The ICAST 2025 On The Water Product Demo Day started off with a zoom. The sound of electric motors powering fishing kayaks created the buzz during the first day of the world’s largest sportfishing tradeshow.
Kayak Angler’s editors were on the water kicking tires and lighting fires with a new wave of electric motors for kayaks. We tested three new kayak motors and got a preview of a prototype at the Orange County Convention Center ornamental retaining pond.
The on the water demo also provided an opportunity to test Shimano’s new Exsence B 2500 spinning reel, the Curado 150 M baitcasting reel and the G Loomis IMX Pro Green inshore fishing rods. For a preview of next year’s hottest new fishing tackle and gear, read our wrap-up of ICAST Demo Day.
The Garmin Force Current kayak motor
Ever since Garmin released the technologically advanced and bulletproof Force Kraken trolling motors, Kayak Angler’s editors have been begging them to add a trolling motor for kayaks. For 2026, our begging paid off with the new Force Current all-in-one kayak trolling motor and outboard.
Mount the Force Current in the kayak stern and control direction and features like anchor lock and course lock with an intuitive hand-held remote and motor data display screen. I can also control the motor through wireless foot pedals, a smartwatch or a Garmin fish finder display. I operate the Force Current as an outboard to motor to the fishing grounds. Once I’m in the zone, I maneuver the Force Current like a trolling motor while I’m fishing.
Anglers have been asking for a combination trolling motor and outboard for years, Garmin’s Force Current delivers the answer. The trolling motor and remote costs about $3,000 with the wireless pedals an added accessory.
The Shimano Exsence B and Curado 150 M reels
Shimano hit the on-the-water demo with a real-world trial of its latest rods, reels and lures. Some of the highlights were…
The flagship Mega Light Exsence B reel now comes in a 2500 size for precision presentations with finesse lures. One of the challenges of finesse fishing is feeling the light bite of a finicky fish. At the hint of a nibble, the Exsence reel’s carbon fiber infused, asymmetrical rotor produces an instant hook set. I like the speedy 6.4:1 retrieve ratio to quickly reset for the next cast. In the hand, the reel feels light, responsive and perfectly balanced with a medium-light rod.
We also tested the new Curado 150 M designed for light lures and pin-point delivery. Continuing on the Curado line of dependable baitcasting reels with advanced features, the smallest 150 size uses an ultralight spool and fine-tuned casting brake for a fast start up and precision cast control, essential when casting small lures with a baitcasting reel. The little reel can handle big fish with Shimano’s flex-reducing carbon-fiber drag system and rock-solid body.
G Loomis IMX Pro Green inshore spinning rods
For inshore anglers, G Loomis has introduced the new IMX Pro Green spinning rods for high performance and durability. My favorite feature is the tapered blank that distributes material along the length of the blank to improve casting performance and reduce weight.
The rod comes in nine sizes but I was excited about the light-action spinning models for casting small finesse baits for finicky fish. The sensitive blank combined with a carbon fiber reel seat transmit lure feel directly to my hand. With little effort, I cast a 1/16 ounce shrimp imitation halfway across the pond. On the retrieve, I can detect when the small lure is on the bottom and feel the lightest bite. The cork grips are comfortable in the hand and look great against the green rod blank.
YakAttack Kayak Motor
YakAttack’s kayak motor is so new they haven’t settled on a name.
The motor fits in a Hobie-compatible pedal well where it is out of the way and perfectly placed for maneuverability. The placement allows the motor to serve as an outboard to power the kayak to the fishing grounds and also work like a trolling motor to maneuver the boat while fishing.
The motor is operated with a handheld remote to control speed, direction, anchor lock and autopilot features. To power the motor, YakAttack has also released a 12-volt battery power pack with waterproof housing and simple connections. Look for the YakAttack motor to cost around $1500.
Power-Pole Move PV
Power-Pole has finally brought their Move series trolling motors to kayak fishing. Introducing a 36-inch shaft Move PV, Power-Pole puts their tried and true durability and performance in reach of kayak anglers.
The Move-PV features the same corrosion-proof and indestructible titanium shaft with silent and efficient brushless motor as the larger models while reducing size and cutting weight. The Move PV is connected with a simple handheld remote that controls direction, speed and features like location lock and course lock. My favorite feature is reverse mode; instead of turning the trolling motor 180 degrees to go backwards, the Move PV allows me to hit a button on the remote to shift the propeller into reverse.
The motor mount is also beefy and compact to fit on the kayak bow with an easy lift mechanism that I don’t have to wrestle to pull the motor out of the water. Quality isn’t cheap, the Move PV will cost around $6,000.
Vibe Omni Motor Pod
We also saw Vibe Kayak’s prototype Omni Motor Pod. The innovative motor pod fits in a Vibe pedal well and holds the motor and full-size battery.
In addition to a powerful motor, the pod includes lights and a wireless phone charger. The Omni Motor Pod includes power connection so I can charge the battery without removing it from the pod. The motor pod gives me the option to motorize my Vibe kayak or use their fin drive or propeller drive systems. I can also remove the propeller and attach a full-size fish finder transducer to the pod.
Hobie iTrek Angler
From surfing to sailing to kayak fishing, Hobie’s mission has always been lowering the barriers to entering watersports. The mission continues with Hobie’s latest inflatable offering, the iTrek Angler. Based on the time-tested iTrek inflatable standup paddleboard, the new Angler model includes a 180 Mirage Drive, H-rail accessory mounts and an elevated seat. There is even space for electronics and a motor.
The iTrek Angler offers the features found on a traditional plastic kayak in a package that folds up and fits in a carry case. On the water, the MirageDrive 180 provides total boat control in forward and reverse. The 10-foot iTrek is easy to maneuver while the 12-foot model provides more fishing space and greater capacity for gear. Adding the powerful and versatile MD180 pedal drive turns the inflatable paddleboard into an easy-to-own fishing platform sure to get more people on the water.
Stay tuned for upcoming coverage from Day 1 on the show floor and more video walkthroughs of the gear we got our hands on this week.
Hobie iTrek angler sounds interesting Ric, I would like more detail on the specs – weight, size of carry bag etc if you are still at the show?