Kayak Angler’s Bold Predictions For New Tackle, Gear And Kayaks In 2027

Next week, thousands of anglers and hundreds of manufacturers will converge in Orlando, Florida for ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing tradeshow. At the show, the latest innovations in tackle, gear, technology and kayaks are on display for buyers and the media. Kayak Angler editors will spend the week looking for the best new stuff, and sharing what we find daily through our newsletters, articles, social media and YouTube. Here are a few of our predictions for the next big thing in kayak fishing.

What We Expect to See at ICAST 2026

Kayaks and Paddleboards

New kayaks always make big news at ICAST, and 2027 is shaping up to be a big year for plastic boats as manufacturers race to jump on board the motorized kayak bandwagon. Expect to see more practical motorized kayaks. Currently, motorizing a kayak requires hours of work and hundreds of dollars in accessories. Once the boat is built, transporting and storing the kayak becomes a hassle. The next generation of motorized kayaks will make it easier to rig and own the boat. We have intel about several new kayaks with pre-rigged wiring, more options for adding power, and an inflatable SUP with a built-in motor. If you’ve been on the fence about motorizing a kayak, this year will have some enticing options.

Speaking of kayak motors, we also have pre-show intel on several new motors with more power and less weight for maximum performance. A new trolling motor eliminates the need to crawl to the bow or use a rope and pulleys to retract and deploy the motor. We’re really excited about a new electric outboard designed by a long-time kayak fishing pro that promises greater power and tougher construction in a smaller package.

Electronics

Trends in fish finders, navigation, lights and sound continue to develop with more powerful, less expensive and easier-to-use electronics. To accommodate the complexities of live sonar, fish finder manufacturers will release models with simpler installation and operation. Most of the innovation is below the skin with networking capabilities to operate electronics, lights, motors and sound systems with remote control, smartwatch, cellphone or multi-function display. These advancements are welcome news for kayak anglers who will see more electronics designed specifically for small plastic boats.

Tackle

At last year’s ICAST, I saw a fuzzy dice lure for the first time. I was so shocked by the ridiculous amoeba-look-alike soft plastic that I sent pictures to my friends at home. Now, these strange lures are in every angler’s tackle box and behind multiple tournament wins.

What will be the 2027 fuzzy bait? Who knows. But manufacturers are scrambling to develop the next big thing. I predict the latest developments in rods and reels will support fuzzy baits. Also, I expect to see more lures designed to take advantage of live sonar.

The big crossover for 2027 will be saltwater glidebaits. The large, jointed hard plastic lures are responsible for trophy musky, bass and other freshwater predators, and saltwater anglers are finding success with redfish, speckled trout and striped bass. We will see more saltwater glidebaits and rods and reels to support the big, heavy lures.

Gear

Clothes and accessories make up a big part of the ICAST new product releases. I expect to see performance fishing wear that is warmer, cooler, softer, stretchier and lighter than ever before. Advanced fabrics use chemistry to absorb or release heat and maintain moisture in the worst weather conditions. New clothing designs improve fit and performance to move with my body when I’m paddling, pedaling and fishing.

Rigging a kayak will be easier in 2027 as accessory manufacturers offer more options for adding electronics, rod holders, gear and tackle storage. I hope to find new accessories for installing live sonar on a kayak with transducer poles and mounts for a larger fish finder display. On the other end of the spectrum, I expect manufacturers to offer options for simple rigging for anglers who appreciate kayak fishing’s convenience.

Schedule

ICAST 2027 kicks off with Demo Day on Tuesday, July 14. Kayak Angler editors will be on the water testing new kayaks and kayak motors, rods, reels and lures before they are available to the public. If you’re looking for a new kayak or motor, don’t miss our Demo Day coverage.

Tuesday evening, the New Product Showcase opens to the media with the latest and greatest tackle, gear and kayaks on display. Monitor Kayak Angler’s social media feeds for a sneak peek of our favorite finds.

Wednesday the show opens with hundreds of exhibitors spread over acres of convention center floor. Expect manufacturers to drop their hottest new products on Day 1. Kayak Angler editors have exclusive coverage of the coolest new stuff and the people behind it. Over the next three days, we’ll scour the show for the best gear, tackle and kayaks for kayak fishing.

Wednesday evening, ICAST organizers announce winners of the Best in Show categories. Kayak Angler editors will post live coverage of the awards and celebrations so you can see the hottest new products everyone will be talking about.

New products and the latest trends are only half the ICAST experience. At the end of each day, select exhibitors pump up the music and break out snacks and beverages for sponsored happy hours. This is our chance to end the day with a relaxed atmosphere and get exclusive access to fishing personalities and meet with friends old and new.

And the party doesn’t stop, Kayak Angler’s coverage will extend to the legendary ICAST nightlife. We’ll attend exclusive sponsored parties at Orlando’s most popular night spots and post updates from the dance floor.

Day to Day Coverage

From the break of day through deep into the night, ICAST doesn’t stop and neither will Kayak Angler’s coverage. Kayak Angler magazine editor Ric Burnley, digital editor Joe Potoczak and contributor Kevin Hughes are on the scene and in the thick of the show’s biggest news and hottest events.

Follow @kayakanglermagazine on Facebook and Instagram for real-time coverage from the show floor. Then, tune into Kayakanglermag.com and the Kayak Angler email newsletter for first looks at the best kayak fishing tackle, gear and boats for 2027. And keep the dial turned to Kayak Angler for real-world testing and review of the coolest new stuff over the next year. Feel free to reach out via social media direct message with requests and questions to guide our coverage. Unfortunately, ICAST is not open to the public, but Kayak Angler’s coverage of the biggest sportfishing tradeshow is the next best thing.