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The Best New Fishing Gear for Catching Redfish—ICAST

New baits and tackle for catching one of Florida's favorite inshore species.

The Best New Fishing Gear for Catching Redfish—ICAST
Z-Man's Prawn StarZ is a redfish magnet. (Photo courtesy of Z-Man Fishing)

Redfish may very well be the most user-friendly gamefish in Florida’s coastal waters. Widely dispersed, not terribly picky and dependably memorable fighters, reds are well worth the requisite pursuit efforts.

ICAST 2025 unveiled several new products designed for inshore anglers. Here’s a sampling of items that’ll help you bring more redfish to the boat.

BAITS

Z-Man Prawn StarZ LB

Redfish lure.
Z-Man Prawn StarZ LB

Creating a flexible option to the original pre-rigged Prawn StarZ, Z-Man now offers this 3.5-inch bait unrigged for user-defined presentations. Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech material ensures durability, while a natural shrimp posture and realistic undulating action closes the deal. Available in 12 hand-painted patterns. (Best in Show - Saltwater Soft Bait) MSRP: $9.99 | Learn More

Flashin Assassin Stealth Series Gold Redfish Reaper

Colorful bladed fishing bait.
Flashin Assassin Stealth Series Gold Redfish Reaper

Made with a prominent triangular head and a willow-leaf blade, this bait features a triple-layer, 2D embedded skirt with holographic flash and shiny outer layers. Offered in 1/4- and 1/2-ounce sizes. MSRP: $6.99 | Learn More

Knockin Tail Lures Knockin Shrimp

Shrimp-imitating fishing lure.
Knockin Tail Lures Knockin Shrimp

Made of durable, scented TPE material, this 3-inch crustacean mimic includes a loud rattle that attracts redfish attention. Pre-rigged with a Mustad hook and a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce weight, the Knocking Shrimp comes in six colors. MSRP: $8.99 | Learn More

Fish Bites Saltwater Soft Lures Fight Club 5-Inch Mullet

Plastic bag of fishing baits.
Fish Bites Saltwater Soft Lures Fight Club 5-Inch Mullet

Made from a durable proprietary Hydrogel material, which exudes a potent flavor and scent appeal, this swimming style bait is offered in three colors. MSRP: $7.49 | Learn More

Adjusta Saltwater SARYU

Orange-colored fishing lure.
Adjusta Saltwater SARYU

Made with a colorful, detailed head, a slender body with a paddle style tail and twin treble hooks, this one looks like a strong candidate for midrange surf casting when reds run the beaches. Offered in 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-ounce sizes. MSRP: $19.99 | Learn More

Daiwa Laser Impact Switch Hitter

Silver fishing lure.
Daiwa Laser Impact Switch Hitter

Made for a wide range of shallow redfish habitat, this ABS plastic bait delivers an S-shape swim pattern that leverages the reflective structure for eye-catching light reflection. The Switch Hitter’s weight system and its curved design causes the bait to shimmy and flash on the fall. Fitted with 3x strong BKK trebles hooks, the bait comes in six colors. MSRP: $17.99 | Learn More

TACKLE & LINE

Daiwa Ballistic Spinning Reel

Fishing reel.
Daiwa Ballistic Spinning Reel

In the Ballistic spinning reel—with a single piece Zion V (carbon fiber-based composite) monocoque body—Daiwa created a rigid, durable and corrosion-resistant reel that’s light in the hand. The monocoque form ensures 360 degrees of stability with greater waterproofing than reels with screw-in side plates. Available in 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000 sizes, the Ballistic features Daiwa’s AIRDRIVE system, which minimizes friction for optimal efficiency, along with Daiwa’s Tough Digigear, which ensures optimal speed, torque and smoothness. MSRP: $239.99 | Learn More

Quantum Merit Saltwater Combo

Rod and reel for inshore fishing.
Quantum Merit Saltwater Combo

Featuring Sealoq 6 technology, these reels are sealed to IPX6 standards, for extreme protection against water, salt, and sand. The reel boasts a high-strength, graphite body and rotor with an aluminum side plate for the right strength-to-weight ratio, while the rod includes single piece stainless steel guides that eliminate the concern over chipped or lost inserts. (Best in Show - Saltwater Combo) MSRP: $129.99-$179.99 | Learn More

Fitzgerald Flats Class Rods

Three fishing rods.
Fitzgerald Flats Class Rods

Designed by Gulf Coast legend, Captain C.A. Richardson, these rods were specifically built for redfish and other inshore faves. Blanks made with 40-ton Japanese Toray carbon fiber ensure strength, sensitivity, and lightweight performance. Components include corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel Ti-forged guides, premium cork handles, and ergonomic reel seats with EVA fore grips. (Best in Show - Saltwater Rod) MSRP: $229.99-$239.99 | Learn More

Recommended


Yo-Zuri SuperBraid 9

Box of braided fishing line.
Yo-Zuri SuperBraid 9 fishing line

By braiding eight PE strands with optimal tension around a super strong core PE strand, Yo-Zuri created a incredibly durable and abrasion-resistant line that’ll put the brakes on the biggest redfish you find. SuperBraid 9 is available in 8 to 100 pound size, with 150-, 300- and 3,000-yard spools. White and dark green color options. MSRP: $19.99 | Learn More

APPAREL & SUNGLASSES

HUK Watershed Hooded Shirt

Hoodie long sleeve shirt for fishing.
HUK Watershed Hooded Shirt

The Watershed Hooded Shirt is super soft, lightweight button-up shirt made from an 88% polyester/12% spandex blend sports a hood for additional sun protection. Dricomfort technology manages moisture and regulates heat, while UPF 50+ bolsters sun protection. MSRP: $70 | Learn More

Forceflex Hydros

Sunglasses for fishing.
Forceflex Hydros sunglasses

These floating polarized sunglasses feature a patented flex design that eliminates pinch points, increases comfort and makes the Forceflex Hydros practically indestructible. The design includes side shields and gaskets to block harmful rays, along with vents to prevent fogging and magnetic keeper attachments. MSRP: $189.99 | Learn More

Under Armour Kilchis River Shoes

Boat shoe.
Under Armour Kilchis River Shoe

Checking the boxes for warm season redfishing, Under Armour won the Best Footwear category with a stylish shoe made with a fast-drying, breathable upper, secure lacing system, and a molded heel for support on the casting deck or poling platform. Additional features include a contoured midsole and perforated EVA footbed that promotes water drainage and airflow, and the EXOGRIP outsole that ensures superior traction. (Best in Show - Footwear) MSRP: $100 | Learn More

PADDLECRAFT

FluxJet Electric Jet Kayak

FluxJet Electric Jet Kayak.
FluxJet Electric Jet Kayak

Winning the Best of Show award, along with Boats and Watercraft category, this unique electric powered kayak features an integrated jet drive that propels the lightweight craft up to 5 mph. Running on a standard marine battery the FluxJet has a 16-hour runtime (fully charged). Less fatigue than a pedal drive, this design offers a low-impact option for reaching your redfish grounds and then drifting or silently  poling into position. MSRP: $2,749.99 | Learn More

Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor

Trolling motor for kayaks.
Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor

Garmin's Force Current won the Motorized Boating Accessories category with this hands-free, wireless throttle and steering system. The brushless motor includes full forward and reverse thrust and the wireless MOB tag cuts the motor is the operator leaves the cockpit. MSRP: $3,599.99 | Learn More

Minn Kota Kayak Terrova

Trolling motor for kayaks.
Minn Kota Kayak Terrova trolling motor

Offering effortless, reliable kayak propulsion, the Terrova includes an advanced GPS trolling system with the game-changing Spot-Lock feature. Easy to stow and deploy. MSRP: $1,499.99 | Learn More




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