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Each July, the fishing industry descends on a sweltering Orlando, Florida, for ICAST, where manufacturers unveil new products across nearly every segment of the market. It is not only a chance for enthusiasts to nerd out over the latest gear, but also one of the year’s largest gatherings of industry professionals, making the show feel more like an annual reunion.
And while much of ICAST caters to the bass, freshwater and inshore markets, several prominent big-game companies are always represented—along with a few up-and-coming brands introducing products relevant to our niche. From heavy-tackle reels and leader material to apparel, optics and trolling hardware, these were among the items that caught our attention.
Daiwa Saltiga Lever Drag 80 Two-Speed
The Saltiga Lever Drag 80 Two-Speed was arguably Daiwa’s most important big-game introduction in years, and the excitement surrounding it was obvious. The new 80-class platform is built for giant tuna, blue marlin and other heavy-tackle assignments, combining machined construction, two-speed gearing and Daiwa’s Automatic Tournament Drag system. Daiwa also expanded its Saltiga big-game spinning lineup with larger sizes, giving offshore anglers serious conventional and spinning options for the heaviest applications.
AFTCO Fillet Knives and Women’s Overcast Sweatshirt
AFTCO showed both thoughtful equipment refinements and award-winning apparel at ICAST 2026. Its updated fillet knives retain the familiar design and proven quality of the originals while incorporating improved components and a clean black handle. The Women’s Overcast Sweatshirt, meanwhile, earned the ICAST award for Best Women’s Lifestyle Apparel. The hooded anorak combines wind resistance, water repellency and four-way stretch in a versatile piece equally suited to travel, dockside use and changing conditions offshore.
Smith Optics ChromaPop Fishing Collection
Smith Optics focused on expanding its ChromaPop lens technology across four of its most popular fishing-frame models. The polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare, improve contrast and help anglers better distinguish bait, weed lines, structure and fish around the spread. Smith also teased the upcoming Riptide XL, a larger version of the popular Riptide frame designed to provide improved coverage and comfort for anglers with larger faces.
Seaguar Big-Game Leader and Hollow-Core Braid
I spent time with Seaguar’s product developers and ambassador Ali Hussainy (BD Outdoors) discussing the company’s various leader offerings, including Gold Label, Blue Label and Fluoro Premier, and how each fits different offshore applications. Just as interesting was Seaguar’s new heavy-duty braid developed for big-game fishing. Its hollow-core, splice-friendly construction is designed to simplify wind-on systems and top-shot connections while delivering the strength and capacity required for tuna, marlin and other demanding offshore applications.
Alutecnos Limited-Edition USA Gorilla Reel
Alutecnos marked America’s 250th anniversary with a limited-edition USA reel offered on its popular Gorilla platform. The patriotic finish immediately catches the eye, but beneath it is the same compact, highly machined lever-drag reel trusted for jigging, live-baiting and stand-up big-game fishing. With serious drag capability and the build quality associated with the Italian manufacturer, the commemorative Gorilla should appeal equally to collectors and anglers looking for a distinctive reel that is still built to fish.
Precision Dredge Pulleys
Precision Dredge Pulleys did not have a dedicated booth, but founder Capt. Greg DiStefano was walking the show and displaying several models at the Pelagic booth. Catching up with him offered a closer look at why these pulleys are quickly becoming some of the hottest specialty items on the market. Designed to reduce friction, vibration and strain on electric dredge reels, they address a small but critical component of modern tournament dredge systems.
Shimano Ledge Runner
Shimano’s new Ledge Runner earned the ICAST award for Best Saltwater Hard Lure and looks like a dynamite option for tuna, wahoo and other aggressive pelagics. Designed as an adaptable trolling lure, it incorporates Shimano’s Hydro Control Wing to help manage running depth and behavior at different speeds and positions in the spread. It should be especially useful when crews want a versatile lure capable of producing bites while also putting some quality meat in the boat.
Free Fly
Free Fly continues to make a strong push into the offshore space, bringing its signature combination of comfort, performance and understated styling to anglers and boaters. The brand displayed a range of new and updated apparel at ICAST, including its best-selling Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie, Marquesas Guide Pants and Breeze Shorts. These were just a few of the lightweight, incredibly soft and comfortable pieces Free Fly is introducing for long days on the water, travel and everyday life around the marina.
Huk Tide Point KC Printed Shirt
Huk’s Tide Point KC Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt earned the 2026 ICAST award for Best Men’s Lifestyle Apparel, pairing technical fishing performance with the unmistakable artwork of renowned marine artist K.C. Scott. The shirt reflects Huk’s continued push beyond purely functional fishing gear into versatile apparel that works equally well on the boat, around the marina or out to dinner. With lightweight construction, a clean button-down design and offshore-inspired artwork, it brings a polished look to the fishing lifestyle.
YETI LoadOut GoBox
YETI’s LoadOut GoBoxes have long been a dependable way to organize tackle, tools and essential equipment aboard the boat, and new sizes and wheeled models only expand their usefulness. The addition of KOR Protective Inserts, however, opens an entirely new range of possibilities. Rather than relying on fixed foam cutouts, the reusable KOR system conforms around equipment and rigidizes under vacuum, creating a secure, customized fit that can be reconfigured whenever the contents change. That makes a GoBox equally suited for camera gear, gyro-stabilized binoculars, electronics or valuable reels while traveling. It is a smart, versatile upgrade to an already proven onboard storage system.
