Scene and Heard at ICAST 2019

Here’s a look at gear and other interesting news from ICAST 2019 in Orlando.

Check back for additions to this roundup.

Follow Game & Fish’s coverage here.

More on Trolling Motors

If you thought the “year of the trolling motor” buzz at ICAST has been reserved for the Lowrance Ghost and Garmin Edge — the brand-new high-tech trollers from the popular electronics companies, guess again.

Motorguide and Minn Kota are in the mix with their own great products.

Motorguide calls its Tour Pro try “highest-performing motor on the market,” and says it’s the only true cable-steer with a GPS anchor. The Pinpoint GPS anchoring is three times more precise as competitors.

Minn Kota’s Riptide Terrova saltwater trolling motor offers along shaft option for bigger boats — 87 inches — that provide 112 pounds of thrust, and comes with i-Pilot Link technology for networking with Humminbird® fish-finder units as part of the One-Boat Network.

More info to come

Boat of a Lifetime

Speaking of Minn Kota, a deserving angler will get the surprise of a lifetime as his bass boat gets a full makeover from Humminbird® and Minn Kota® at ICAST. From a press release:

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“The unsuspecting recipient is a passionate angler, active member of the fishing community and Desert Storm veteran who dedicates his free time to instilling a love of fishing in young people. The angler’s bass boat will go through a complete bow to transom overhaul in booth #217 during ICAST, through a live installation of the One-Boat Network including Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon products along with a bevy of marine and fishing performance products from other ICAST exhibitors."

The surprise will be unveiled on Thursday.

Frabill’s Magnum Bait Station

(From press release) Frabill has blown up the Magnum Bait Station and increased its capacity from 19 to 30 quarts of live bait storage. The New Extra-Large, 30-Quart Frabill Magnum Bait Station is unlike any other portable live well.

Built much like today's top branded heavy-duty, molded coolers, the 30-Quart Magnum Bait Station has an injection-molded base with a heavy-duty, non-slip bottom. One inch of commercial-grade, foam insulation helps control the temperature even in extreme conditions. A waterproof and airtight gasket creates a perfect seal between the lid and well to keep bait healthy and lively regardless of the weather.

Designed to be the ultimate, fully-integrated bait box, the 30-quart station has dual two-speed, water-resistant aerators built right into the lid, making other similar sized units with a single, side-mounted aerator seem obsolete. In addition, the integrated aerators eliminate leaks from air hoses and plumbing, making cleanup after transport a distant memory. Powered by D cell batteries or the included 12V power adapter, the 30-Quart Frabill Magnum Bait Station provides live baits with the bubbles they need to stay fresh. For longer bait storage needs, a 110V adapter is sold separately.

The 30-quart station is large enough to support all types of live bait. Whether it's large shiners for freshwater or big goggle-eyes for saltwater, the 30-quart station can handle it. Included in the new station is a removable divider that allows users to split bait 50/50 or 70/30 for even more flexibility. Now fisherman can store two types of bait or even baitfish with crustaceans without fear of one affecting the other, each supported by their own aerator.

The 30-Quart Magnum Bait Station has two large and comfortable handles that make relocating the station easy. Oversized, durable, composite latches keep the lid shut tight and won't ever corrode or rust. Another convenient feature of the 30-quart station is an integrated ruler molded into the lid. A tethered drain plug built right into the side makes clean-up a breeze. Just open it up and hose it out.

Plano Gives An Edge

World class anglers, Kevin VanDam, Mark Rose, and Brent Chapman are three Plano Pros who have the EDGE, the new waterproof, rust-proof tackle series that won’t be available to the public until later this year.

But, this month three lucky anglers will win one of the EDGE boxes with select lure from the pros, the company announced this week at ICAST 2019 in Orlando.

You can enter to win through July on Plano's Facebook page.

New from Pure Fishing

Here’s a roundup of some of what’s new from Pure Fishing:

Saltwater Reel: PENN Fathom II Star Drag ($249.99): Cast further from the beach with the new PENN Fathom II Casting Special. NEW for 2019 with premium bearings in the spool, our Fast Access Side Plate, and a double paddle handle. The easy to access magnetic "knobby" dial on the left side plate allows you to adjust on the fly, for maximum casting distance.

Saltwater Rod: Berkley GlowStik Surf Rod ($89.99): Nothing like it on the market! The new Berkley Glowstik rods truly light up the night. Whether you're on the bank, beach, or bridge, night fishing is exciting... and now it's even more visual. The full tip section of the rod glows red from the fiber optic cable that runs the length of the tip. Powered by 2 AAA batteries in a sealed housing.

Freshwater Reel: Abu Garcia Revo EXD Reel ($299.95): A continued tradition of precision engineering and performance. The Revo EXD reel has advanced design features to get the most out of your casting distance. Featuring nine stainless steel HPCR bearings, two EXD bearings on the spool shaft, and a lightweight duraluminum spool the Revo EXD was built for extreme casting performance. The fine tune magnetic break and additional finesse spool allow the angler to have precise control over a wide range of lures and weights.

Freshwater Rod: Ugly Stik Carbon ($79.95): 100% Ugly, 100% Carbon. The lightest Ugly Stik ever! Introducing the NEW Ugly Stik Carbon series featuring 100% graphite for a lightweight rod, crisp actions, and increased sensitivity while maintaining the legendary toughness you've come to expect from Ugly Stik. Ugly Stik Carbon rods are an average of 37% stronger than traditional cut and roll construction graphite rods.

Fly Fishing Rod: Fenwick Fenlite Streamflex Plus ($379.95): The Fenwick Fenlite Streamflex Plus fly rods bring added versatility to the Fenlite Streamflex range. The patented extension section stored in the handle of the rod allows anglers to change from a fast action dry fly rod to a deeper action nymphing rod without the need to change reel and line. Constructed with 3M Powerlux 1000 Nano resin for high strength and lightweight performance.

Fly Fishing Reel: Pflueger Supreme Fly Reel ($249.95): A high specification fly reel for all fly fishing scenarios. The Pflueger Supreme fly reel is our flagship fly reel model, made with full bar stock construction in a large arbor format for quick line retrieval. It is lightweight, but strength is not sacrificed. Available in 5 sizes to accommodate lines from 2 WT-12 WT.

Freshwater Soft Lure: Berkley PowerBait The Champ Minnow ($6.99): Designed by two time Bassmaster Classic winner Jordan Lee, the Berkley PowerBait The Champ Minnow features a lifelike profile and new HD Tru color technology to deliver an ultra-realistic bait. It's anatomically correct tail mimics live baitfish. The body shape is ideal for drop shot rigs and jig heads. The Champ Minnow also features the exclusive PowerBait formula.

Freshwater Hard Lure: Berkley Frittside ($8.99): A take on a classic bait design with legendary crankbait angler David Fritts. The Berkley Frittside crankbait features the same proven action that won David the Bassmaster Classic. With proven balsa actions and the durability and casting performance of a plastic bait, the Frittside is a key bait for tough conditions when fish are sluggish or heavily pressured. Balanced weight design for improved tracking accuracy and a weighted bill on the 7 and 9 models to get deep fast. Available in three sizes.

Line: SpiderWire Stealth Smooth 12 Braid ($24.99): SpiderWire Stealth Smooth 12 Braid is tightly woven with 12 PE fibers to create a tight, round braid that is strong and sensitive. It is silky smooth, thin and soft, causing it to be quiet through the guides. This line is soft and limp for long, effortless casts, while knots clinch effortlessly and securely.

Kid’s Tackle: Shakespeare Catch a Monster Spincast Combo ($14.99): The new Shakespeare Catch A Monster series with bright, bold colors in a fun and exciting theme including four unique monster and color combinations. The series includes spincast combos, play boxes, and nets - everything a young child needs to go out and have a fishing adventure. Spincast combos are 2'6" long, pre-spooled with monofilament line, and come with a practice casting minnow.

Ice Fishing: Fenwick Techna Ice Rods ($59.95): Fenwick Techna Ice rods feature high modulus solid carbon blanks for improved strength, high quality cork handles, and Fuji ergonomic reel seats. This strong, durable rod maintains the lightweight feel and sensitivity for which Fenwick rods are known.