Chester Moore, Jr.
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
Each year the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) showcases the latest developments in the fishing industry.
I have been attending the show for years and found last year’s innovations and products I only learned about at the 2011 show to be some of the best ever.
Companies are beginning to send out press releases about products set to debut at the 2012 show to be held in Orlando, Fla. in July.
After time to test out and study much of what debuted last year I thought it would be fun to look at a few of the most unique and Texas applicable products from last year.
Nanofil: This new class of line by Berkley is truly unique. It is not monfilament or fluorcarbon but yet it is not a braid. It is a different kind of material and it is by a long shot the smoothest casting line I have ever thrown. Without a doubt an angler can get 20 percent farther using this line. So far this line does not come in large sizes so that is a limiting factor but for anglers looking to get a little distance without super strength Nanofil is worth checking out.
Abu Garcia Revo MGX: The Revo has been a popular reel for Abu Garcia fans for a number of years. However, in debuting the MGX the company took things to the next level. This super lightweight (5.4 ounce) reel has not only a compact ergonomic design but is has an incredible 28 points of external adjustment allowing anglers to super fine tune the reel and throw super lightweight baits. I have been using mine for everything from throwing small soft plastics for flounder to chunking spoons for Spanish mackerel and have been more than happy. It is a truly great reel for someone looking for something that is finesse fishing friendly. This is not a cheap one but is something that anglers wanting to invest in a reel that is essentially customizable can be happy with.
KVD Sexy Frog: There are many frog lures on the market but the one that has consistently been getting good reviews from anglers is the KVD Sexy Frog. Sporting the name of the world’s top angler (Kevin VanDam) not only gives it extra juice on the market but credibility. VanDam can have anyone produce anything for him and when his name is on a product you know it is worthwhile. This frog is the big frog hit of the last year, despite numerous popular renditions in the marketplace.
U.S. Reel Liberty. I did not come across this one at ICAST, but got my first taste fishing the Pro Am of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic with Jimmy Houston. This reel is priced within reach of the average angler ($99) and allows for super smooth and surprisingly long casting. Houston fishes these in many of his event and like KVD can use anything he wants. These reels are assembled in the U.S.A. which gives them some nice synergy with the brand name.
Bomber Saltwater Grade Super Pogy: I first noticed this one last year at ICAST although it had been on the market in the previous year. This is a killer crankbait that has been producing redfish at the Sabine Jetties for me this year. It looks exactly like a pogy and has a killer rattle system that drives fish crazy. Another advantage is that in the hands of even a semi-skilled angler it can be thrown super long distances allowing anglers to cover vast amounts of water.
Frabill Storm Suit: This jacket is lightweight but definitely shields an angler going across the open water on a cool morning. I was actually surprised with how warm it kept me. In light rain it remained comfortable and once again kept me warm as temperatures fell during a cold front. Probably the most impressive thing about the product is the functionality. The various pockets allow an angler like myself who is constantly packing on gear to have practical and comfortable places to stow away things like my small digital camera I always carry, pliers, my wallet and other amenities.
Look for some exclusive ICAST reports on our website this July with firsthand accounts of new products that will work for the species and conditions we face on local waterways.
(To contact Chester Moore, e-mail him at cmooreoutdoors@yahoo.com. You can hear him on "Moore Outdoors" Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on Newstalk AM 560 KLVI. you can find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/extremewildlife.)
