BY DAN ARMITAGE
New
Award-Winning Tackle for ‘26
Daiwa Ballistic 3000 BAMQLT
Each summer, fishing tackle manufacturers large and small head to Orlando, Fla., to showcase their latest products at a trade show called “ICAST,” which stands for the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry’s trade association.
As usual, thousands of its members of the global recreational fishing industry converged upon the Orange County Convention Center this past July with their offerings for the 2026 season. Making up a special section of ICAST’s show floor, is a “New Product Showcase” that features the tackle industry’s latest innovations. The products making their marketplace debut vie for honors of “Best Of” in 24 categories including the highly coveted overall “Best of Show.” Buyers and media representatives judge the products based on their level of innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality.
I concentrate on those award-winning angling innovations that I find of interest to owners of deck and pontoon boats as well as those items I find noteworthy for other reasons – and share them here in no particular order.
Freshwater Rod: Daiwa’s Tatula Cork Bass Rod
The new Tatula Bass Rods represent the evolution of tech-forward affordable bass rods with technique-specific actions. Enhanced with high-density SVF graphite, energy transfer from rod tip to the custom ergonomic reel seat gives anglers excellent bite-detection while the SVF graphite is wrapped using X45 bias process that reinforces the blank for hook-driving power and prevents twisting for more accurate casts. With 15 technique-oriented models and 8 versatile models. (www.daiwa.us/collections/reels)
Freshwater Reel: Daiwa Ballistic 3000 BAMQLT
The new Ballistic MQ LT fuses innovation with long lasting performance using a new airdrive design, rotor, bail and spool for excellent rotational balance, seamless line management and light weight. The Zaion V MQ body incorporates larger gears and reduces weight while maintaining strength, and MAGSEALED technology prevents corrosion of the internal mechanisms. (www.daiwa.us)
Freshwater Hard Lure: Rapala Claptail 110
Rapala Claptail 110
The Rapala Claptail offers a unique two-tone collision of sound and disturbance. The innovation of a metal prop and back blade “high five” each other with every turn, the durable body and balanced weight ensures long casts and a steady retrieve, while the built-in belly swivel reduces leverage to keep fish pinned on the custom VMC hybrid 1x treble hooks. (www.rapala.com)
Freshwater Soft Lure: Z-Man Fishing Products
Z-Man Fishing Products
Powered by a cutting-edge keeled SWAG tail, the 5-inch and 6-inch SWAG LT (line-through) swimbait performs at the widest range of retrieve speeds with a proprietary wide wag/swim action. Armed with award winning Over/Under Line-Through harness, the SWAG LT lets anglers choose between dorsal single or belly double hook rigging. Reinforced line-through harness lets bait slide up the line after hookset. ElaZtech composition affords max softness, action and 10X Tough durability and it comes in eight lively baitfish patterns. (www.zmanfishing.com)
Tackle Management: BUZBE Swarm Plus Hexslide
BUZBE Swarm Plus Hexslide
The Swarm Combo Kit includes Colony boxes and Quik Qubes, offering fast-access modular storage inside a waterproof, airtight bag. Outside, the new Hexslide system—BUZBE’s patented external rail—lets you attach optional accessories like a pliers holder, D-ring, line holder, sunglasses case, etc. (www.buzbe.com)
Terminal Tackle: Rapala VMC Minnow Shaker Jig
Rapala VMC Minnow Shaker Jig
The VMC Minnow Shaker Jig has a unique 45-degree jig eye to maximize the rocking motion of the top minnow baits on the market, using Dual Mono Keepers molded into a poured resin, 3D holographic eyes, and custom specifications between hook size, gap, and length for every jig weight needed to shake a minnow from the shallows to the deepest fish spotted on live sonar. (www.rapala.com/us_en/vmc)
Fishing Line: Shimano PowerPro Max 8
Shimano PowerPro Max 8
Designed for deep-water anglers seeking smooth casting and control, PowerPro Max 8 features an 8-carrier Spectra HT construction that cuts through current with ease for precise vertical jigging. It maintains high tensile strength with a 25 percent thinner diameter. Enhanced Body Technology (EBT) infuses each fiber with resin for a rounder, smoother, and more durable line—boosting castability, line management, and abrasion resistance. (www.shimano.com)
Electronics: Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
Humminbird XPLORE Fish Finder Series
The XPLORE Series is fast and focused, allowing anglers to locate fishing spots faster with included LakeMaster and CoastMaster charts. You can sync 10,000 fish spots with custom colors and icons to your phone through a new waypoint management system and includes MEGA Live 2 forward-facing sonar and an easy-to-use interface. (www.humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com)
Fishing Accessory: PRADCO Whisker Seeker Solar-Powered Bait Shack
PRADCO Whisker Seeker Solar-Powered Bait Shack
Featuring three aerators, solar charging, and up to 10 days of continuous run time, you can choose from three power modes, enjoy rugged insulation, and fish anywhere with fresh, lively bait. Available in blaze orange, slate grey, and toxic green, it’s eco-friendly, portable, and built for both fresh and saltwater anglers. (www.pradcooutdoorbrands.com)
Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools: BUBBA Smart Fish Scale Lite
BUBBA Smart Fish Scale Lite
The Smart Fish Scale Lite delivers pro-level performance with +/- 0.3 percent accuracy and a 60-pound capacity. The Bluetooth compatibility lets you pair with the free BUBBA App to log catch data, GPS locations, and more, and you can upgrade to Pro for advanced fishing modes to elevate your next fishing trip. (www.bubba.com)
And isn’t that what messing about with new fishing tackle is all about? Here’s to a safe and elevated angling season in 2026!