The announcement of the category winners for the New Product Showcase at 2022 ICAST occurred early this morning, with several familiar names and a few emerging companies taking home recognition for their latest and greatest. Last year, a soft plastic swimbait from Berkley took home the ultimate prize by winning "Best of Show." The announcement of this year's winner will come on July 21.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) holds the ICAST industry trade show every summer, and the most important news that comes out of each year's event revolves around the announcement of the category winners of the New Product Showcase.
Fishing brands are welcome to enter their newest products into the Showcase, where credentialed buyers and media vote on them.
ICAST is the largest sportfishing trade show in the world, and 2022 is the 65th such event put on by the ASA.
"One of the most talked about and anticipated ICAST events is the New Product Showcase," said ASA Trade Show and Membership VP Blake Swango. "This year, more than 900 products are entered, all vying for one of 30 "Best of Category" awards and the coveted "Best of Show" recognition. The showcase generates year-long media content for all who enter."
Here are the winners of the "Best of Category" recognition, and you can keep an eye open for the "Best of Show" announcement here on WideOpenSpaces.com.
Best Rod and Reel Combo: Shimano Spheros SW Combo
Best Freshwater Reel: Shimano STELLA FK
Best Fly Fishing Rod: Bull Bay Banshee Fly
Best Fly Fishing Reel and Accessory: Hardy Fortuna Regent Fly Reel
Best Freshwater Rod: St, Croix Legend Tournament Bass Rod
Best Saltwater Rod: Ugly Stik Carbon Inshore Rod
Best Saltwater Reel: PENN Authority
Best Freshwater Soft Lure: Berkley PowerBait PowerStinger
Best Freshwater Hard Lure: Berkley Slobberknocker
Best Saltwater Soft Lure: Z-Man Kicker CrabZ
Best Saltwater Hard Lure: LIVETARGET Live Shrimp
Best Tackle Management: Plano EDGE Frog Box
Best Terminal Tackle: Z-Man DieZel Eye Jigheads
Best Custom Tackle and Components: Mud Hole RBS Pro G2 Power Wrapper
Best Ice Fishing: Garmin LiveScope Plus Ice Fishing Bundle LI
Best Fishing Line: SpiderWire DuraBraid Hi-Vis Yellow
Best Boating Accessory: Frabill Re-Charge Deluxe Aerator
Best Boat/Watercraft: BOTE Rackham Gatorshall + APEX Pedal Drive
Best Footwear: AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot
Best Eyewear: Bajio Roca
Best Lifestyle Apparel for Women: AFTCO Women's Reaper Softshell
Best Lifestyle Apparel for Men: AFTCO CocoBoardies Boardshorts
Best Technical Apparel - Warm Weather: Simms SolarFlex Guide Cooling Hoody
Best Technical Apparel - Cold Weather: AFTCO Barricade Rain Suit Acid Camo Colorway
Best Soft and Hard Cooler: PacBak P88-MK Combo
Best Electronics: Humminbird and Minn Kota MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock
Best Cutlery, Hand Pliers/Tools: BUBBA Saltwater Multi-Flex Fillet Knife
Best Fishing Accessory: Frabill WITNESS Weigh Net
Best Kid's Tackle: Simms Kid's Tributary Wader
Best Novelties and Wellness: Garmin Quatix 7 Smartwatch - Sapphire Edition
"One of the winners told me he spent 365 days on this," said ASA President Glenn Hughes. "Then, he told me that he is starting on next year's tomorrow. That's how much this means to some manufacturers."
