The 2026 ICAST show seems more about refinement than revolution. Manufacturers focused on lighter reels, more specialized lures, technique-specific rods and tools designed to make fishing more efficient.
Among hundreds of new products introduced in Orlando, here are some likely to interest serious anglers.
Abu Garcia Revo VoltiQ
Abu Garcia’s Revo VoltiQ adds digital cast control to a low-profile baitcasting reel, using electronic braking to help anglers adjust casting performance for different lure weights and conditions.
The system offers multiple brake settings designed to reduce backlash and improve control in situations such as casting into wind, skipping baits or working with lighter presentations. Unlike some electronic systems, VoltiQ does not require charging or replaceable batteries. Price is $199.95 to $249.95.
AFTCO Hydronaut Insulated Rain System
AFTCO’s Hydronaut insulated rain system combines waterproof protection with insulation for anglers fishing in colder conditions.
The premium jacket and bib system uses technical materials and reinforced construction aimed at fishermen who spend long days exposed to wind, rain and spray.
MSRP: $798 for the system.
Berkley PowerBait Chop Block
Berkley’s PowerBait Chop Block is a compact soft plastic designed for flipping, pitching and Texas-rig presentations.
The bait combines a bulky profile with adequate casting weight, giving anglers another option for fishing heavy cover without moving to a larger creature bait. Like many current soft plastics, its appeal is versatility — allowing anglers to adapt presentations without changing lures.
BUBBA SCORETRACKER® LIVE
BUBBA SCORETRACKER LIVE combines connected fish scales with tournament scoring software, allowing anglers to weigh, record and release fish while updating standings in real time.
Developed with Major League Fishing, the system moves tournament fishing closer to catch-photo-release formats by reducing the need for traditional weigh-ins and extended fish handling.
If adopted more broadly, the technology could have applications from professional events to local bass clubs and kayak tournaments.
Daiwa Tatula MQ Spinning Reel
Daiwa’s Tatula MQ spinning reel uses the company’s Monocoque Body design, with a one-piece aluminum frame that allows a larger drive gear while keeping the reel compact.
The approach follows a continuing trend toward stronger internal components without increasing overall weight—the 2500 weighs just 6.7 ounces.
MSRP: about $259.99.
Shimano Insurgence Inshore Rod Series
Shimano’s Insurgence series is built around technique-specific inshore fishing applications, with casting and spinning models designed for species including redfish, snook and tarpon.
The rods incorporate Shimano technologies such as Hi-Power X blanks and Carbon Monocoque grips, with an emphasis on balancing sensitivity and strength for anglers using artificial lures in saltwater environments.
Rapala Expands Lure Lineup
Built with swiveling hook hangers and premium VMC® RedLine Series™ Round Bend Hooks, the Rapala Stryda 180 helps reduce leverage during the fight to improve hook retention and landing percentages. A premium soft tail, detailed paint finishes and an enhanced gill-flash joint accent add lifelike action and realism that trigger more strikes.
Rapala’s soft bait brand rolls out a weighted urchin, the CEO, and the Avatar Shad, a segmented swim bait, among other offerings. They also have larger sizes of the Freeloader--the original Freeloader has been a favorite with FFS anglers in the past year.
Great Lakes Finesse Skirted Ned Head
Great Lakes Finesse’s Skirted Ned Head adds a skirted profile to the compact Ned-rig style presentation.
The design gives anglers another option for pressured bass that respond better to smaller, slower-moving offerings. It fits the continuing move toward finesse techniques built around subtle action.
Old Town Sportsman 120 PRO
Old Town’s Sportsman 120 PRO includes accessory tracks, integrated cable routing, universal transducer mounting and trolling motor compatibility both fore and aft.
The 12-foot kayak is designed around customization, allowing anglers to adapt the platform as their preferred electronics and accessories change.
MSRP: $1,999.99.
Z-Man EVO Swim Jig
Z-Man’s EVO Swim Jig features a redesigned head, horizontal line tie and updated weedguard. The company also announced a heavy duty Chatterbait, the Elite Evo HD, which has a heavier hook, welded ring eye and wire wrapped skirt. For anglers who like to bang this productive lure into cover, it should be worth the investment.
(For new sonar/gps at the show, see today’s edition of The Water Wire, www.thewaterwire.com.)
– Frank Sargeant, Editor of The Water Wire
Frankmako1@gmail.com