ICAST 2024!! What Does Industry Have In Store for Smallmouth Anglers?
This Could Be The Best ICAST for Smallmouth Finesse Fishing EVER!
Most people are familiar with ICAST but 99% of anglers have never been and more than likely will never get an opportunity to attend the ICAST event.
🐟What is ICAST and why it matters?
✨Should we be treat ICAST as more than just a “trade show”?
🎣What baits at ICAST 2024 are worth considering for Smallmouth Fishing?
Attendance at ICAST is very limited of course in large part because ICAST is a trade show not a consumer centric expo format most of us are familiar with. It has in recent years evolved with a bit more exclusivity as well where in years past more content creators seemingly were permitted to bring us the latest and greatest but now typically these few select creators are often under the umbrella pass of a brand or retailer.
At ICAST the “consumer” or target market are the dealers, buyers and stores that sell fishing tackle and gear all over the country.
The ICAST is the largest trade show in the country if not the world featuring the latest in the fishing industry and has become the show where brands “release” or at the very least introduce new products to fishing retailers. At times an intro at ICAST may not come to market that calendar year as we have seen with quite a few releases or the market and economy shifts as we have seen in 2023-24 and the brand holds back the product for release.
As a trade show, relationships between brands and retailers are established and product is often booked for the next cycle of supply chain procurement by buyers of retailing concerns both large and small. For the small independent retailer its a really cool experience to see what is happening in the broader fishing retail market and interact with other retailers in the trade.
ICAST is part of “The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) the sportfishing industry’s trade association and is committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community.
We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA works to ensure that the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as to safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America.”
The show draws major retailers both brick and mortar and online as well as independent tackle shops and typically hosts the most recognized brands in the industry. Often time the products, especially baits that are introduced have been catching bass long before they show up at ICAST.
In fact, numerous brands like Rapala and their Crush City for example have already been known to have won quite a few events or ZMan Fishing releases. Many have always questioned this practice in terms of “fairness” but it has become generally accepted that anglers in major professional events can throw baits before they are actually released to the general public for sale.
It can be argued however that the release of baits for use by professional anglers does cloud the water sorta speak when it comes to the New Product Showcase and voting because many are already aware of the successes or not so good experiences that have been shared in circles about the baits before ICAST begins. Often times many have argued online and in fishing groups and forums that the winners of the ICAST showcase are “baked in”.
When you attend ICAST while overwhelming your first time you can get an idea of the direction that the producers want to take the fishing market in general. Many think that the trade show is reactionary but in truth these trade shows set the tone for retailers in terms of inventorying and often it can take months or even quarters before you see some of these baits make there way to your favorite retailer.
In 2024 the momentum is clearly FFS- Forward Facing Sonar centric and everything from plastics to jigheads specifically designed for anglers using Livescope following the lead of the major professional series that are basically become one big marketing arm of the electronics companies now more than ever. There is also more of the BFS segment this year with more specific rods and finesse baits both soft and hard for this segment as well which is probably the fastest growing segment right now.
That being said you could also argue that the 2024 ICAST is probably the most of value to Smallmouth anglers than any I can recall. The return of Finesse Fishing has thrust the very baits and sizes that work extremely well for Smallmouth.
One product development that should get alot more coverage than it probably has is one from Lowrance. Lowrance introduced its Eagle Eye 9 electronics which above all else at ICAST is probably the one product right now for those looking to get into the live sonar game. I am including this release because I know quite a few subscribers and many who have committed the the Premium Subscription already from up in the Northeast are big lake, big water Smallmouth anglers and they will certainly be interested in this product paired with alot of baits I will mention below.
The Eagle Eye 9 has taken many of the aspects of the other great Lowrance products and placed them into the Eagle 9 for a complete live sonar solution no matter the size of your platform. From kayak/canoe to boat this one is not only packed with features but is retailing for about a thousand dollars.
https://www.lowrance.com/lowrance/type/fishfinders-chartplotters/eagle-eye-9-live-amer/#prl_key_features
Make no mistake though.
When it comes to innovation, Japan is the innovator when it comes to both baits and rods. Japan is typically out in front long before the “trend” makes its way to North America. A few new Japanese brands have trickled into ICAST like Nories, Nishine, and Hideup that we use for Smallmouth regularly joining likes of Evergreen and Jackall, but in large part the majority of the Japanese baitmakers are not present at ICAST. Most of these companies are not yet known by anglers in North America which is what we hope to change with the introduction and relationship with some of these brands bringing them to subscribers each month and delivered right to your door featuring them and talking situational fishing with the baits.
One of the biggest reason why we are planning to offer these baits to our subscribers here for those at the Premium Level subscription is many of us know that these baits are catching fish at the professional level but many of the pros are not talking publicly about them. At the pro levels events with Co-Anglers this becomes readily apparent after fishing an event and getting pair with some of the well known and up and coming anglers on the scene.Many of these professionals are sponsored in truth by other brands here.
If retailers at the largest trade show in the country do not get introduced to these JDM baits these retailers are likely hard pressed to inventory and sell them to the public unless the Japanese producer has a relationship with some of the same distributors as major U.S. based brands. Unfortunately, many of the best Japanese brands for Smallmouth are not readily available in the U.S. DEPS has probably made the most inroads as of late in terms of market share in the U.S. than another other brand putting itself on par here with the known names. DEPS is largely considered the number one bait company in Japan by many even over Megabass that most of the anglers in the U.S. are far more familiar with but the brands in the U.S. with the biggest market penetration like the likes of Daiwa and Shimano are more known for rods and reels than the soft and hard baits that they produce in Japan.
ICAST is an annual opportunity for the big brands to market but also for the sponsored anglers to put some work in on the floor throughout the week but unfortunately more companies than not producing some of the highest quality baits never make it the floor at ICAST in large part due to the high barrier of entry. ICAST is reportedly one of the most expensive if not the most expensive of any trade show in the country and this also hits the small independent retailer and in down economies its not unusual for many to forgo the event and wait and see what others do or what shakes out at the show.
Rarely while walking the ICAST floor do you come across a brand that an avid angler would not already been familiar with because in all likelihood anglers have seen these brands on so many aisles at most tackle shops. From Bass Pro Shops to regional sporting goods or even local tackle shops these brands are all seemingly present and alot of times the same price. When price or convenience are equal often times it comes down to service and the relationships we establish with small tackle shops that unfortunately we are losing every year.
The major brands are introducing even more product nowadays and faster than ever and in reality can make it even harder now for the smaller, regional independent tackle shops to “sku” them all in large part because of space concerns. Some of the brands like we have seen this year are moving in other segments of the industry that up until now would have been “non traditional” for them. YakAttack comes to mind with its new product release in the Sandrig Surf Cart for the beach and peer anglers out there.
Rapala is another brand that has recentyl expanded into areas they have not really been known for in the industry. For example, the long storied fishing bait company founded in 1936 that we all learn about at in our youth has created new lines to meet the demands of the fishing industry and the direction the trends are moving. Its not uncommon for Rapala to have full sides of an aisle just for all its hard baits at many big box retailers even some regional sporting goods stores that are less fishing centric but do have a fishing section. There are probably even a few Walmarts out there that carry every single Rapala bait but recently Rapala has obviously ventured into the soft plastic market introducing the Crush City line basically front run by some of the most well known and highest earning professional anglers in the country like Jacob Wheeler.
At ICAST this year Rapala is certainly in the mix at the Showcase for top honors if for no other reason than its new bait offerings have been winning events for its sponsored anglers this season but there are others that will give Crush City a run like Zman who always seems to have the favor of many in the industry. One such bait is the Hedgehog being released this week:
The additional appendages when compared to other options in the U.S. provide action with even the slightest movement of the rod tip and mirror some of the Japanese baits now available in Japan. Wheeler is a big proponent of action. Hedgehog will be available in 16 colors and measuring in at 4.5″ and will join its other Craw options on store shelves.
Rapala Crush City has also introduced what is no longer a secret to most the Mooch Minnow:
The “mooch” is comprised of Super TPE and perfectly suited for Smallmouth anglers whether placed on a jighead or rigged to be fished nose hooked or on a drop shot. The action is quite different for this bait than its peers. The action is subtle. The Mooch is 3.5″ long and will be available available in 20 colors and likely rival the Mayor and Freeloader on store shelves.
I love what Daiwa and Evergreen are doing these last few years and while not all of the offerings make their way to the U.S. market the one that stands out has been the Evergreen Last Ace. The one being introduced to the market now is the 128 S.
A slower sinking swimbait containing denser material than most in its class. The action of the Last Ace lineup is super-realistic mimicking the movement of live baitfish. It will come available in seven colors in U.S. market and is 5 inches in length. The ones I recommend for Smallmouth are the Last Ace 128S #97 Super Wakasagi and 128S #94 Flash Wakasagi if these colors come to the market. We are already familar with the other Last Ace sizes having them come straight from Japan.
Evergreen joins the likes in my opinion of the Imakatsu Huddle Swimmer in this segment with its high quality offering we will have available in our monthly box this Fall. If the 128S at 5 inches is too big for you no worries because we will have the Last Ace 45/75/110 variations which have a slighly different style like the Huddle than the smooth back 128S:
Imakatsu Huddle Swimmer: ( both these brands get the eyes down for sure along with Fish Arrow which we will also send to subscribers)
The Minnow segment is by far the “trend” segment this year at ICAST because of the FFS-Livescope factor and the ability the locate baitfish far more easily now more than ever. Most are familiar with Hoover Strolling techniques and I have covered it here on the newsletter so check out the previous posts but Minnow are now becoming the most in demand even surpassing crayfish offerings. Be sure to check out Bent Rod Fishing and its new releases. While not at ICAST, Bent Rod certainly comperes on even playing field with the ICAST brands if not better. We are looking to provide these as well in the monthly box and maybe in some custom colorations at some point if there is interest just for the subscriber box!!
Great Lakes Finesse as I spoke to earlier this month in a post because of its roots on the lakes and fishing for Smallmouth have innovated this segment with some of the best products right now on the market for us Smallie Chasers. The Hoover Minnow builds on its Drop Minnow line. Its Smelt patterns are very popular and rightfully so given the forage similarity among many lakes and even rivers in our region:
Smelt picture above is probably for me only rivaled by its Smoke Clear Purple Flake. I am sure some of you Smallmouth lake chasers can feel me on this one:
The Hover features a more concave belly than most minnows and it seemingly contributes to its ability to spiral and and dart. It will fall in a spiral fashion or almost circular for those fishing it vertically like as I said before those using FFS. When paired with some of the new jigheads meant to show up clearer on the graphs of Livescope this one is likely going to be deadly. However, even those that will never require FFS and fishing river systems these baits will be highly effective as well to entice both active and stubborn Smallmouth.
Great lakes is also releasing its newest addition to its underspin offering with the Sneaky Spin Matte colors in both a Gold and Silver blade as well coming in three sizes with 1/0 Gamakatsu Hook. Use of the Drop Shot Minnow will work well with this spin.
Xzone has come out with a Stealth Finesse Series line up meeting the demand right now for finesse fishing options that basically have overtaken ICAST this year. The Stealth Finesse Series Scented Minnow hits. Cones in 2.75 size with the BIG LIMIT color pattern featured here:
Xzone in the Finesse Series also as a Stealth Craw with about eight colors in a 2.5 size which is perfect for a number of presentation methods. This is the 309 coloration also comes in the Stealth Tube which is very interesting as well:
Geecrack from Japan made it this year to ICAST and they have stepped into the elastomer game which is a hot trend in Japan right now as producers are offering some of their best lines also in new elastomer compositions. Elastomer is known for its stretch and durability Geecrack has done this with its Floating Bellow Gill: (2.8 and 3.8 sizes)— Flash Gill shown here with seven other colors likely coming to U.S.:
The Geecrack Elastomer Bellows Stick might be one of the ones I am most interested in in the floating baits segments for soft plastics. Coming in 2.8 and 3.8 sizes as well seems like they are hitting the sweet spot for some presentations for finesse fishing Smallmouth. (Green Pumpkin Chartreuse)
ZMan Fishing Drop KickerZ coming in 2.75 inches with ten colorations will certainly be getting a ton of play at retailers. We have seen the Zman section at most tackle shops expand over the last five years now rivaling many of the other brands in terms of shelf space. Featured here is the THE DEAL pattern:
Raid of Japan rolls in to ICAST this year with its 5 inch Super Fish Roller Jerk Minnow that has been all the rage overseas and with the FFS craze well in hand the 3 and 4 inch roller is certainly in many more boats than you would think right now on tour. The new 5 inch version will certainly settle in for big bass hunting. Kiwami Ayu pattern featured here its classified more in the mid strolling range and these baits have a realistic action to them and “roll” as implied in the name like baitfish scrambling. Raid can be on the pricey side of things these days for soft plastics but stay tuned for some inclusions on Top Baits Live for some giveaways!!
Missile Baits from our part of the country is releasing what can only be described as Micro or BFS focused offering this year at ICAST. To be honest I have always considered Missile Baits more appropriate for my largemouth bass fishing arsenal for the Tidal Potomac or James Rivers growing up in Virginia and to a lessor extent for Smallmouth but this release is going to be different.
The Micro D Bomb is a downsized version of the known D Bomb and at 2.3″ is an easy meal for a Smallie. Multiple presentations for this one but using on a Neko Rig, as a trailer or drop shot seem to be appropriate for this one. Looking like there will be ten color options for the Micro D Bomb:
The micro segment has always been with us but seemingly the trends are shifting back to this area now especially with the better equipment being introduced for BFS for example. For many years the rods coming into this segment seemingly were inferior but now many of the focused rods for BFS from Japan like the Daiwa PX Finesse Rods and Tatula XT Finesse are arriving and changing the game thus providing the opportunity for bait manufacturers to produce smaller versions of baits or new line ups all together to meet the needs of these anglers.
I would be amiss not to mention that Shimano has refined and upgraded the Vanford as well for those looking for the higher echelon of reels. Vanford has long been one of the most widely beloved premium spinning reels.
Many of the JDM baits we will arrive in the U.S. this Fall so be sure your are subscribed up to get the latest info and delivery of baits each month or in the Bait Box offering comprised of 6-8 premium JDM (Japan) and Custom Baits from across the United States produced by some of the best bait producers in the country!!
This years ICAST certainly has provided quite a few baits that most Smallie Chasers will find very interesting and consider adding to their bait arsenal.
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