ICAST Coverage Day 2 (Best of Show) - The votes are in and the winners are...
 

Introduction: On day one of the show all the buyers and media, including TackleTour, all judge products based on their levels of innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality to select "Best of Show" honors in 16 categories, as well as the overall best of show winner. In all nearly 200 companies entered more than 600 tackle products and accessories into the Showcase. The votes are in for the 49th annual ICAST and the winners are...

Overall Best of Show: Pure Fishing-Berkley Fireline Crystal  A week before the show we unveiled the Pure fishing lines. We received the most positive feedback via email and on the forum on the one line in particular...the Fireline Crystal. Sure enough the Fireline Crystal stole the show and took home top honors for the "Overall Best of Show!" This new formula is the first and only translucent superline, and offers anglers exceptional strength in stealthy presentations.  

Best Saltwater Rod - Shimano

Shimano wowed the media with the Tiralejo saltwater series which features an adjustable reel seat system and matching balancing kit for the ultimate balanced saltwater rigs

Best Saltwater Reel - Penn

The International Torque 300 has a super high drag capability due to integrated right sideplate components in one rigid assembly. It retails for $399.99 

Best Freshwater Rod - AiRRUS
Ken chills as AiRRUS wins an unprecedented 4th ICAST award in the freshwater rod category for their much anticipated Pulsar GL 

Best Freshwater Reel - Shimano

Shimano takes home top prize in this category for the wickedly advanced Calais DC. Shimano remains undefeated in the reel category with 5 out of 5 wins since the awards first existed! (For those who want to know the exact details, Stella FA 2002, Calcutta TE DC 2003, Chronarch B 2004, Torsa 2005, and Calais this year)

Best Terminal Tackle - C.A.G.I. Outdoor Products

The CAGI fish call can be run inline with just about any lure and add action as well as a unique resonance 

Best Line - Pure Fishing

Pure Fishing's Fireline Crystal takes home top honors in the line category as well as best overall product!

Best Hard Lure - Megastrike
The Megastrike Evolution jig features skirt forward technology, innovative fluorocarbon weedguard, recessed molded hookguard, and is made out of tin!

Best Soft Lure - AA/Optimum Bait Co.

The Furbit series from Optimum makes use of multiple materials including real fur and a blade to appeal to more fish senses

Best Tackle Management - Plano Molding Company
Laura Hess holds up Plano's new Flipsider Hybrid Satchel which builds upon the successful original Flipsider box with a more compact solution

Best Kid's Tackle - Outdoor Adventure Kids
Outdoor Adventure kids impressed buyers with the affordable yet high quality Jr. fisherman combo 

Best Boating Accessory & Giftware - Minn Kota
Minn Kota's new Terrova trolling motor features advanced Electric Steering

Best Fishing Accessory - Swifty Manufacturing
Swifty's Nu-Skin Reel Armor is a quick and easy way to shield your valuable reels from boat rash and the elements 

Best Reel/Rod Combo - Okuma
The Okuma Avenger combo represents an excellent solution for anglers looking for a great combo at a great price that can tackle a wide range of saltwater applications

Best Clothing - Shimano
Shimano wins it's third award at the show for their comfortable and light Evair boots! Who would have guessed that the reel and rod giant would take the top prize in the clothing category

Best Electronics - Hummingbird

Hummingbird impressed everyone with the 797 c2 SI combo with side imaging sonar, 640x480 ultra HD display, and 400W Peak output!

Best Eyewear - Costa Del Mar

The WAVE 580 lens allows anglers to take in more of the light your eye should be seeing, thanks to our proprietary WAVE Technology, this lens raises the red, blue, and green areas of the light spectrum to extraordinary levels, providing unmatched definition and color saturation.

Conclusion: "The new product showcase is a remarkable display of innovation in sportfishing gear and accessories unlike any other," said Mike Nussman, ASA's president and CEO. "I congratulate all of the winners and thank those who participated in the New Product Showcase, from the companies who displayed their products to the buyers and media who served as judges." TackleTour would like to echo that sentiment and congratulate all the ICAST Winners. Stay with us as we continue our coverage with continuing in depth reports detailing the latest and greatest tackle finds at the show, including further details of many of these 2006 ICAST winning products.