Hobie returns, best batteries, new lures, life vests, kayak carts and more from the largest sportfishing tradeshow in the world. There was so much great stuff at ICAST, I needed an extra edition of show coverage to go over the highlights. Over the next year, expect to see Kayak Angler editors test, review and share our opinions of the following gear, tackle and boats discovered at the big show.
Hobie is Back, Again
Storied kayak manufacturer is up and running in America
The story goes like this: the leading kayak manufacturer is running at the head of the race when they trip, stumble, nearly fall, recover and run again. After suffering through the COVID pandemic, changing ownership and moving manufacturing south of the border, Hobie is now making kayaks in Missouri, returning to full-speed production and fulfilling warranty obligations. Their presence at ICAST after a long absence shows they are back in the game. I expect Hobie will return to driving innovation, building community and giving kayak anglers great fishing kayaks.
Lithium Battery Power LBP Marine Batteries
Battery expert Will Villegas answers our questions about the best power systems for electronics, accessories and motors
Anglers rush to add electronics and motors before considering how to power their kayak systems. Lithium Battery Power has the answers with 36-, 24- and 12-volt batteries and matching charging systems.
Will Villegas at Lithium Battery Power walked us through their best options for kayak fishing and explained how to choose the best battery system for all kayak needs. Cutting through the complicated choices of volts, amp hours and battery construction and materials, Villegas makes it easy to understand lithium batteries and their best applications. Still have questions about batteries? Villegas encourages anglers to reach out to discuss their systems.
BeatDown Outdoors Breakaway Kayak Pole
Top-of-the-line transducer pole now available to kayak anglers
A forward-facing sonar system is only as good as the pole dangling the transducer below the water. The transducer pole has many jobs: directing the sonar beam, positioning the transducer between forward, perspective and down modes, storing the transducer, and quickly removing the pole between trips. Beat Down Outdoors has already solved the problem for motor boaters—now they’ve added a kayak transducer pole to their offerings.
Just like their most popular poles, the kayak transducer pole is designed to breakaway if the transducer hits a submerged object. A palm-sized dial at the top of the pole directs the transducer, and the adjustable length positions the transducer below the kayak.
The most notable feature of the BeatDown Breakaway Kayak Pole is the construction and materials. Overbuilt out of aluminum and engineered to take a beating while remaining smooth and easy to operate, the BeatDown Breakaway Kayak Pole is ready for any torture an angler dishes out.
Panther Martin Rocket
New inline spinner is blinged out with real gold and silver
Every angler knows the equation: longer casts equal more bites. Panther Martin did the math on their new Rocket spinner by weighting the lures for maximum flight distance in any casting conditions.
Once the lure hits the water, it sinks quickly to reach the target zone. The tubular trailer and real silver and gold-plated blades are available in seven color combinations to entice finicky fish. The lures are available in ⅞ ounce and 1 ¼ ounce to work high or low in the water column. I expect the Rocket will become one of the most versatile spinners in my tackle box, capable of going long and deep to pull fish I miss with another lure.
Suspenz Bicycle Kayak Cart
Beat high gas prices and bike your kayak to the water
In addition to motorized kayaks zooming around the ICAST pond and crowds of people milling through the displays, someone from Suspenz was racing back and forth on an electric bike trailering a big, yellow Live Watersports standup paddleboard. Once I caught up with Aiden Kowalski in the Suspenz booth, I learned that their new Paddlesports Bike Trailer has a maximum safe speed of 15 miles per hour on high-performance pneumatic tires. Most amazingly, the cart fits everything from tiny whitewater kayaks to 19-foot-long touring kayaks. It has a 100-pound load capacity and only weighs 21 pounds. As cars, maintenance and fuel become more expensive, the kayak bicycle cart is a perfect option to get to the water quickly, efficiently and cheaply.
Turtlebox Cub Bluetooth Speaker
Yes, Turtlebox speakers live up to the hype
Turtlebox brought the party to the ICAST convention center with their newest addition, the Cub Bluetooth speaker. The small, square speaker is the perfect size to fit in a kayak hatch or secure in the kayak tankwell. Completely waterproof and drop-, crush-, and dust-proof, the Cub can withstand the difficult conditions kayak anglers face. I like the stainless steel tie-downs to keep the speaker secure in wind and waves. While the construction and components are impressive, the sound literally blows me away. When I entered the Turtlebox booth, the Cub was blasting “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Jensen. The music filled the space with clear, crisp sound.
Onyx M16 Venture
First of its kind inflatable with chest bladder that allows better range of movement
Ten years in the making, the M16 Venture inflatable PFD will set the standard for the next decade and beyond. Unlike other inflatables with air bladders on each shoulder, the M16 places the air bladder on the chest where it doesn’t interfere with casting or paddling or a high-back seat. The design is also more comfortable around the neck and offers arms more freedom. The inflatable also has a small pocket for your phone and personal locator beacon. The new M16 is a great choice for kayak anglers and a big improvement on belt pack inflatables popular with paddleboarders.
Scotty 410 Mag-Strike Rod Holder
Easy in, easy out, new rod holder uses magnets to secure the rod
One of the most unique accessories I spotted on the ICAST show floor was Scotty’s new 410 Mag-Strike rod holder. The elevated, adjustable rod holder uses powerful magnets to secure the fishing rod. To insert the fishing rod, you push the rod holder pivot arms down, and they open. When you remove the rod holder, you push the pivot arms down and they open. To secure the rod, the Mag-Strike has a lockout feature that keeps the pivot arms closed. Once you get the feel for operating the rod holder, it holds and releases the rod quickly. The Mag-Strike fits all standard Scotty rod holder bases to customize your kayak and keep your rods safe.
Under Armour Tidechaser Shoe
Collaboration with BlacktipPH founder creates EVA shoes inspired by shark skin
“At my age, I can’t afford any falls,” BlacktipPH founder Josh Jorgenson laughs. According to the mega influencer and hard-core angler, safety and comfort were the drivers behind his new Under Armour collaboration, the Tidechaser shoe. The injection-molded shoe has a channeled footbed to drain water and a medical-grade hook-and-loop strap to keep the shoes secure. But it’s what lies beneath that excites Jorgenson. The outsole has a unique tread pattern inspired by shark skin. Like the man-eater’s famous skin, the tread is unidirectional with the heel pattern tilting towards the toe and the toe pattern tilting towards the heel. The result is a shoe that sticks to wet, slimy and slippery surfaces. Jorgenson demonstrated the performance by placing the shoe on a table, then leaning the table towards the ground. The surface was almost vertical before the unweighted shoe finally fell to the ground. Jorgenson claims the shoe is a passion project with years of trial and error, but the tread pattern came in a moment of inspiration.
Duck Camp Women’s DC Bug Screen Hoodie
A performance sunshirt with bug protection without repellents
Wind, waves, rain, heat and cold can’t compete with the worst natural obstacle anglers face: bugs. Nothing ruins a perfect day faster than swarms of biting insects. While I can’t do anything about the weather, Duck Camp’s Women’s Bug Screen Hoodie (also available in a men’s version) helps battle the bugs.
Unlike other anti-bug clothing that uses chemical and natural repellents, Duck Camp’s Bug Screen Hoodie has a tight-knit weave fabric and complete coverage to prevent mosquitoes and other bugs from biting. The shirt also has three buttons at the collar, a three-panel hood and long sleeves with tight wrists to further block bugs. Even with the anti-bug coverage, the Bug Screen Hoodie manages to be light and airy for hot days in the summer sun.
Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
