ICAST 2012: Sneak peek

River2Sea

Biggie Biggie is the name of River2Seas’ newest family of square-bill crankbaits. Biggie Poppa has a 2 5/8-inch body, and Biggie Smalls is the 2 1/4-inch version. Each size is available in a fast floating version with a single solid rattle called Bumpin’, and a slow floating silent version called Creepin’. When allowed to float to the surface, Bumpin’ rises at around one foot per second, and Creepin’ rises at about half that speed giving anglers a crankbait for cold water situations.

BioborEB

The “EB” stands for ethanol buster. To be more specific, BioborEB “busts” ethanol and its harmful effects by preventing phase separation of fuel, preventing ethanol from corroding your fuel system, protecting and lubricating O-rings and keeping gas in good shape, even when stored for a long time. Plus, BioborEB raises the octane level in your fuel, which restores lost horsepower.

Snag Proof Ish’s Poppin’ Phattie

Ish Monroe wanted a popping topwater frog that is capable of popping water in high wind, on grass mats, and in finesse situations. He got what he wanted in the Poppin’ Phattie. A 4/0 Gamakatsu double hook takes care of business on this 4 1/2-inch hollow belly frog.

Trigger X Slop Hopper

As the name implies, this soft swimbait is designed to slide through the thickest slop without getting snagged. When rigged with a weedless swimbait hook, this should be right at home in and around grass. The Slop Hopper would also be a good fit for umbrella rigs.

Mustang Survival Catalyst Flotation Suit

This is the first rainsuit to get the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval as a flotation and hypothermia-protection device. The waterproof, breathable shell keeps the elements out while another layer lets your body breathe so you don’t feel clammy. Fleece-lined pockets keep your hands dry and reflective accents let you stand out — on the boat or in the water.

Quantum Energy

Quantum’s engineers feel they may have given too much away for a reel that sports a $159 price tag. The Energy has 11 ball bearings, a dual cast control system that includes both an internal ACS and an external magnetic adjustment housed in the Energy’s one-piece aluminum frame and gear side cover. Also, a spool click tension knob lets you hear and feel each precise move you make to dial in the spool tension to perfectly suit your casting. A Flippin’ Switch makes for quick hook sets.

Matzuo Kinchou Minnow

As a diving bait, this wobbler will get down to 20 feet in a hurry. Once there, its built-in flash and hard slashing action are designed to draw attention from long distances. The Kinchou Minnow is available in four sizes and 12 colors.

Berkley Havoc Rocket Craw

As Berkley expands the Havoc line, the pro designers are stepping it up. This one is the brain child of Scott Suggs, who wanted a craw that makes a commotion around shallow cover. The Rocket Craw is also ideal as a jig trailer or a heavy cover flipping bait.

Plano 1619 and 1719 storage tubs

Plano’s newest storage solutions are a pair of rugged, water-resistant tubs that are great for storing a few large things, or a smattering of small things. The lockable tops are also stackable with tubs of the same size. The 1619 measures 24” x 15” x 13”; the 1719 is 30” x 14 1/4” x 12 3/4”.

Hobie Pro Angler 12

Hobie’s newest kayak is a downsized version of the popular 14-foot model. It’s lighter and more maneuverable but lost none of the 14’s utility. A plush seat, foot-pedal drive and rudder all are retained, as is the ample rod and tackle storage. These kayaks are so stable that anglers frequently stand up in them to fish.

Wiley X Echo

Wiley X is rolling out several new angler-specific shades at ICAST 2012, including the Echo. These are one of the few sport performance sunglass models in the world certified to meet U.S. military specifications for combat protective eyewear. Plus, they’re prescription-ready and available in polarized emerald mirror and amber tint lenses. Wiley X’s proprietary Filter 8 lens technology combines 100-percent glare cutting polarization with 100 percent ultraviolet protection as well.

Spiderwire UltraCast Invisi-Braid

Spiderwire is rolling out several new superlines, and one of the most intriguing is Invisi-Braid. It’s braid to the core, but is reported to be translucent for less visibility in the water. A whitish color is said to add to the effect. It’s also made with Dyneema for smooth casting and strength.

River2Sea Bumbershoot

This umbrella rig is equipped with interchangeable wire harnesses that are ready to accept spinning blades or jigheads rigged with swimbaits or whatever you like to use on your umbrella rigs.

Yum Yumphibian

This creature bait is made with a supple body that is soft enough to undulate and swim but durable enough to catch several fish without tearing. The Yumphibian comes in three sizes (4 1/2, 5 1/4 and 6 inches) and 10 color patterns.

Storm BX Minnow

Storm has several new hard baits for ICAST 2012, including the BX Minnow. This lipped jerkbait can be used in typical jerkbait fashion (jerk-jerk-pause) or can be steadily retrieved like a crankbait. Regardless of how you use it, it gives off a hard flashing look.

Lazer Trokar TK97 and TK97W

Lazer Trokar has gone wacky with hook designs. The new TK97 and TK97W are designed with an extra-wide gap to accommodate worms of all sizes; the spacing provides ample room to position baits perfectly for horizontal presentations. The up-eye and point angle of the Trokar wacky hooks provides for increased hook-up and retention rates.

Evolve Lures Nervous Walker

This topwater hollow frog looks and acts like a real frog whether you walk it across slop or “hump” (work it in an up-and-down motion) it in open water. The super-soft body collapses upon hook set yet is also quite durable.

Lowrance HDS Gen 2 family

These are some of the most technologically advanced sonar/GPS units on the market. The Gen 2 family features a host of upgrades including a much faster processor for near instant zooming and loading. Plus, certain units have Lowrance’s Lake Insight. These maps feature 1- to 3-foot, high-resolution depth contours for more than 650 lakes in 12 U.S. states, plus Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods. The following slide shows Lake Insight.

Lowrance HDS Gen 2 family

This illustrates Lake Insight on an HDS 10 unit.

Bagley Bang-O Lure

Bagleys is back with a mission: to uphold the high standards which Jim Bagley set for lure making and craftsmanship. One of Bagley’s chief designers, Lee Sisson, is back on board refining these classic lures, all of which are made from the same materials and in the same fashion of the originals. Look for the Kill’R B, Honey B, Balsa B, Diving B and more.

Berkley Havoc Pit Chunk

Take one of the most popular Havoc baits and lop off the front, and you’ve got what’s destined to be one of the most popular Havoc trailers, the Pit Chunk. It’s the same Skeet Reese design, just shortened a bit.

Flambeau Bill Lowen tackleboxes

Elite Series pro Bill Lowen has teamed up with Flambeau, makers of tackle storage solutions and hunting decoys. His boxes are Flambeau’s Zerust TuffTainers, which keep moisture and rust out.

VMC Rugby Jig

Designed by Elite Series pro Mike Iaconelli for multiple presentations, the Rugby Jig features an extra wide gap hook with an offset just below the jighead that secures any soft plastic and creates a lifelike presentation on the rest. It’s coupled with the VMC signature three-degree offset “tweak” hook point and a recessed eye for added bass mesmerizing action. Available in two colors, black and green pumpkin, anglers can choose from eight weights, including 1/16 ounce, 1/8 ounce, 3/16 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 5/16 ounce, 3/8 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 3/4 ounce.

Yo-Zuri Sashimi Popper

This new line of popping topwaters baits feature chameleon-like paint jobs thanks to ribbed bodies that are painted different colors on each side. The 3 1/2-inch bait weighs 3/4 ounce, which lends itself well to long casts.

Spiderwire EZ Fluoro

Spiderwire has set its sights on making the easiest casting and limpest — yet strongest — fluorocarbon there is. EZ Fluoro is 100 percent fluorocarbon but formulated to be as abrasion resistant as possible. Its limpness is given in the construction process. Plus, it’s nearly invisible underwater.

Taylor Man’s TMan Multi-Lure Rig

Umbrella rig, multi-lure rig, Alabama Rig, whatever you want to call them, they’re popular and they’re here to stay. Plus, they catch fish. Taylor Man’s Multi-Lure Rig is made with beefy swivels and snaps; and it has a lifelike head and a swivel up front to cut down on line twist. The composite head reduces weight dramatically and is available in six colors.

Shimano Calcutta D Series

Shimano says that the next generation for Calcutta is about power, rigidity and durability. The S-Concept body results in a reel that feels one size smaller in your hand, plus offers durability from a cold-forged aluminum frame for year-after-year fishing use. Calcutta D reels are loaded with proven Shimano features, including Variable Brake System and E.I. surface treatment for corrosion resistance.