ICAST 2022--Orlando- Some of the New Baits Hitting the Market

 One of the best shows in the entire fishing segment is ICAST. Most people are not as familiar with ICAST because unlike say the Bassmaster Classic EXPO or the Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship Expo or other regional industry events its not geared towards the public.

ICAST rather targets industry and media professionals. These are commonly referred to as the "trade". Individuals in the tackle sales industry and independent tackle shops though declining in number still exist along with online tackle companies looking for the new product offerings from the major manufacturers but you still get a glimpse of some of the regional CUSTOM baitmakers that attend and represent for our segment.

ICAST has has expanded in recent years with the growth of the kayak segment to have virtually every kayak brand you can think of attend and offer those in attendance a chance to kayak in the water adjacent to the convention center.

The show also is ground zero of the major content providers and you tube influencers as well as the whole gambit of media that overs the industry.

A few interesting innovative baits this year at ICAST would have to certainly be those being offered in the coming weeks by Okuma via Fishlab that likely get overshadowed by the Berkely Slobberknocker and its infused Powerbait skirt and bladed jig coming in 12 colors or its new Clickin Frittside crank.

"Nature Series Flippin’ Frog is the first design up and comes in a 3 ½” and magnum 4 ¼” sizing. The Flippin’ Frog has a classic creature bait shape with new natural creature looks. Offering a ton of secondary movement, these are great for throwing into the thick stuff. With eight tournament-winning proven colors for any type of fishing or water condition, the Nature Series Creature Baits have you covered. The bodies come 6 to a pack and are designed to be fished on a multitude of 3/0 to 5/0 hook styles."

"Nature Series Flutter Nymph is a creature bait with a sleek shape and four paddle-kicking wings. Available in a compact 3 ½” and magnum 4 ¼” size, they have you covered for your flipping and pitching needs. With eight tournament-winning proven colors for any type of fishing or water condition, the Nature Series Creature Baits have you covered. The bodies come 6 to a pack and are designed to be fished on a multitude of 3/0 to 5/0 hook styles."

"Nature Series Kickin’ Craw features a classic craw shape with a large flailing skirt, kicking claws, and a ton of secondary movement to draw in big strikes. Available in a compact 3 ½” and magnum 4 ¼” size. With eight tournament-winning proven colors for any type of fishing or water condition, the Nature Series Creature Baits have you covered. The bodies come 6 to a pack and are designed to be fished on a multitude of 3/0 to 5/0 hook styles"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amMAC82tkPE

ICAST  would not be ICAST with Shimano releasing a trio of new reels this year for anglers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxX6UUxCR0 and a new line offering from Yamamoto Ned Senko 

Gene Larew has released a new Flippin Biffle Bug as well of ICAST 2022 and of course ZMAN is back with new offerings like the Hellraizer:

As much as we all know that many of these are going to sell by the thousands, I still can't help but think we have some really talented custom baitmakers producing top quality limited runs that will absolutely rival some of the serial baits on the market today especially in the areas of crankbait patterns and custom hand poured swimbaits.

I often wonder if there really needs to be a greater focus on the custom baitmaker or at the very least a national convention or show for all the custom baitmakers across the country and provide an opportunity for many to reach a broader audience than just those that find them via social media.

ICAST the the premier show which is why cracking into it is one the goals of many looking to take their garage custom bait hustle to a bigger stage in future years.

The goal behind B5 Custom Tackle Co. will be the elevate CUSTOM baitmakers and hopefully get them the exposure they deserve with tackle industry reps like at events like ICAST in 2023!