Who Won ICAST 2023's Best of Category Awards?

Big-name gear manufacturers AFTCO, Shimano and Pure Fishing were the biggest winners Wednesday night in the ICAST 2023 Best of Category awards in Orlando.

Apparel maker AFTCO won five best-in-category awards, while Shimano and Pure Fishing won three each. Overall, awards were given in 37 categories, up from 30 last year. ICAST added six fly-fishing categories this year. Nearly 1,100 gear items were entered in the annual contest.

Wednesday’s winner advance to the Best of Show competition, which will be voted on Thursday morning. Best of Show will be announced at 2 p.m. Thursday.

ICAST 2023 Best of Category Winners

• Novelties and Wellness: GoMist Drink and Misting Bottle, ExtremeMist Personal Cooling Systems
• Motorized Boating Accessories: Power-Pole Move ZR, Power-Pole
• Non-Motorized Boating Accessories: BOTE Water Hammock, BOTE
• Boats and Watercraft: Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 kayak, Johnson Outdoors
• Footwear: Ankle Deck Boot - Black, AFTCO
• Ice Fishing: LiveScope Plus Ice Fishing Bundle LI with ECHOMAP, Garmin
• Eyewear: King Tide 8, Black, 580G Blue Mirror, Costa Sunglasses
• Lifestyle Apparel for Women: Women’s Coverup Dress, HUK Performance Fishing
• Lifestyle Apparel for Men: Ocean Bound Hooded Performance Shirt, AFTCO
• Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Women: Women’s Mojeaux ¼ Zip Performance Suit, AFTCO
• Warm Weather Technical Apparel for Men: Channel Hooded Performance Shirt, AFTCO
• Cold Weather Technical Apparel for Women: Women’s Barricade Rain Suit, AFTCO
• Cold Weather Technical Apparel For Men: Gale Pullover, Blackfish Gear
• Soft and Hard Coolers: Flop Box 10, Flop Industries
• Electronics: Westin EscapeCam, Westin Fishing
• Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools: BUBBA Pro Series Smart Fish Scale, BUBBA
• Fishing Accessory: ENGEL USB Rechargeable Lithium-Ion XL Live Bait, ENGEL Coolers
• Kid’s Tackle: ProFISHiency Next Gen Krazy Combo, Anything Possible Brands
• Tackle Management: Pontoon Boat Tackle Center, Boat Outfitters | Teak Isle
• Terminal Tackle: VMC Swingin’ Ned Rig Jig, Rapala
• Custom Tackle & Components: Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle, American Tackle Company
• Fishing Line: Mastiff Fluorocarbon, Shimano
• Fly Fishing Technical Apparel and Accessories: Master M6014 Edition, Renzetti Inc.
• Fly Fishing Waders and Wading Boots: G4Z Stockingfoot Wader, Simms Fishing Products
• Fly Fishing Pack, Bag & Luggage: Flyweight Vest Pack, Simms Fishing Products
• Fly Fishing Rod: Hardy Marksman Z, Pure Fishing
• Fly Fishing Line, Leader, Tippet and Line Accessories: Colony 8T (Thin) Modular Tackle Box, BUZBE
• Fly Fishing Reel: Cheeky Spray Fly Reel, Cheeky Fishing
• Saltwater Soft Lure: Mulletron LT (Line-Through) Swimbait, Z-Man Fishing Products
• Saltwater Hard Lure: MIrrOlure The Duke Dog, L&S Bait Company
• Saltwater Reel: Seapower FM, Daiwa
• Saltwater Rod: NRX+ Inshore, Shimano
• Freshwater Hard Lure: Chatterbait Elite EVO, Z-Man Fishing Products
• Freshwater Rod: St. Croix Mojo Bass TRIGON, St. Croix Rod
• Freshwater Soft Lure: Berkley PowerBait Nessie, Pure Fishing
• Rod and Reel Combo: Abu Garcia ZATA Baitcast Combo, Pure Fishing

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