Lighter, stronger, faster, simpler and, in many cases, less expensive gear and tackle is hitting the water and the Kayak Angler team has found favorites we’ll put to the test in the year ahead. Innovation was on full display at the third day of the ICAST trade show, and tackle and gear manufacturers are working hard to put the best gear in every angler’s hands. On the last day of the big show, we sorted through piles of new products to suss out the best buys to add to our fishing arsenal.
KastKing DG Power Rods
Pro angler Drew Gregory’s passion project rods designed for power fishing
Kayak Adventure Series founder and champion tournament angler Drew Gregory is a self-proclaimed power fisherman. That means Gregory fishes fast and hard covering maximum water in search of a winning fish. When KastKing asked Gregory to design a series of spinning and casting rods, he included design elements that help him fish faster and harder. The most unique feature of the new DG Power rods is the double finger rests on the bottom side of the reel seat. Gregory explains having two finger rests makes the rod more secure for long casts and fast fishing. The champ demonstrated how the grips allow him to cast forehand or backhand with increased accuracy. With a flick of the wrist, he launched a jig and hit a tree 20 yards away almost without looking. The reels have oversized foam grips to further improve handling and accuracy. To store rods in the kayak without traditional rod holders, the DG Power series include magnetic tabs at the bottom of the rod butt that connect to magnetic base Gregory mounts on his boat. The magnets are strong enough to hold the rods as Gregory bounces down a river or drags his kayak over a deadfall but release in seconds when he makes a quick cast. The rods breakdown into two pieces to fit in Gregory’s kayak hatch when the going gets really rough. Gregory matches the casting rod to KastKing’s MagTi casting reel with magnesium frame and sideplate and an industry-first titanium spool that is super light and thin to cast a wide range of weights and lure sizes. A good choice for spooling the reels is KastKing’s Tri-Polymer monofilament. The line is extruded from three grades of nylon to be super thin and subtle but still strong and stiff with excellent knot strength. The KastKing package gives Gregory the advantage he needs for his unique fishing style that can’t be imitated or beaten.
St. Croix Rods and Seviin Reels Tidemaster Rods, Nautrex spinning reel and Lunex 300 baitcasting reel
Highlights of an extensive offering of new rods and reels from one of the biggest names in the game
St. Croix and sister company Seviin Reels brought boxes of cool new tackle to the ICAST tradeshow, two of our favorites are the Tidemaster inshore rods and Nautrex spinning reel. The regionally specific Tidemaster rods are available in an expansive 88 models for baitcasting and spinning. Each rod is specifically designed for fishing tactics in the Southeast, Northeast, Gulf, West Coast and International fishing. Anglers targeting bay bass in San Diego, redfish in the gulf, tarpon in the Southeast and striped bass in the Northeast get rods with action and powers along with components to maximize the effectiveness of their local tactic. The line features St. Croix’s best rod blank material infused with graphene to be stronger and tougher and still maintain sensitivity. Combine the new spinning rods with Seviin Reels new Nautrex reels are designed to be light a smooth without breaking the bank. The ported rotor, skeletonized aluminum spool cut rotating weight. The graphite chassis further cuts weight but remains rigid for long days on the water and drawn-out battles with big fish. Speaking of drawn-out battles, the Nautrex carbon drag system stays cool and smooth and the precision gearing won’t seize up or slip under pressure. On the casting reel side, Seviin brought the new Lunex 300 baitcasting reel to satisfy saltwater and freshwater anglers. The low-profile reels are built on an aluminum chassis with precision gearing and 10+1 stainless bearings for smooth retrieves. For smooth casts, the reel’s micro-adjustable casting brake allows me to dial in the brake to perfectly match the lure and casting conditions. A carbon-fiber drag system with 33 pounds of stopping power and a carbon fiber reel handle turn the reel into a powerful fish winch.
Huk Icon Pro Printed Hoodie and Short, Airweight Tech Light Lines Hoodie
Performance clothing designed for men and women to look great and stay cool
When the heat is on, I pull on Huk’s Icon Pro Printed hoodie and shorts. The Icon Pro hoodie is built on a light, stretchy fabric that feels soft even when wet. The hoodie uses Dricomfort Geo 360 fabric which is infused with minerals that absorb and transfer heat. When the weather is hot, the fabric pulls heat and moisture and evaporates to cool my skin. In cool weather, the same fabric captures the heat and warms my skin. The Icon Pro shorts are a perfect match with stain-resistant fabric and six pockets including cargo and utility pockets. The Icon Pro shorts and hoodie have matching nautical-themed pattern to look cool while keeping me cool.
Huk encourages ladies to fish hard with their Airweight Tech Light Lines Hoodie. The Airweight Tech Light Lines packs moisture-wicking, antimicrobial and 40+ UPF sun protection fabric into a performance hoodie with a wide hood, raglan sleeves and thumb holes to keep skin covered while casting. The side seams can be cinched down for a custom fit.
Bajio Cocho
Hit the water or the dock party with a fishing sunglass that has a party attitude
When sun protection is paramount, Bajio’s Cocho sunglasses bring an extra layer of protection with a removable side shield. The extra-large frames are made of a bio-based material available in cool camo colors with seven lens color and mirror combinations. When I’m sight fishing under full sun, I add the small sunshields to block out ambient rays. Back on land, I remove the shields for a wider field of vision and better ventilation. I like the Cocho’s modern, blocky design with matte finish that looks ready for serious fishing.
Whitewater Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie
Bamboo isn’t just for koala bears and porch furniture, the sustainable material also makes a high-performance fishing shirt
Whitewater harnessed the power of bamboo to create the Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie. What does bamboo have to do with performance fishing shirts? Well, once bamboo is processed into thread it makes a fabric that is light, cool and naturally odor free. Whitewater used an advanced bamboo thread that feels soft against the skin and maintains its structure and shape through years of wear and tear. Bamboo fabric is also naturally antibacterial to prevent odor and feel fresh for long hours on the water. The material also naturally regulates temperature as little air pockets either trap or transfer body heat for cool mornings and hot afternoons. But anyone can make a bamboo shirt, Whitewater added smart features for anglers, like low-profile seams, integrated thumb holes and crossover hood to move with the angler and maintain maximum skin coverage.
Benchmade Bugout Vapyr
The lightest and toughest pocket knife for every-day carry
When I look for an every-day-carry pocket knife, I look for lightweight, compact size and bulletproof durability. I found those qualities in abundance with the Benchmade Bugout Vapyr. Benchmade is already famous for top-of-the-line knives that live up to expectations of their premium features and construction. The Bugout Vapyr is built on a light, tough and corrosion resistant aluminum frame and handle. The drop-point blade is forged from a premium stainless steel designed to maintain a sharp edge and prevent corrosion. All Benchmade knives come with a lifetime sharpening and warranty. The combination of corrosion resistance and durable construction allow me to carry the Bugout Vapyr saltwater fishing and use it as a knife, tool, scissors and pry bar without worrying about damaging the knife.
Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova
Take power and control into the salt with the toughest trolling motor
To complement the new Old Town Sportsman 120 Pro kayak, saltwater anglers are adding the Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova has all the great features of the freshwater Terrova model with additional corrosion protection. The Riptide includes GPS-connected control for anchor lock and programmed navigation with network connectivity to integrate with Humminbird fish finders. For the longest possible run time, the Terrova line has a digital maximizer that optimizes power use for five times longer runtime. To make the Riptide saltwater ready, the motor is grit blasted, coated in aluminum and powder coated for redundant layers of corrosion protection. The composite shaft is so tough, Minn Kota guarantees it for life. The features come together to make Riptide Kayak Terrova the toughest trolling motor for saltwater.
Humminbird Xplore
Easy-to-use, full-feature fish finder now produces easy-to record and share images and video
Last year, Humminbird released the new Xplore as an easier-to-use, versatile fish finder and GPS with touch screen and simple user interface. For 2027, Humminbird is updating the Xplore software to make it even easier to use. The Xplore includes premium coastal and inland charts, so I don’t have to download charts after purchase. The fish finder is optimized for Humminbird’s high-power Mega 2 live sonar with the sharp, detailed images of fish and structure. Using Humminbird’s One Boat network, the Xplore now has wireless connectivity to download files. The Xplore can also record and capture screen images to share with friends on the water. If I’m on a hot bite and I want to call in my friends, or if I want to brag on social media at the end of the day, the updated Xplore video and sharing capabilities capture the action below the water.
Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
