It’s more than just bragging rights for the year; the New Product Showcase at ICAST 2012 highlights the release of many new products to the marketplace.  Products that will end up in fishing tackle retail stores then into anglers tackle boxes all over the world.  Manufactures must bring something new and innovative to win the “Best of Show”.  It’s a challenge to catch the eye of the judges. Who are the judges? They are members of the media-editorial like myself and registered buyers

The “Best of Show” is given in 21 individual categories; in addition to the coveted overall “Best of Show” Award to one product from any category.

Here is a list of winners and categories from last year (2011):

ICAST 2011 Overall Best of Show and Best Line - Pure Fishing, Inc., Berkley Nanofil
Best of Show – Apparel - Frabill, Inc., Frabill Suit
Best of Show – Boat - Hobie Cat, Hobie Mirage Revolution 11
Best of Show - Boating Accessory - JL Marine Systems, Inc., 10 Ft Power-Pole Blade Edition
Best of Show – Combo - Daiwa Corporation, Daiwa D-Shock DSH-4Bi Combo
Best of Show – Electronics - Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Humminbird 1158c DI Combo
Best of Show - Eyewear – Costa, Costa Women’s Collection
Best of Show - Fishing Accessory - G. Pucci & Sons, Inc., P-Line Sparrowhawk
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Accessory – VestPac, DriftPac
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Reel - Temple Fork Outfitters, BVK Fly Reel 
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Rod - G. Loomis, Inc., Pro4x
Best of Show - Freshwater Reel - Pure Fishing, Inc., Abu Garcia Revo MGX
Best of Show - Freshwater Rod - G. Loomis, Inc., GL2
Best of Show – Giftware - 3D Picture Store, Inc., 3D “Exploring Smallmouth” Picture
Best of Show - Kids’ Tackle - Pure Fishing, Inc., Casting Game & Sound Fishing Kit
Best of Show - Hard Lure - Pure Fishing, Inc., Sebile D&S Crank
Best of Show - Soft Lure - Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation, LIVE TARGET Hollow Body Mouse 
Best of Show - Saltwater Reel - Daiwa Corporation, Saltiga SATG5000H
Best of Show - Saltwater Rod - Shimano American Corporation, Terez Rail Rod
Best of Show - Tackle Management - Plano Molding Company, 4674 Hydro-Flo Tackle Bag
Best of Show - Terminal Tackle – VMC, Spinshot

It gives members of the media time to check out the new products and more importantly visit with other members of the

media about fishing industry news. Truth is members of the media really have a pulse on the fishing industry and what’s truly going on.

It all kicks off on July 10, at the New Product showcase and Preview Reception.