New Fishing Kayaks, Paddleboards and More—ICAST

"Fishing boat" has an ever-expanding definition, and the proof of that comes every summer at ICAST, the biggest fishing trade show in the world.

We already have V-hulls, center consoles, bass boats, skiffs, johnboats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and more. They come trailerable, portable or inflatable.

It is at ICAST where the latest and greatest are often seen for the first time, and this year’s show, held July 14-18 in Orlando, didn’t disappoint. The fishing boats entered in the show’s New Product Showcase (NPS), offered cutting-edge technology, practical updates and the unusual. Here’s a look:

A World’s First

One of the biggest storylines at ICAST was about the FluxJet kayak, a jet-powered fishing kayak that won the Best of Show award. FluxJet says it’s the "world’s first electric fishing kayak," with a flush-mounted motor, that’s easy to launch and glides smoothly through the water.

Inventer and CEO Jason Woods said the Best of Show award is the culmination of a decade-long project to create a watercraft that would revolutionize kayak fishing. He’s onto something. FluxJet is expected to hit the market early new year. MSRP: $2,749.99 | Learn More

Fishing Kayak ‘Blaza

Railblaza, a Texas-based maker of fishing kayak accessories, entered six new products in the NPS, including the Mule, an inflatable hybrid fishing kayak/stand-up paddleboard that looks super cool. It can be used as a paddleboard or converted to more of a kayak style with the installation of a chair.

It’s a solid choice for portability and shallow-water stealth, and features an industry-first tracking keel design, silent hull construction and ultra-stable footing. Made of premium material. MSRP: $1,300 | Learn More

These Are Fishing Boats?

Silent North, a California company dedicated to inflatable boats for hunting and fishing, has two new crafts that you cannot overlook.

Looking more like a swimming raft, the Tandem Fishing Platform is a rounded pontoon design for two anglers. The inflatable platform has a wide deck, double seat setup and space to mount a small trolling motor. MSRP: 1,499 | Learn More

Silent North’s Catamaran Explorer gives anglers space, rugged construction and an unusual feature—a Velcro-lined closable hood over the front compartment to cover gear and other essentials. The inflatable fishing boat has twin pontoons, a rigid drop-stitch deck for stability and motor mount. MSRP: $999 | Learn More

Inflatables from Hobie

Hobie, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, entered the iTrek Angler 12 in this year’s NPS. The iTrek Angler Series inflatables are ultra-lightweight, portable enough to fit in a backpack, and fully rigged with the MirageDrive 180 pedal-drive, gear tracks, fish finder readiness, and a motor mount. MSRP: $2,699 | Learn More

Kiwi Kayaks

Viking Kayaks USA Profish 400 brings New Zealand’s top fishing kayak designs to the States. The Profish 400 is lightweight, stealthy and fast, scalloped sides that slice through the water and offer stability. MSRP: $1,499.99 | Learn More

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