Held from July 16–18 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) continues to be the premier global showcase for the recreational fishing industry. Organised by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST is where new gear, tackle, accessories, and technology make their world debut—setting trends and shaping what anglers will see on shelves in the months ahead.
ICAST is a trade-only event, welcoming manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, outdoor brands, and media professionals from around the world. Though not open to the public, its influence is widespread, with innovations debuted at ICAST quickly filtering down into global fishing markets, including New Zealand.
This year’s show drew over 600 exhibitors and more than 12,000 attendees from 75+ countries, underscoring its continued growth and global relevance.
Innovation on display
At the heart of the event was the New Product Showcase—arguably ICAST’s biggest drawcard. The showcase offers a first look at the latest and greatest innovations in gear, tackle, electronics, apparel, and accessories. Products are judged by credentialed buyers and media, with winners announced in the coveted “Best of Category” and “Best of Show” awards.
This year’s Best of Show title went to FluxJet Kayaks for the World’s First Electric Jet Fishing Kayak—a lightweight, portable, and motorless jet-powered kayak aimed at revolutionising access and performance for solo anglers. FluxJet integrates an electric jet drive directly into the hull, eliminating the need for outboards while promising unmatched thrust and control.
Standout winners ccross categories
Beyond the flagship Best of Show award, ICAST 2025 honoured top-performing products across more than 30 specialist categories, reflecting the pace of innovation in recreational fishing. Here are some of the standout winners:
Saltwater reel: Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel CB4000
Built for harsh saltwater conditions, the third-generation Quantum Cabo reel takes performance to new heights. Its IPX8-rated Sealoq™ 8 sealing protects internal components from water and salt, while GEARTEQ™ machined gears deliver smooth, powerful cranking with extended gear life. The CFX200™ carbon fibre drag system offers exceptional stopping power with a refined drag curve. Additional features like CASTEQ™ slow oscillation enhance casting distance and line lay, especially for braid. With a lighter build, improved sealing, and a strong aluminium frame, the new Cabo continues its legacy as a premium saltwater workhorse.
Freshwater rod: Daiwa Tatula Cork Base Rod
Designed for serious bass anglers, the Tatula Cork Base Rod features SVF high-density graphite and X45 bias construction for superior sensitivity, minimal blank twist, and enhanced casting accuracy. Fitted with Fuji O concept guides and custom Tatula reel seats with cork grips, this rod delivers both comfort and precision. Available in 23 technique-specific models—including two Glatech fibreglass options—it’s a versatile rod range tailored for modern bass fishing.
Rod & reel combo: Quantum Merit Combo
Aimed at anglers who demand high performance without the premium price tag, the Merit Combo boasts Sealoq™ 6 IPX6 sealing and the advanced CFX200™ drag system. The reel features a lightweight yet durable graphite body and rotor, while the rod uses a graphite composite blank with rugged HD304 stainless steel guides. Designed for reliability in tough environments, it balances sensitivity, power, and affordability—making it ideal for entry-level and experienced anglers alike.
Freshwater reel: Daiwa Ballistic 3000 BAMQLT
The 2025 Ballistic MQ LT spinning reel showcases AIRDRIVE Design, which includes a light ABS spool, smooth rotor, and balanced bail for longer casts and effortless retrieves. With a reinforced MQ body, MAGSEAL technology, and Tough Digigear, this reel resists corrosion and performs in the most demanding environments. It’s a solid choice for anglers chasing freshwater species with finesse and reliability.
Saltwater soft lure: Z-Man PrawnstarZ LB
Unrigged and ultra-durable, the PrawnstarZ LB mimics live shrimp with uncanny realism. Built from 10X Tough ElaZtech®, it features a hook guide channel for weedless rigging, pulsating antennae, swimming legs, and segmented body articulation. The lure is offered in twelve hand-painted colourways, tuned to match saltwater conditions from mangroves to flats.
Freshwater hard lure: Rapala Claptail 110
Developed with tournament angler Jacob Wheeler, the Claptail 110 is a topwater lure with a unique two-tone sound, generated by a metal prop and back blade. Long casting, balanced, and equipped with a belly swivel to keep fish pinned, it’s a next-gen bait made to provoke strikes from trophy bass.
Saltwater hard lure: Rapala Magnum Countdown® Elite
The CountDown® Elite combines Rapala’s iconic balsa construction with modern wire-through engineering, HD printing, and metallic plating. Designed for controlled sinking and accurate long-distance casting, this upgraded classic sinks at 1 foot per second and delivers flutter on the drop—making it deadly on pelagic predators.
Fly fishing rod: St. Croix Legend Elite
Packed with tech, the Legend Elite fly rod uses IPC®, ART™, and TET construction paired with ultra-premium SCV and SCVI carbon blanks for maximum strength and sensitivity. Outfitted with titanium guides, a blank-through reel seat, and super-grade cork, this rod delivers elite performance with a 15-year transferable warranty.
Fly fishing reel: Okuma Integrity Fly Reel
The Integrity fly reel offers tool-free conversion between left- and right-hand wind, a durable die-cast aluminium frame, and a large-arbour quick-release spool. With a smooth drag, stainless mainshaft, and cageless construction for finger-rim control, it’s a dependable, user-friendly reel at a sharp price point.
Electronics: Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
The XPLORE series brings together lightning-fast mapping, waypoint syncing with mobile, and full MEGA Live 2 sonar support. Compatible with Minn Kota’s One Boat Network®, it integrates GPS, chartplotters, shallow water anchors, and remote trolling control—putting complete command in the angler’s hands.
Motorised boating accessories: Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor
Purpose-built for kayak anglers, the Force Current motor offers wireless steering and throttle, Anchor Lock GPS positioning, and full Garmin chartplotter integration. Compact and rugged, it’s engineered for quiet power and seamless control—making it a perfect companion for inshore missions and lake exploration.
With many of these brands and products stocked or distributed in New Zealand, Kiwi anglers can expect to see these innovations hitting local shelves over the next six to twelve months.
Live demonstrations: from pond to tank
Alongside the impressive static displays, ICAST 2025 brought the gear to life with a range of interactive demo zones that proved popular with attendees. One of the busiest spots on the show floor was the ICASTing Pond, where visitors could cast and retrieve rods, reels, and lures in lifelike conditions—getting a real feel for how each product performed. Over at the FlyCASTing Pond, fly fishing enthusiasts and exhibitors alike took the opportunity to test out the latest rods, lines, and reels without ever leaving the convention centre. Adding an underwater perspective, the Lure Tank showcased hard and soft lures in action beneath the surface, complete with camera feeds that displayed every flick, pulse, and twitch on big screens for all to analyse. Together, these demo areas brought a dynamic, hands-on energy to the event—turning product showcases into real-world experiences.
Brands with Kiwi recognition
Plenty of brands familiar to New Zealanders were present, including Daiwa, Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, EZ Dock, Scanstrut, SeaDek, Lewmar, Lucas Oil, YakAttack, and Yeti. Notable power system providers included ePropulsion, Honda Marine, Mako (Taizhou), Haswingoutdoor, Solid State Marine, and Wintron Electrics.
Media brands such as Insta360 and Lateral Media had a strong presence, while companies like MadDog Products continued to expand their visibility in the gear and accessories sector.
Exhibitors spanned a wide range of categories: from bait, nets, and lures to marine electronics, boats, rods, combos, clothing, fish cleaning kits, education, and outdoor accessories—reflecting the diversity and depth of the modern recreational fishing sector.
Whether you’re a serious offshore angler or a weekend freshwater warrior, many of the innovations first seen at ICAST are bound to shape your next season on the water.
