The 10 Best Fishing Products at ICAST

ICAST 2019 debuted a wide range of new products to anglers from all around the world. From apparel to bait storage and some odd stuff in between, here are the top 10 new fishing products to keep an eye out for in 2019.

Berkley Glowstik Rod

When the sun goes down, the Berkley Glowstik Rod lights up. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cast off clip-on glow sticks when surf shark fishing, but now the GlowStik solves that problem for me and nighttime anglers around the country. When turned on, the Glowstik illuminates with a lightweight fiber optic cable that runs through the length of the fiberglass rod for insane visibility in dark conditions. It runs on two AAA batteries contained in the butt end of the rod with a sealed watertight thread design. It also breaks down into two pieces for easy travel and is comprised of stainless steel guides, TI oxide inserts, and a shrink tube handle for a non-slip grip. It’s available in both spinning and casting models at 8-, 9-, and 10-foot lengths.

Yakima TopWater Fishing Rod Box

Purpose-built to get you and your gear from one spot to the next, Yakima’s TopWater Fishing Rod Box is designed to carry the load. The TopWater can hold eight completely rigged rods and reels up to 8 feet in length, and it is easily affixed to a rooftop or trailer. It also boasts extra space to store low-profile tackle boxes. Made in the U.S.A., the hardshell structure is comprised of durable, thermoformed ABS plastic with a carbonite textured finish and includes a Yakima SKS lock for security. With the TopWater you can rest assured your gear is going to be protected in all environments when traveling.

Bubba Blade Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife

Bubba Blade’s Lithium-Ion Electric Fillet Knife starts with its legendary non-slip-grip handle and razor-sharp blades then adds an electric motor to effortlessly slice through fish. Four high carbon stainless steel blades—ranging from 7 to 12 inches long—are included along with two lithium-ion batteries, ergonomic trigger, dual rivet design, premium carry case, LED battery life indicator, and its own power-charging station. The secondary backup battery ensures that you’ll never run out of juice midway through a fish.

St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass

St. Croix absolutely cleaned up at ICAST, winning in four categories, and the St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass really stood out. Built to throw crankbaits and reaction baits, the integrated Poly Curve Mandrel technology allows for the 100 percent linear S-glass blanks to impart moderate action with consistent tapers and uniform wall thickness from butt to tip. In other words, effortless, lightweight casting will never wear your arms out, and you’ve got all the sensitivity you need in a glass rod. Ranging from 6-foot-10-inches to 7-foot-4-inches in length in both casting and spinning models, this rod will allow you to toss crankbaits, chatterbaits, and rattlebaits to your heart’s delight.

Plano Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30

Earning the win for Best of Show Cooler/Bait Storage at ICAST, the Plano Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30 is equipped to carry all the live bait you will ever need. It boasts 30 quarts of storage and dual two-speed, water-resistant aerators constructed right into the lid—so forget about messy spills and cleanups from leaky air hoses after a bumpy ride. Full 1-inch commercial grade foam insulation keeps water temperatures cool and safe in the most extreme conditions. Plano also installed side-mounted handles for easy transport and non-rusting latches along with a removable divider that lets you organize your live baits. The bait station is powered by D-cell batteries or a 12V power adapter.

Shimano Stradic FL

For 2019 Shimano brings us another liquid-smooth spinning reel in the form of the Shimano Stradic FL series. Shimano incorporated cutting-edge facets such as the MicroModule Gear II for unparalleled smoothness and SilentDrive Technology to reduce handle play and eliminate clicking noises in all moving parts. You don’t need to worry about throwing it into saltwater inshore either. Shimano’s X-Protect design provides a high level of water resistance. Five different sizes from 1000HG to 5000HG allow you to crush anything from crappie to pike.

Huk Icon X Hoodie

HUK is continually raising the bar, and they now craft the Icon X Hoodie with their own Internal Cooling Element (ICE) technology to keep anglers ultra-cool on those oppressively hot days on the water. ICE creates an endothermic reaction within the fabric that drops body temperature in minutes when the garment contacts sweat or moisture. Spun with state of the art fabrics, it offers sun protection up to +30 SPF, and a durable poly-knot construction. The Icon X Hoodie is constructed with 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex.

Columbia Force XII Bibs

Having worn my share of burdensome, heavy-duty bibs this summer while out tuna fishing, I was extremely pleased to see Columbia’s new line of lightweight Force XII Bibs. They are incredibly light and the perfect skins to keep you clean and dry while inshore or offshore fishing. Developed with what Columbia calls OutDry Extreme technology, the bibs tout a breathable waterproof material for extreme conditions. Bibs include assets such as waterproof vislon zippers, reflectors, CF Two Way zippers, adjustable leg openings, and high-abrasion-area overlays to prevent ripping and tearing.

Fish Monkey Yeti Premium Ice Fishing Glove

Hardwater anglers will be happy to see Fish Monkey’s new Yeti Premium Ice Fishing Glove. Secret production meetings incorporated ergonomics, thermo-conductivity, and selective permeability to nearly eliminate cold hands while remaining ultra-practical. Lined with high-end fleece to keep the inner section warm, the glove also contains strategically-placed 350g and 150g Thinsulate and Advanced Cotton Insulation on the back of the hand and palm. They have also incorporated ceramic dust to absorb heat from your hand and transfer it around your fingers. Waterproof and windproof with HIPORA 100-percent three-layer membrane tech, the outer shell also showcases a goggle squeegee, thumb nose wipe, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips to upload your catches to Instagram without having to take your glove off. This glove literally does it all on the ice.

Costa Waterwoman

Classically elegant and ever practical, Costa shines bright with the addition of their new Waterwoman line of sunglasses. The supremely angled temple points and seamlessly integrated Hydrolite accents take sunglass beauty to a new level. Fishing applications tout super clear 580 polarized lenses in blue mirror, green mirror, and other shades. Frame choices include Shiny Wahoo, Shiny Blonde Crystal, and Matte Shadow Tortoise. The Waterwoman features a robust construction to stand up to UV rays and the rigors of fishing while on the saltwater.