I've spent the past few days cruising the aisles of North America's largest fishing-trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual ICAST (for International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) extravaganza is where fishing-tackle makers preview new gear for the 2008 season. There are more than 400 exhibitors in 1,300 booths sprawled over 350,000 feet of floor space. All I can say is thank God for comfortable shoes and an air-conditioned convention center. Otherwise, with the outside air temperature hitting 108 degrees yesterday, Las Vegas in July is no picnic.

Here are a few highlights from the show, items you'll see at many retailers in early 2008. In fairness, note that ICAST "best" awards (which were bestowed upon some of the products I list at left) are not based on product performance. Almost none of the media representatives and tackle buyers voting at the show have actually used these products. Voting is mostly based on a new product's perceived "coolness" and not a little lobbying by the manufacturers. Most items shown here are not yet available in stores, so don't bother to ask. --JM