What's New at ICAST 2024?

Here's a look at some of the hot new fishing gear being unveiled at the Orlando show.

July 17, 2024 By Florida Sportsman

Here’s a look at some of the hot new fishing gear introduced this week at ICAST 2024 in Orlando, which opened July 17 at the Orange County Convention Center.

Florida Sportsman editors will be at the show all week long to check out the new stuff that’s of most interest to Florida anglers.

Check back for updates to this article during the show.

PENN Fathom Electric Saltwater Reel

fs-penn electric reel — PENN Fathom Electric Saltwater Reel. (Photo by Alex Suescun)

The promise of larger fish and greater catches has more and more anglers prying the depths and developing techniques to hook and hoist dogged bottom dwellers and other species that do their feeding far below the surface. The use of electric reels has climbed accordingly, but the need for power outlets has limited the location and the number of electric reels aboard many boats. Luckily, Penn has unveiled the solution at ICAST: the new Fathom Electric series, the first and only reels with an integrated battery. Available in three sizes (30, 50, 80), all endowed with outstanding power and torque, the new Fathoms include a user-friendly LED display showing a true line counter, auto-stop functionality, and simple, customizable settings. $799.95-$899.95; pennfishing.com—Alex Suescun

Quantum Strive Saltwater Reel

Sealed to IPX6 standards with its Sealoq 6 system, the Quantum Strive spinning reels are protected from water, salt and sand. Built on a rigid Aluminum frame, with a best in class CFX200 carbon fiber drag system, the Strive reels are the new standard in saltwater spinning reels. Read more here. $99.99; quantumfishing.com

Z-Man’s PrawnstarZ Saltwater Soft Plastic Lure

(From Z-Man Fishing) When an inshore fishing guide the likes of Florida’s Captain C.A. Richardson digs into his little sneak box and ties on a new prototype ElaZtech bait, it’s probably time to pay attention. When that bait is a live shrimp replica created by Z-Man—winners of the last two ICAST Best Saltwater Soft Lure awards in a row—it’s a good indication the stars have aligned and you’re about to experience a Funkadelic day of fishing.

On the eve of its ICAST unveiling, the new Z-Man PrawnstarZ has already accounted for a boatload of big redfish, seatrout and snook. Most of the PrawnstarZ prototypes are still in operation, too—a testament to the toughness of its superplastic anatomy. It’s especially impressive when you consider the bait’s remarkably lifelike stature and range of natural movements—and just how many times each one of these lures gets eaten.

“Soft shrimp baits have been notoriously difficult to design, because re-creating the multifaceted swimming motions of a real crustacean is just so incredibly complex,” suggests Captain Richardson. “All it took was one cast with this lure to realize Z-Man knocked it out of the park.”

A versatile live-shrimp clone, the 10X Tough ElaZtech Z-Man PrawnstarZ is balanced for authentic horizontal posture as bait freefalls and sits on bottom. Designed for shallow sight-casting, drifting/freelining/dragging or fishing under a popping cork. For unmatched action, the lively bait’s tail fan, antennae and legs pulse, quiver and “crawl.” Body segments propel undulating motion. 12 vivid colors endorse the illusion, 3.5”, 3/8-ounce and 5”, 1/2-ounce sizes. Internal glass rattle included. $8.99; zmanfishing.com

Rapala Sarda Saltwater Hard Lures

Tested globally for two years in all saltwater markets, the Sarda has caught Bluefin Tuna from Europe to Southern California, and hammered Wahoo and Yellowfin in the Keys. Built from stainless steel, one piece construction with a reinforced body and internal rib design for ultimate strength to fight 200+ lb Tuna and giant pelagic fish. Sarda can be trolled up to 14 knots and is loaded with two forged VMC TechSet Single hooks with welded rings to reduce the fish’s leverage. $49.99; rapala.com

Fish Lab’s Mack Attack Saltwater Swimbait

The FishLab Soft Mack Attack Series has new additions added to the lineup for 2024. Contending for Best of Show in the Saltwater Soft Bait category at this year’s ICAST, the Soft Mack Attack now features a stunning new range of colors and sizes designed to match the forage fish of your coastal and intercoastal waters, offering unparalleled fish-attracting potential. The Soft Mack Attack swimbait is a paddle-tail swimbait that is designed to be fished in heavy current or deep-water presentations such as jigging or dropping. This bait can even be slow-trolled. The Soft Mack Attack comes in three lengths and weights to get you dialed in on your particular presentation. 5.5", 6 ½", 8" and 10" lengths that range from 3.5 to 16 ounces in weight. The paddle tail is designed to have a seductive kick on a cast and retrieve, slow trolled, or straight drop. The bait also features a heavy-duty jig hook that will hold up to the largest and hardest fighting fish out there. $9.99; fishlabtackle.com

Salty Hundo Saltwater Reel

Bates Fishing Co., maker of the Hundo freshwater fishing reel, has introduced a gunmetal-gray, saltwater version at this year’s ICAST Show. Like the original model, the Salty Hundo incorporates a one-piece, anodized bar-stock aluminum body, an adjustable, dual-brake system and a shallow spool. A number of upgrades, however, promise enhanced performance and longevity in the harsh marine environment. They include brass gears, stainless-steel components, ceramic bearings, an 88-millimeter, CNC-milled crank arm and more. The new reel, which comes in 7.1:1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios, weighs only 5.8 ounces, packs 100 yards of 30-pound braid and boasts a maximum drag of 15 pounds. $425; batesfishingco.com—Alex Suescun

The Ocea Jigger 2500 LD offers anglers a more capable jigging reel for expanded endeavors in deeper water and larger fish. Producing 44 pounds of drag, the unique lever-drag design provides easy and consistent drag adjustment with stabilized performance. Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology integrates a new drag design to increase drag force while decreasing side load pressure — delivering up to 30 percent lighter rotation during tough battles. A standard for jigging reels is set — targets beware. $599.99; shimano.com

Okuma Tesoro 4000 Size Spinning Reel

Okuma’s new Tesoro 4000 size Spinning Reel is built from the ground up for the ultimate in strength and performance. Featuring an Alumilite Body, Side-Plate and Cyclonic Flow Rotor, these reels are IPX-7 Waterproof for unmatched protection. With a 12HPB+1RB corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearing drive and a Carbonite high output DFD Drag System, the Tesoro delivers over 55 pounds of fish-stopping drag. $359.99; okumafishingusa.com

HaliBait OctoSquid Saltwater Lure

An entry in ICAST’s Best New Saltwater Soft Lures category, HaliBait OctoSquids are designed to be extremely durable and long-lasting, ensuring a successful fishing experience. Designed to mimic some of the most effective natural baits (octopus and squid). By attaching a HaliBait OctoSquid to your hook using a zip tie (included), you can enjoy a bait that is both highly scented and flavored, and almost impossible for fish to bite off. Say goodbye to the hassle of fishing in deep waters on credit. Halibut , lingcod, rockfish, grouper, snapper. $12.99; aquaticnutrition.com