Highlights from an ICAST first-timer

My name is Kyle Jessie, and if you canât tell by my facial expression, I was like a kid in a candy store at ICAST 2021. I fished at the University of Arkansas from 2015 to 2018 and began my post-college career working at JM Associates on the set of Bassmaster LIVE then transitioned into a digital editor for Bassmaster.com. As I worked at JM Associates, I also managed two of the largest tackle stores in the state of Arkansas â Trader Bills Outdoors and Southern Reel Outfitters. Fishing and fishing tackle have been my passion for a long time.

For as long as I can remember, Iâve wanted to go to ICAST, and this year I finally got to. On the left that’s my boss, Jim Sexton, giving me a little guidance.

As always, some really awesome new products were released, but here are some of the products that stood out most in my mind.

<b>Berkley Stunna Jerkait</b><br>
Hank Cherry put this new jerkbait on the map in a big way in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

Berkley Stunna Jerkait
Hank Cherry put this new jerkbait on the map in a big way in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

The Stunna comes in two different sizes â the 112 and the 112+ which dives a bit deeper. The great thing about jerkbaits is that they all act a little bit different so building an arsenal with different varieties is a good idea. You can bet that a jerkbait designed by back-to-back Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry is going to be a fish catcher.

<b>Berkley PowerBait Jigs</b><br>
The new lineup of Berkley Jigs feature skirts that are infused with the popular PowerBait scent. The lineup includes a swim jig, football jig, flipping jig and a heavy-duty grass flipping jig.

Berkley PowerBait Jigs
The new lineup of Berkley Jigs feature skirts that are infused with the popular PowerBait scent. The lineup includes a swim jig, football jig, flipping jig and a heavy-duty grass flipping jig.

<b>Berkley PowerBait Gilly</b><br>
The Gilly won Best of Show at ICAST, and itâs pretty easy to see why. Three different sizes and six lifelike colors are going to be offered in this unique bait.

Berkley PowerBait Gilly
The Gilly won Best of Show at ICAST, and itâs pretty easy to see why. Three different sizes and six lifelike colors are going to be offered in this unique bait.

There are going to be plenty of different ways to rig the Gilly, but my initial thought was how good it is going to be for spawning largemouth in the South.

<b>Missile Baits Mini D Chunk</b><br>
I was really looking forward to seeing the Mini D Chunk up close. The Mini D Chunk features a wide, solid body with legs that kick and displace a lot of water. Itâs looks like a perfect trailer for your favorite finesse jig.

Missile Baits Mini D Chunk
I was really looking forward to seeing the Mini D Chunk up close. The Mini D Chunk features a wide, solid body with legs that kick and displace a lot of water. Itâs looks like a perfect trailer for your favorite finesse jig.

<b>Missile Baits Ikeâs Mini Swim Jig</b><br>
A new addition to the Missile Jigs lineup. Ikeâs Mini Swim Jig comes with a VMC 30-degree, vertical line tie and a 3/0 hook. A great option if youâre looking for a compact swim jig. Pairs perfectly with the new Mini D Chunk.

Missile Baits Ikeâs Mini Swim Jig
A new addition to the Missile Jigs lineup. Ikeâs Mini Swim Jig comes with a VMC 30-degree, vertical line tie and a 3/0 hook. A great option if youâre looking for a compact swim jig. Pairs perfectly with the new Mini D Chunk.

Need I say more?

<b>Gamakatsu G-Power Heavy Cover Flip and Punch Hook</b><br>Trying to find a flipping hook that is great for flipping on heavy fluorocarbon and braid is a tall task, but this hook might just be the one.

Gamakatsu G-Power Heavy Cover Flip and Punch HookTrying to find a flipping hook that is great for flipping on heavy fluorocarbon and braid is a tall task, but this hook might just be the one.

The TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) hook, paired with its welded eye, makes this one of the strongest flipping hooks on the market.

<b>St. Croix Victory Series Rod</b> <br>
St. Croix added 17 new models to the Victory lineup to make a total of 25 models. The Victory Series is an American-made rod that ranges in price from $180 to $260 depending on the model.

St. Croix Victory Series Rod
St. Croix added 17 new models to the Victory lineup to make a total of 25 models. The Victory Series is an American-made rod that ranges in price from $180 to $260 depending on the model.

The Victory Series offers technique specific models that feature an extremely comfortable, thin handle.

<b>Daiwa Zillion SV TW</b><br>
The Daiwa Zillion SV TW won the award for Best Freshwater Reel. Daiwa enhanced their already proven Zillion line of reels with this stylish and durable reel.

Daiwa Zillion SV TW
The Daiwa Zillion SV TW won the award for Best Freshwater Reel. Daiwa enhanced their already proven Zillion line of reels with this stylish and durable reel.

Casting distance and accuracy are no problem with Daiwaâs patented T-Wing System and unique braking system.

<b>Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait</b><br>
The Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait is equipped with an XL sized blade that is going to displace a ton of water. Three sizes are offered in the Big Blade Chatterbait â 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 ounce. A heavy-duty 6/0 Mustad UltraPoint hook comes on all three sizes.

Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait
The Z-Man Big Blade ChatterBait is equipped with an XL sized blade that is going to displace a ton of water. Three sizes are offered in the Big Blade Chatterbait â 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 ounce. A heavy-duty 6/0 Mustad UltraPoint hook comes on all three sizes.

This upsized ChatterBait will be a must have in dirty water. The same times and places that a big bladed spinnerbait factor, the new Big Blade ChatterBait should excel as well.

<b>Seaguar Tatsu (new sizes)</b><br>
Seaguar Tatsu is by no means new, but Seaguar has added two new sizes to their high-end fluorocarbon. 17- and 22-pound test.

Seaguar Tatsu (new sizes)
Seaguar Tatsu is by no means new, but Seaguar has added two new sizes to their high-end fluorocarbon. 17- and 22-pound test.

Many of the Seaguar pros asked for these in-between sizes, and Seaguar delivered.

<b>Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel</b><br>
The Shimano Curado has long been one of the most popular reels on the market. Shimano developed the new 150 as a perfect in-between size of their already existing 70, 200 and 300 size Curados.

Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel
The Shimano Curado has long been one of the most popular reels on the market. Shimano developed the new 150 as a perfect in-between size of their already existing 70, 200 and 300 size Curados.

Shimanoâs MagnumLite (MGL) spool is tested and proven to extend casting distance and accuracy. The new Curado 150 MGL is going to be a great all-around reel that will cover almost any application you want to use it for.

<b>Spro Flappin Frog</b><br>
The Spro Flappin Frog is the same size as the original Bronzeye 65 frog, but features flapping legs that displace water when reeled across the surface.

Spro Flappin Frog
The Spro Flappin Frog is the same size as the original Bronzeye 65 frog, but features flapping legs that displace water when reeled across the surface.

Fishing a frog is one of the most fun ways to catch a bass, but sometimes you need something that is a little more efficient to help you cover more water. The Flappin Frog will do just that.

<b>Booyah Mobster Swim Jig</b><br>
After watching Chris Jones nearly win the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on this swim jig, I had to see it in person.

Booyah Mobster Swim Jig
After watching Chris Jones nearly win the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on this swim jig, I had to see it in person.

The Mobster Swim Jig features a unique, mouse-shaped head that will come through both wood and grass.

<b>Heddon Super Spook BOYO</b><br>
An in-between size of the Heddon Super Spook Jr. and the Zara Puppy. The Super Spook BOYO is still 3/8 ounce, which will make it much easier to cast than a Zara Puppy, yet smaller than its big brother, the Super Spook Jr.

Heddon Super Spook BOYO
An in-between size of the Heddon Super Spook Jr. and the Zara Puppy. The Super Spook BOYO is still 3/8 ounce, which will make it much easier to cast than a Zara Puppy, yet smaller than its big brother, the Super Spook Jr.

In certain parts of the country, bass feed on smaller baitfish and imitating that size of baitfish is tricky. The Super Spook BOYO will be a great addition to your topwater arsenal for imitating smaller minnows and bluegill. Keep this topwater in mind when the fish start schooling on your favorite body of water.

<b>Lew's Team Signature Series Rods</b><br>
Lew's designed an entire lineup of signature series, technique specific rods with the input from their pro staff.

Lew’s Team Signature Series Rods
Lew’s designed an entire lineup of signature series, technique specific rods with the input from their pro staff.

The Mark Zona spinning rods and the Greg Hackney casting rods were the two that stood out to me. Itâs hard not to trust a spinning rod designed by the smallmouth expert, Mark Zona, or a flipping stick designed by the Hack Attack.

<b>AFTCO Barricade Elite 4-Layer Waterproof System</b><br>
The AFTCO Barricade Elite 4-Layer Waterproof System won the award for Best Cold Weather Technical Apparel. AFTCOâs flagship cold weather gear will keep you warm and dry under the harshest conditions.

AFTCO Barricade Elite 4-Layer Waterproof System
The AFTCO Barricade Elite 4-Layer Waterproof System won the award for Best Cold Weather Technical Apparel. AFTCOâs flagship cold weather gear will keep you warm and dry under the harshest conditions.

Given the fact that it was in the mid-90s in Orlando, I had no interest in trying the cold weather suit on, but it certainly passes the eye test.

<b>Team Ark Elite Z-Series Lipless Crankbait (new colors)</b><br>
Another product that is not new to the market, but a few of the new colors of this lipless crankbait caught my eye as I walked by.

Team Ark Elite Z-Series Lipless Crankbait (new colors)
Another product that is not new to the market, but a few of the new colors of this lipless crankbait caught my eye as I walked by.

<b>Lew's BB1 Pro LFS Baitcasting Reel</b><br>
The Lew's BB1 is another reel that has long been one of the most popular on the market, but Lew's has upgraded the braking system as well as the line guide to make the new Pro LFS even greater. Offered in three different gear ratios.

Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS Baitcasting Reel
The Lew’s BB1 is another reel that has long been one of the most popular on the market, but Lew’s has upgraded the braking system as well as the line guide to make the new Pro LFS even greater. Offered in three different gear ratios.

<b>Humminbird Mega Live Imaging</b><br>
The much-anticipated arrival of Mega Live Imaging is here. Humminbird has delivered the clarity and detail of MEGA Imaging in live action, allowing anglers to see fish structure in real time, even watching fish on-screen as they swim to bite a lure. We saw the benefits of Mega Live Imagine during the northern swing of the 2021 Elite Series season.

Humminbird Mega Live Imaging
The much-anticipated arrival of Mega Live Imaging is here. Humminbird has delivered the clarity and detail of MEGA Imaging in live action, allowing anglers to see fish structure in real time, even watching fish on-screen as they swim to bite a lure. We saw the benefits of Mega Live Imagine during the northern swing of the 2021 Elite Series season.

Mega Live Imaging won the award for Best Electronic Product.

<b>13 Fishing Loco Special Jerkbait</b><br>
The 13 Fishing Loco Special is another jerkbait that caught my eye. The attention to detail on the Loco Special is very apparent.

13 Fishing Loco Special Jerkbait
The 13 Fishing Loco Special is another jerkbait that caught my eye. The attention to detail on the Loco Special is very apparent.

A weight transfer system makes this a very easy jerkbait to throw. The Loco Special also comes equipped with Mustad Elite Triple Grip treble hooks, so thereâs no need to immediately change the hooks.

<b>Huk Waypoint Hoodie</b><br>
The Huk Waypoint collection is made from recycled plastic bottles. That may sound crazy, but itâs an incredibly soft, lightweight material. The hoodie is 50+ UPF rated to protect your skin from the sun.

Huk Waypoint Hoodie
The Huk Waypoint collection is made from recycled plastic bottles. That may sound crazy, but itâs an incredibly soft, lightweight material. The hoodie is 50+ UPF rated to protect your skin from the sun.

Protect the water. Protect your skin. That is the slogan that Huk has lived by when creating the Waypoint collection, and Iâm all for it.

<b>Stike King SkipâN Buzz</b><br>
The Strike King SkipâN Buzz comes with a Strike King Toad as well as a Rage Swimmer rather than a traditional skirt. This helps the bait glide across the surface when skipping it around cover. It also comes with a wire that keeps the frame in the same position.

Stike King SkipâN Buzz
The Strike King SkipâN Buzz comes with a Strike King Toad as well as a Rage Swimmer rather than a traditional skirt. This helps the bait glide across the surface when skipping it around cover. It also comes with a wire that keeps the frame in the same position.

One of the most frustrating things about skipping a buzzbait is when you make a bad skip and your buzzbait wire comes back looking like a pretzel. This design should help with eliminating that issue.

<b>Costa Untangled 2.0 Collection</b><br>
The 2.0 Collection is built from recycled fishing nets and other sustainable materials, including recycled aluminum logos and mineral glass lenses.

Costa Untangled 2.0 Collection
The 2.0 Collection is built from recycled fishing nets and other sustainable materials, including recycled aluminum logos and mineral glass lenses.

They are pretty darn stylish too.

<b>AFTCO Adapt Tactical Phase Change Hooded Shirt</b><br>
AFTCO has added a technology to this hooded shirt that automatically reacts to changes in body temperature with dynamic cooling or warming.

AFTCO Adapt Tactical Phase Change Hooded Shirt
AFTCO has added a technology to this hooded shirt that automatically reacts to changes in body temperature with dynamic cooling or warming.

The AFTCO Adapt Tactical Phase Change Hooded Shirt won the award for Best Warm Weather Technical Apparel.

<b>Evergreen Grass Ripper Swim Jig</b><br>
As great as the Z-Man Evergreen JackHammer is, there are certainly times that a swim jig is more applicable and that is why Evergreen developed the Grass Ripper swim jig.

Evergreen Grass Ripper Swim Jig
As great as the Z-Man Evergreen JackHammer is, there are certainly times that a swim jig is more applicable and that is why Evergreen developed the Grass Ripper swim jig.

The Grass Ripper comes in many of the popular JackHammer colors.

Until next year’s ICAST!