The Lucky Number Seven New Products from ICAST

For only the second time in 15 years, I didn't attend ICAST, the world's largest fishing trade show. Held earlier this month in Orlando, it was expected to be somewhat of a dud with regards to new products for fly fishing and kayak fishing. Such was not the case. 

While I didn't attend, an old friend in the fishing industry was there. Merv isn't a highly regarded fly angler, but he knows his stuff and like me, isn't afraid to call it like he sees it.  He shared several of his favorite products at the show, and I picked seven to highlight.  These "lucky seven" companies get my picks for the most interesting of show.   And since millions read my blog, I expect all their sales will sky rocket in the coming year. 
  
Here's my picks... in no particular order.

St. Croix Tannic-B Fly Rods

For years, I've been bugging Dan Johnston at St. Croix that they needed to upgrade their Mojo Bass fly rods to utilize the materials and tapers found in their better rods.  

Well, they've gone beyond that. According to SC, their fast-action new Tannic Series is built on advanced high-modulus graphite using MITO Graphene impregnated polymer resins, and utilizing their Intergrated Poly Curve (IPC), Fortifeid Resin System (FRS), and Slim Profile Ferrule (SPF) design. 

Enough of the 3-letter acroynms. Here's what you really need to know: the Tannic B (for bass) rods are lightweight, high-performance rods built for bass and striper fishing. According to my source, they are MUCH better casting than the Mojo Bass rods. 

There is some disappointment. SC decided to make these 9-footers instead of the 8-foot or 8.5-foot rods many southern bass anglers like myself prefer. Well, except the 8-weight is 8'10" long... explain that to me!  I find slightly shorter rods are better for kayak fishing, fishing around cover, and providing more leverage. 

The other concern is the price. The Tannic series is listed at $695. Granted, this is about where many mid-priced rods are these days, and a good price for one made in the USA. Still, it's going up against the lower-priced rods that I consider to be the best bass rods on the market - Lamson Velocity ($449), Echo 84B ($349), and Moonlit S2 Lunar ($199).   

St. Croix Legend Elite, LE Salt

You may have read about the four great mysteries of the world. There is a fifth - why did St. Croix stop making the Legend Ultra and Legend Elite fly rods?  These were amazing performance sticks! I have a couple rods I built off these blanks and can’t say enough good things about them.

For 2025, St. Croix has brought the LE series back with upgraded materials, and their latest technologies. There are two series of LE rods - the Elite and Elite Salt. The Elite has a moderate-fast action and sells for $595, while the Elite Salt is fast action and bit more backbone in the lower section of the rod, and sells for $650.

The Elite won "Best of Show - Fly Rod" at ICAST which means little. Most of the voting takes place before folks have tried casting the rods. But Merv’s opinion is the Elite Salt is on par with the Orvis Recon and Sage Maverick as the best mid-priced USA-made saltwater rod.  I hope to get a chance to test cast this later and find out for myself.    To learn more about St. Croix rods, go to https://stcroixrods.com

TFO Moment

This is an extra-fast action rod designed for long casts and windy conditions. Their news release says the Moment incorporates a patented Kevlar weave and graphene enhancements for faster recovery, reduced ovaling, and true tracking.

According to Merv, this rod is a rocket! He was amazed how easily it shot line out, and with very good accuracy. At $695, this is a bargain to most premium fast-action rods.  While it competes against other excellent mid-priced saltwater rods like the Sage Maverick, Douglas DXF-G2, Orvis Recon, and it's cousin, the TFO Blitz, the Moment is listed as an "extra fast" rod.  That might give it a certain appeal for some folks. Personally, I'm not an extra-fast guy at anything. But if I was, the TFO Moment might be in my arsenal.  To learn more, go to https://tforods.com.

Epic Titanium fly rods

It’s hard to get excited about any premium rods these days.  The $1k+ price tags are hard to swallow, especially given that for $500-$700, you can have a rod that does 90%  (or more) that these high-tech rods can do. 

But here comes Epic, a New Zealand company famous for its fiberglass rods, with a graphite/titanium rod, one that “blends aerospace-grade titanium with high-modulus carbon fiber, creating a fishing tool that is lightweight, incredibly strong, and highly responsive”.

The concept of titanium core rods isn’t new.   The late David Ahn developed a rod in the early 1990s under the trade name ADG Rods.  His innovation was that titanium being flexible would allow the rod to bend more and also hold more energy when loaded during the cast.  David used to go to just about every Fly Fishers International regional conclave, as well as FFI events, where he would be an exhibitor and demonstrate the incredible characteristics of his rods.  ADG is still in business today, and their rods sell for $500 to $900, depending on model.

The feedback I got from ICAST was that this was an amazing casting rod, even slightly better than the Hardy Marksman (my choice for best premium saltwater rod).  Hard to believe... but that's okay because Epic allows you to fish their rods for 30 days. If it's not the best rod you've ever owned, return it and they'll give you a full refund. That's a bold strategy, Cotton!  But one that proves they have strong faith in their Titanium rods.  To learn more, go to https://www.epicflyrods.com.

Rambler Nomad fly tying vise

Here's one I wasn't expecting - a new travel vise. If you're not familiar with the Rambler brand, it was formerly Wolff Industries - makers of the Atlas vise. The Atlas is still in their lineup, as this has been highly rated in many reviews. 

By contrast, the Rambler is lightweight, less expensive ($299) offers versatility of jaws to handle hook sizes 7/0 to size 32, and comes with both machined C-clamp and a large pedestal base. And get this.. it uses knurled tension control knob to tighten the jaws. Wow, I hadn't seen a knob-control vise in ages! 

I really dig the color selections. For me, Midnight Blue or Red would be my choice. For a USA-made vise, it's a very good deal, albeit slightly more than the tried-and-true Renzetti Traveler 2200 series at $269. We'll have to see how it performs in actual use.  To learn more, go to https://rambler.co.

Renegade Grey Series reels

It's very rare to find a fully-machined, large arbor fly reel with a sealed drag system for under $200. But the new Renegade Grey Reel meets those critera at $175. The reels come in three sizes:  3/4, 5/6, and 8/9.  That last size - ideal for marsh fishing - comes in at only 5.7 ounces.

Again, these reels need to be tested out to know their true value. One problem with inexpensive saltwater reels is drag slippage... the drag loosens up while under normal use. Still, for someone looking to wet their toes into saltwater fly fishing, the Renegade Grey has to be given strong consideration.  To learn more, go to  https://renegadetackleco.com

Loop V10 Sunglasses

There are more brands of fishing sunglasses on the market than there are flavors at a New Orleans snowball stand.  Personally, I was done with expensive brands long ago.  I don’t deny their superiority, but there are several brands that are 90% as effective at half the price.  And since I’ve lost more sunglasses than I care to admit, price is a big factor!

I’m not sure how good Loop brand sunglasses are, but everything else about this company is quality so I assume likewise.  At $100, the new V10 shades would be a bargain… but it gets better.  There are two characteristics I look for in fishing glasses outside of lens quality.  They are:  large lenses and wide frames to block out ambient light, and lens color choices in yellow or copper.   The V10 offers the former, and comes in both yellow and copper.

Copper is my go-to color for marsh fishing, as they offer distinct contrast in either medium or strong light conditions.   I also love Yellow for overcast days in the marsh or on bayous and lakes, but also for wading fishing trout streams where depth perception is also a requirement.  To learn more, go to https://us.looptackle.com.

Bonus pick - the Fluxjet Kayak

The word “gamechanger” is often bannered at every ICAST on a host of new products, and most if not all, are not worthy.  But this year there was one product that certainly has the potential. 

The Fluxjet kayak is the world's first electric jet-powered kayak. What it gives the angler is freedom from bulky pedal drives, numerous cables, and the ability to go in skinny water without having to pull out the drive or lift a trolling motor.  The integrated jet drive requires a standard marine type battery (your choosing), but offers up to 13 hours maximum time, less if you go at full speed (6 mph).  The kayak weighs in at 88 pounds, substantially less than most pedal drive kayaks.

It's not going to be a great paddling kayak.. at 11 feet long, and 35 inches wide. It's built for stability with a weight capacity of 400 pounds. But that's okay. You can power your way to a spot, and paddle there - no long distance paddling required.

I love how this boat is laid out, with front hatch, rear tank well storage, deck and navigation lights included, transducer setup ready, and even a USB/USBc charger built in.  At $2,999 it's also a bargain compared to the high-priced premium pedal boats on the market (or a standard kayak rigged with Torqeedo, Bixpy, or Newport motors).  

Again, I don't know if this will be a one-time wonder, or if it's the start of a trend in kayaks. But judging on the number of social media posts about the Fluxjet, it definitely has everyone's attention.  For more, go to https://www.fluxjetkayaks.com/

Summary

Again, these are just seven... uh, eight of the nearly three dozen (or more) items that were on display at ICAST.  I selected these based on my specific interests, and nothing else.  Also, if you ask ten other experts about these products, you’re likely to get ten different opinions.  That’s why I always say, “Try before you buy”.   Go to your local retailer and check them out yourself.  Most of the new products at ICAST should be in stores by November… just in time for Christmas shopping.