This year there were changes in the voting rules pertaining to the selection of the ICAST 2009 “Best of Show” winners. Essentially exhibitors were not permitted into the showcase until the voting period was over. Also only one vote was allowed per buying entity or media outlet. Hopefully, controversy over this years results will be minimal.
Below are the winners of the coveted “Best of Show” Awards.
Congratulations to all!
Category: Best of Show, Marine
Winner: Hobie Cat Hobie Mirage Pro Angler
Official Description: “No-gas-required, feature-filled, 100% fishing machine. Powered by Hobie’s patented Mirage Drive. Maneuverability of a kayak, stability of a boat”
MSRP: $2199
Category: Freshwater Rod
Winner: USA Custom Rods – Camo Stix
Official Description: “Camo Stix series balances the perfect combination of sensitivity, durability and weight. Multi Modulus graphite blanks with Pac Bay Guides and Reel Seat. Rods come beautifully decorated with Mossy Oak Duck Blind pattern. Models include 4 casting and 3 spinning.”
MSRP: $139.99
Category: Saltwater Rod
Winner: G. Loomis PGR8825
Official Description: “Created for the aggressive angler that prefers to fish artificials for all inshore saltwater species. This rod is surprisingly light for its power, yet sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bite.”
MSRP: $245
Category: Freshwater Reel
Winner: Shimano Stradic CI4
Official Description: “The Ultimate in lightweight spinning reels: Designed for ultra-finesse applications like drop-shot, shakey head and small Texas rigs, these reels are built using the new CI4 material to reduce weight. Equipped with Paladin, Propulsion, S-ARB, and all other high end Shimano features. Saltwater Safe(1000 6.2oz, 2500 7.0oz)”
MSRP: $199.99
Category: Saltwater Reel
Winner: Daiwa Saltist Lever Drag
Official Description: “Compact single and two speed lever drag reels offer fast, one touch gear shift; helical cut stainless steel gears for smooth winding and better transmission of power; six CRBB corrosion resistant ball bearings; UTD Ultimate Tournament carbon drag; dual-system or precision ratchet anti-reverse;speed grip handle.”
MSRP: $229-$349.99
Category: Combo
Winner: Pflueger Arbor Combo
Official Description: “This combo is designed to take full advantage of the large arbor reel design. With special guide sizes to enable easier line flow, the combo will take casting distance to a new level”
MSRP: $99.95
Category: Line
Winner: Berkley Trilene TransOptic
Official Description: “After four years in development, Berkley has designed a nylon mono-filament line that captures UV rays to physically change the line’s color, making the line hi-vis above the water and transparent below the surface where the UV rays are filtered out. This is the first ever mono-filament to change colors!”
MSRP: $8.95-10.95
Category: Terminal Tackle
Winner: Better Bait Systems: Circle Hook Rig
Official Description: “All the troubles of rigging a dead bait with a tournament legal circle hook are no more. Pin the ballyhoo onto the chin weight and wrap with copper wire. Two steps it is that simple. This perfect swimming ballyhoo is ready for trolling or drop backs.”
MSRP: $10.00-$15.00
Category: Soft lure
Winner: Sebile Magic Swimmer Soft
Official Description: “Soft-plastic jointed lure that swims just like the famous Magic Swimmer hardbait, but can be rigged weedless. Unique hook feature and tungsten system (included) allow easy weight changes to hook and body. Easy to rig and versatile to fish in fresh and saltwater. 2 sizes. 6 handpainted colors.”
MSRP: –
Category: Hard Lure
Winner: Sebile Spin Shad
Official Description: “Heavy alloy-metal Bismuth inside molded body with intricate baitfish detail. Ring position and lure balance afford vibration. Unique Sebile Shad Blade design on in-line swivel allows blade to spin at all retrieve speeds. Combines best features of crankbait and tail spinner. 3/4oz & 1 1/4oz. Six colors.”
MSRP: –
Category: Best Tackle Management
Winner: Plano Liqua-Bait Locker System
Official Description: “If you have ever spilled a bottle of simulated live bait on the floor or your boat then you know the value of the new Liqua-Bait Locker System. Airtight and leak proof they keep your softbaits fresh and your tackle box odor free.”
MSRP: –
Category: Kids Tackle
Winner: Ross Reels USA: Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit
Official Description: “Journey Series Fly rod. Flystart series pre-spooled fly reel. Custom Cordura rod/reel case. Youth instructional DVD. Available in blue or pink. Rod and reel both have lifetime warranty.”
MSRP: $199
Category: Electronics
Winner: Lowrance HDS-10 with Insight USA
Official Description: “Revolutionary technologies merge with the functionality of high-definition navigation and award winning internal Broadband Sounder fish finder. Fantastic high-def mapping with Fishing Hot Spots data renders life-like inland and coastal bottom contours. HDS-10 offers brighter big-screen performance and affordability.”
MSRP: $2,719.00
Category: Apparel
Winner: Cablz
Official Description: “The Next Generation in Eyewear Retention. Not just another cord or sock, Cablz designed to stay off your neck while wearing glasses! Never hot, sweaty, smelly, & nasty! Available in 3 colors and 3 sizes 12″,14″,16″ ”
MSRP: $12.99
Category: Eyewear
Winner: Costa Del Mar Zane Sunglasses
Official Description: “Costa’s new Zane sunglasses feature frame vents to alleviate lens fogging and no-slip Hydrolite nose pads. Available in black, tortoise or silver, Zane has a nearly indestructible frame with co-injected temples and integral hinge for a “forget-they’re-on” fit. Lenses include Costa’s 400 or crystal clear 580 colors.”
MSRP: $139-$239
Category: Fishing Accessory
Winner: Durasafe Codeable Locks
Official Description: “The world’s FIRST codeable lock products that learn your vehicle key. This series of innovative DuraSafe locks incorporate a patented cylinder that enables you to program the locks to your vehicle key. Imagine the convenience of using your vehicle key to secure your valuables. Offered in a variety of DuraSafe products.”
MSRP: $19.99-$29.99
Category: Giftware
Winner: Master Vision: Mini Lantern
Official Description: “L.E.D. magnetic, super bright, 40 lumen, aluminum alloy, powered by 3-AA batteries. 10 hour burn time. Shock resistant, water tight seal”
MSRP: $24.99
More to come…
G.C.