rod is designed to match Shimano’s Tranx 300 B reel and new Gravitator swimbait. The Gravitator 220SS is Shimano’s answer to the swimbait craze. The Gravitator color patterns come in Scale Boost for a realistic finish or Flash Boost with an internal vibrating mirror to draw in strikes from hesitant fish. By removing a rubber plug from the lure body, I can change the action from an exaggerated chopping motion to a more subtle swim.
Casting an eight-inch lure is difficult as the large body wants to tumble and twist, reducing casting range and accuracy. The Gravitator has a break-away joint that folds the lure on the cast and then uses magnets to straighten the body when it hits the water. Compared to expensive custom swimbaits with fewer features, the Gravitator 220SS is a bargain at around $50.
Mustang Survival Elite 120 Inflatable Life Vest Prioritizes Comfort and Safety
Bridging the gap between comfort and performance, Mustang’s Elite 120 Inflatable PFD makes no sacrifices.
Using Mustang’s body contoured design, the Elite 120 has a mesh back and off-the-neck collar to keep the life vest in place without rubbing at contact points. The inflatable bladder is controlled with a hydrostatic trigger that won’t inflate until it is submersed in water. When the bladder is inflated, it provides 28 pounds of buoyancy, comparable to a foam life vest. The bladder is contoured to allow me to turn and move while keeping my head above the water.
To be effective, a PFD needs to be worn all day. The Elite 120 design and features make it easier to stay safe.
Guardian Angel Kayak Light Package Increases Visibility to Improve Safety
The Guardian Angel Kayak Light Package includes a green-red bow light, white navigation light, remote control, and adhesive and magnetic mounts.
The match-box-size lights connect to the mounts with strong magnets and a short tether. Using the remote, I can turn the lights on and off and switch between steady-on or strobe features. I use the magnetic mount to connect the remote to my life vest to easily reach and control the lights.
The lights are waterproof and shock resistant for a durable light system that is visible up to three miles.
Costa Del Mar Premium Sunglasses for the Next Generation
The key to getting kids interested in fishing is prioritizing their comfort and safety. Costa Del Mar’s new Schoolie sunglasses are for the next generation of anglers.
Sized to fit small faces, the Schoolie protects eyes with pro-level features. The full-wrap frames feature Costa’s premium 580P bio-based polycarbonate lenses. The frames are also made with bio-based materials for a plastic-free construction. The frames are available in cool colors and include rubber padding on the nose and temples for comfort and a snug fit.
In addition to the Schoolie performance frames, Costa Del Mar also introduced the Street Heat lifestyle line with the same features and performance and a more land-based look.
With the right sunglasses, young eyes are protected from harmful UV light and damage from flying hooks or sinkers.
Minn Kota Kayak Terrova Trolling Motor for Everyone
Since the demise of the MotorGuide Xi3 kayak trolling motor, anglers have been waiting for a replacement. Minn Kota answered with the Kayak Terrova trolling motor, based on their tested Terrova line.
With a 36-inch shaft and 50 pounds of thrust, the Terrova Kayak runs on a 12-volt battery. The motor is controlled by a hand-held remote or a compatible Humminbird fish finder. The Terrova includes GPS connection for location lock and autopilot—just push a button and the GPS holds the kayak in position or follows a recorded path. To deploy or retract the trolling motor, the foot pedal has a feather trigger and smooth mechanism to easily slide into position.
Best of all, the Kayak Terrova costs $1,499, making it one of the least expensive options for powering a fishing kayak.
Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Easy Interface Wins Best Electronics Award
Modern Fish Finders and Navigation Systems have become so advanced they are difficult to operate. Humminbird started from scratch to develop the new XPLORE line for easy operation and advanced features.
Simplifying their line with seven, nine- and 10-inch screens and options for transducer or no-transducer packages, the XPLORE makes it easy to choose the right fish-finder and navigation package. The XPLORE has both touchscreen and buttons to make access simple, regardless of the fishing conditions. A new processor is the fastest in the industry for quick and accurate returns and data display. The software developers prioritized simple operation by reducing the levels of menus required to program the fish finder features. And, there’s no need to install charts, the XPLORE comes standard with detailed coastal and inland maps.
With the new XPLORE, anglers can get the most out of their electronics without wasting time studying instruction manuals and pushing buttons.
Lunkerhunt Pro-Driven Performance Lures Are Tournament Ready
Instead of developing lures and giving them to pro anglers to test, Lunkerhunt asked their pro staff to develop a new line of lures to meet their needs. The result is the Black series of lures with a focus on tournament-winning performance.
Elite Series pro Matt Arey walked us through a few of his favorite picks. He started with the Stryka Worm optimized for finesse fishing. Arey really likes the Stryka for Neko rigs because he can place the hook to give the lure a natural action and take advantage of the super-responsive soft plastic.
Another soft plastic favorite is the Twytch Witch for forward-facing sonar. Arey uses the small soft plastic with a hover rig or drop shot to entice pressured fish he marks with his sonar but can’t get to bite.
Arey’s third choice is the BLB FFS Minnow optimized for forward-facing sonar. Arey uses the sinking jerkbait when he needs a shimmering finish and erratic action. The BLB body shape keeps the lure hovering in one location so Arey can monitor the fish’s response on his forward-facing sonar.
These lures and the rest of Lunkerhunt’s Black series are designed by pro anglers for the latest tactics that win tournaments.
Columbia Whipray Fishing Shoes Shed Water to Prevent Foot Funk
Fishing shoes spend hours in the sun, soaked in water and covered in mud and fish slime, making them a perfect environment for stinky bacteria and foot fungus. Columbia’s Whipray fishing shoes take every advantage to dry fast and stay clean.
The mesh upper is made of TPU-coated yarn to resist water and protect the feet. The insert is perforated to drain water through the channeled sole. Drains in the footbed move water out of the shoe and invite air to enter.
The shoe’s tread is constructed of a herringbone pattern to increase traction when wet. To improve comfort when wearing the Whipray without socks, Columbia moved the heel support outside the shoe and added a neoprene cuff to provide support and a snug fit. With the Whipray, Columbia used every technology and design advantage to make the most comfortable and performance-driven fishing shoe.
Kayak Angler editor Ric Burnley poses with the prize-winning FluxJet kayak. | Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
