Once we get beyond the June 12-15 Elite tourney at Lake Tenkiller, our focus becomes the ICAST Show where many of next year’s products will be revealed.
Most Elite anglers have been working with sponsors on new product introductions, or at least we’ve been made aware of what our tackle companies plan to roll out.
I’m not gonna lie … working ICAST can be a grind. We’re on our feet a lot while meeting with sponsors, media and tackle buyers to help get the word out on what’s being offered.
On the other hand, I love being there and seeing and touching new products that will filter into tackle shops this fall and early winter.
I don’t know everything that’s coming, but I definitely know lures matching today’s forward-facing sonar (FFS) techniques will dominate the products that get spotlighted at this year’s show.
You’re going to see more baits that hang in the water column and can be fished around suspended and offshore fish. Until we get through this FFS craze, that’s how it’s going to be.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be more traditional gear introduced. There will be new buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and some soft plastics offered, but they won’t get the attention and will live in the shadows of FFS product introductions for the time being.
So based on my knowledge and intel, here are some of the lure trends you will see.
More glidebaits: These lures have been around for quite a while, but they have not been fully embraced by all anglers. Anyone who has fished a glidebait will tell you that bass often follow those lures to the boat but won’t commit. The boat spooked them.
FFS has changed that. We’ve learned that fish – and big fish – that you see out 50 to 80 feet away from the boat can be more easily coaxed into biting. They’re less aware of angler presence.
Because of that discovery, more fish have been caught on glidebaits in the last 365 days than all other years combined. I’ve seen it produce on tidal waters, rivers and lakes.
It’s no longer a niche bait, which is why you’ll see more of them coming from lure companies. I know that my sponsor, Strike King, has one that is definitely going to be a hot one.
This trend could make the glidebait tactic as powerful as the jig/minnow presentation.
Soft plastics: Of course, there will be more minnow-like creations targeting the FFS market. You’ll also see more of what generically has been called dice lures — those odd looking creations that are round or square with plastic or rubber legs, spiraling completely around the lure. It’s providing an option for anglers on pressured lakes that see more traditional lures. Again, Strike King will have its version, called the Tumbleweed, at the ICAST show.
Jigheads: You’re also going to see more intricate designs in jigheads for fishing minnow baits on FFS. I know Gamakatsu is aggressively attacking that market and will have a jighead that fits every style of soft plastics and in different weights and hook styles.
I expect to see some more surprises as ICAST doesn’t disappoint when it comes to unveiling new baits and tackle. The new gear will send anglers to their favorite retailer in search of the next greatest thing.
