Article by Larry Jock
If you are a fishing tackle junkie, then the place to be each summer is in Orlando, Florida where tackle manufacturers display their latest products at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trade Show. Back in July, 270 companies submitted over 800 products in the New Product Showcase, hoping to win a “Best in Show” award in 24 categories. Here are a few of the winners:
Best of Show
All you have to do is look out in the bay behind Ocean City and you will notice more and more anglers fishing from kayaks. Their low cost, compared to a typical boat, along with the ability to get into shallow water and tight spots have contributed to their popularity.
At the 2015 ICAST show, the Eddyline C-135 YakAttack Edition kayak not only won Best Boat honors, but was named the “Best in Show” for the entire convention. The 13.5-foot kayak weighs a measly 69 lbs. and can hold a total weight of 450 lbs. of angler and cargo. The C-135 is made of high impact, UV-resistant Carbonlite 2000 and was designed for anglers who enjoy both sitting and standing. In addition to a seat that provides 4 seating positions, the kayak comes with removable hatch liners that can be used for bait, fish or gear storage. The Power Hatch Liner can also be used to store your gear, but can also hold a Group 24 battery to power the kayak or various accessories.
The kayak also features YakAttack’s new GTTL top loading GearTrac and was designed to accept several different trolling motors, a casting bar, stakeout pole and other aftermarket accessories.
The Eddyline C-135 YakAttack Edition has an MSRP?of $2,500.
Best Boating Accessory
It is no secret that Yeti has taken the cooler market by storm, with heavy duty, thick-walled coolers capable of holding ice for much longer than the typical Coleman or Igloo models we have used for years.
In 2015, Yeti introduced the Yeti Hopper 20, a portable soft-sided, puncture resistant cooler that can hold 18 cans or 20 lbs. of ice. The Hopper features sturdy handles or carrying strap, an anti-microbial liner that resists mildew and an inch of closed-cell foam insulation on the sides and 1.5 inches on the bottom. The leakproof cooler comes with a 3-year warranty and a high price tag, with an MSRP of $299.99. I personally own a Yeti cooler, and although it does keep ice longer than other coolers, the weight of it makes it cumbersome and impossible to move by yourself. I imagine the Hooper 20 is much lighter weight and would be perfect for drinks and snacks while fishing or at a tailgate party.
Best Eyewear
It seems like every year, Costa takes the award for best new eyewear, and 2015 was not different. This time they won for their new Rooster style that provides a large fit, built-in side shields that block glare and vents to help with fogging. As with all Costa frames, they are practically indestructible made from injection molded nylon material and sturdy hinges.
There are plenty of options for the Rooster frame. You can get them in tortoise, matte black, blackout (where Costa logo is black) and white (which amazes me that folks still wear). If you are looking for scratch resistant lenses that give you the greatest clarity, you should go with the 580G glass lenses in blue, copper, grey, green or silver. If you are looking for a lighter weight, impact resistant lens, then the plastic 580P lens is what you are looking for. The 580P comes in all the same colors as the glass lens, in addition to amber and yellow. If you don’t own a pair with the Sunrise (yellow) lens, than you may want to check it out. My last pair of Costa’s came with the Sunrise lenses and I absolutely love them! They are great for low light conditions in the early morning or late afternoon. For me, they are just enough to take the glare off but let through plenty of light for me to see.
On a side note, if you are looking for prescription lenses, you can swing by Optical Galleria on Rt. 611. They will use your prescription or they now have a doctor on site who can give you an eye examination. One stop shopping!
The Rooster frames retail for $169 with the plastic lenses and $249 for the glass lenses.
Best Fishing Accessory
Here’s a product that can be used, not just when fishing, but in many other situations as well. The RinseKit is a portable, pressurized shower that holds 2 gallons of water and can be filled in 20 seconds.
No pumping is required to build up pressure because it has an eon pressure system that produces 65 psi, which is the standard pressure coming from your garden hose. If you are looking to fill it with hot water, you can get their Hot Water Sink Adaptor that will connect to your home sink.
The RinseKit will hold pressurized water for 1 month and give you approximately 4 minutes of continuous spraying. When it comes to portability, the RinseKit is a respectable 24 lbs. when filled and only 9 lbs. when it is not.
You can purchase the shower system for $89.99 at www.rinsekit.com.
Best Fishing Line
I guess for some reason there is a need for thinner braided line because PowerPro just came out with their new Maxcuatro braided line that is a whopping 25% thinner than existing PowerPro braid of equal test weight. The Maxcuatro line uses a 4-carrier braid (down from 6 to 8 carriers) that is not only thinner, but rounder and smoother, giving you the ability to pack more onto your spool and increased distance to your casts.
The Maxcuatro line with Spectra HT fiber comes in 2 colors, hi-vis yellow and moss green and both colors are available in 50, 60, 80 and 100 lb. test in addition to 150, 500, 1,500 and 3,000 yard spools.
Nothing beats braided line for sensitivity, and PowerPro claims that the Maxcuatro line is 8-times more sensitive than nylon and fluorocarbon line.
Best Saltwater Reel
After losing ground to Shimano, Penn has really come back to life in recent years with strong, well constructed reels for any type of fishing you can experience.
Penn took “Best Saltwater Reel” honors again with their new Clash spinning reel that features a full metal body to handle heavy drag pressure, machined gears, carbon fiber drag washers, an oversized aluminum bail ring and a slow Leveline oscillating spool system. Penn has also equipped the reel with 8 sealed corrosion resistant ball bearings and a stronger anti-reverse system that will hold up to pressure from large fish.
The reel is undersized and lighter, but with new, thinner braided line hitting the market (see Maxcuatro review), you can still pack a load of line on the spool. Solving a problem common with braided line, the Clash features a spool made with a rubber insert that prevents the braid from slipping.
You can find this spinning reel in 7 different models ranging in price from $179.95 to $259.95.
Best Saltwater Rod
St. Croix is no stranger to receiving rewards, so it was no surprise when they won this award for their Avid inshore series of rods.
These lightweight graphite rods are designed using St. Croix’s exclusive integrated Poly Curve tooling technology for improved strength and casting. They also have Kigan Master hand Zero Tangle guides with titanium frames that are 100% corrosion resistant. These guides supposedly “shed” tangles before they become a problem.
The rods, backed by St. Croix’s 15-year transferable warranty, come in 16 different models for spinning rods and 6 for casting rods. Lengths vary from 6’6” to 8’ handling line weights from 8 to 40 lbs.
If you decide that one of these rods is for you, then you better start saving your pennies because they range in price from $230 to $290.
Best Giftware
A common problem for anglers, especially those that venture outside the range of a tower, is the loss of battery power on their cellphone. Yolotek has come out with a cool product called the PowerStick that plugs into your navigation light port and “allows boaters and anglers to securely charge their cell phones while on the water.” Your cellphone mounts directly onto the PowerStick and connect via a USB cable, meaning that you could also charge other electronic equipment as well.
The PowerStick is due to begin shipping this winter and will retail for $49.99.
Please remember to shop at local tackle shops and retailers for all your fishing needs. These businesses are vital to our fishing community and deserve our support. Make sure you check with them first for all your tackle and apparel needs.
