The first day of ICAST sportfishing trade show was fast paced and full of cool stuff. Kayak Angler staff covered the show floor looking for new tackle, gear and kayaks that take fishing to the next level. As a sign of the times, we found digitally controlled reels, high-tech clothes, motor-ready kayaks and kayak motors ready for fishing. The theme for this year’s show is accessibility, as fishing and kayaking are easier than ever.
Shimano Curado DC 150
Digital controlled casting break virtually eliminates backlash tangles
I remember the first time I cast a baitcasting reel. Despite my attempts to adjust the brakes and control the spool with my thumb, the reel exploded into a giant backlash tangle with line spilling out of the spool like an atomic mushroom cloud. I also remember the first time I cast a Curado DC reel. Without almost any input from my thumb, the reel cast flawlessly time after time. Shimano’s Curado DC uses a micro computer that measures spool speed 1000 times per second to apply ultimate brake pressure for a long, accurate cast. This year, Shimano upgraded the Curado DC 150 with more accurate software to virtually eliminate backlash and maximize casting distance. To accentuate the computer’s casting performance, the Curado DC now has a new spool with lower inertia and faster start up to cast a lighter lure with greater accuracy. I look forward to testing out the new Curado DC on my bait finesse systems. The DC is especially valuable in tough casting conditions like working light lures into the wind and casting a jig or a weedless soft plastic under a boat dock.
Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128
Updated deck and hatch improve usability, stability and drainage
Kayak Angler editors tested and reviewed the Tactical Pro 128 in the Summer 2026 issue of Kayak Angler magazine. We rigged the full-size TP128 with a Garmin Force Current kayak motor and Ultra 2 fish finder with LiveScope transducer. The big boat has plenty of space for gear, tackle and accessories with capacity and rigging for electric outboard and trolling motor. For 2027, Wilderness updated the TP128 floor and hatches. To reinforce the deck and improve drainage, the TP128 has more scupper holes and channels in the deck. One of my favorite features of the TP128 is the forward cockpit hatch where I store my switches, wires and black box. The new TP128 improved the hatches with a larger hatch cover that has a friction hinge so it stays open and I can dig around my gear or work on electronics with both hands.
Old Town Sportsman Pro 120
A blank slate for every angler’s rigging needs
Jumping into the multi-motor kayak game, Old Town released the new Sportsman Pro 120 with space and rigging for a bow-mount trolling motor and an electric outboard in the stern. Bringing Sportsman’s proven quality and versatility, the new Pro 120 will satisfy anglers looking for full rigging potential. Below deck, Old Town included pre-rigged steering control cables. A larger bow hatch provides more space for below-deck storage with an extra large tankwell to accommodate gear crate, tackle boxes and batteries. The Sportsman Pro gives anglers the flexibility to motorized their kayak with an outboard, trolling motor or both. The Sportsman Pro has 140 inches of gear tracks, through-hull wiring ports and transducer mount to easily install electronics.
Newport Stance 180
A kayak trolling motor built and designed from the ground up for kayak fishing
Kayak anglers are infamous for bastardizing standard fishing gear to fit our little plastic boats. The current generation of kayak trolling motors aren’t more than boat motors with a shorter shaft. Newport’s new Stance 180 is a trolling motor built from the water up for kayak anglers. With precision GPS control, and a powerful brushless motor, the Stance 180 performs all the functions of a modern trolling motor. Since it is designed for kayaks, the motor uses a smaller foot print to save deck space. The Stance 180 is sealed to IP67 standards to maximize reliability and durability. The coolest feature is the one-handed deploy and stow function that saves me from rigging the motor with pulleys and ropes or crawling to the bow of the boat to drop the motor.
Bonafide XTR140P
Pedals or motor, new full-feature kayak offers anglers more rigging options and peace of mind
Bonafide released the XTR130 as a motor-focused kayak with rock-solid stability and tons of space and capacity for gear, tackle and electronics. This year, they’ve added the XTR140P as a pedal-and-motor boat that is sportier and more versatile. Starting with the single-keel hull and broad stern, the XTR140P moves through the water more efficiently and confidently rolls over waves. The streamlined hull design also makes the XTR140P easier to propel with the X-Range Pedal Drive. The XTR140P is available with pedals or without. I always worry that my battery will die before I return to the launch. Keeping a pedal drive onboard gives me peace of mind that I can easily make it back home without my murder. When I’m not using the pedals, I can retract through the hull cavity and fold the pedals into a hatch in the bow. This allows me to stand on the bow or access the bow hatch with the pedals installed. When I’m using my motor, I can pull the pedals out and store them in a molded space in the stern. The XTR140P is rigged for bow and stern power with plenty of space for batteries and wires. Bonafide updated the steering system for the XTR140, I can use a knob beside the seat to turn the rudder and foot-pegs to steer the motor. The boat is 14 feet long and 40-inches wide with a flat deck for standup fishing. The running theme through the XTR140 is versatility: paddle, pedal or motor, offshore or inshore.
Vibe Sea Ghost 105 WRD
Add motors and go, this boat is pre-wired and rigged for electronics and propulsion
One of the biggest challenges to owning a motorized kayak with full electronics is rigging the kayak and running wires. Vibe takes the work out of motor kayak ownership with the new Sea Ghost 105 WRD. To accommodate motors, the 105 WRD is pre-routed with 6 AWG cable to connect motors and batteries. The pre-rigged wires run to the bow, stern and midship and can handle up to 36 volts for any kayak motor. To add electronics, the WRD comes ready with YakPower switches and wiring for 12-volt accessories and battery. The boat is also pre-set with navigation and deck lights. Vibe built the motor boat on a 10-foot platform so it is easier to transport in a pickup truck bed but still has all the fishing features expected on a full-size kayak.
Mustang Women’s Waterproof Tidal Bib and Taku Jacket
High-performance rain gear built for women who fish hard
Great rain gear effectively and comfortably protects an angler from the elements so she can focus on fishing and still have fun, even in the rain, wind and spray. For 2027, Mustang introduces the new Women’s Waterproof Tidal Bib with cut, size and fit designed for women. The bib is built on a three-layer waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric with Cordura patches in high-wear areas. Flannel lined pockets keep hands warm and a large pocket in the thigh holds smartphone or fishing tools in easy reach. Waterproof entry and relief zippers make it easy to wear the bibs all day. The Tidal Bibs are designed to fit closely and still move with the angler for a comfortable rainwear that protects from the worst weather.
Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
