The 5th annual ICAST CUP kicked off on Tuesday morning July 9th 2019. This event has become a well oiled machine thanks to the help of the great staff at FLW outdoors and the Detweilers at Big Toho Marina. Once again I was paired with my 2017 comrades David Smith and Richard Patterson to fish the Big Toho.

The morning air was brisker than normal for July, and a steady breeze was coming from the southwest pushing North. Our pattern was much the same as others targeting groups of summer schooling fish. Unfortunately, the big bite never quite materialized for us. None the less, I had a great time with David and Rich and picked up a few more fishing tips along the way. Thank you guys for making the start of ICAST 2019 a memorable one once again! Congratulations to Team Lews for Capturing the Cup for a second year in a row.

Big Toho we meet again
Taking in the ambiance and briskness of the morning. I feel late. When I go fishing I’m usually the first guy at the ramp.
The 250 Pro XS Four Stroke sits with a modern elegance on the transom of David’s 20 PHX
David and Rich of USA Bassin prepping for the morning
ICAST 2019 Starts off with some smiles
Big Bag or Little Bag. Rich is always a class act.
(Image Courtesy of FLW Outdoors)

It was fun to actually make it to ICAST On the Water this year. ICAST on the water and the ICAST CUP used to be coupled events at Big Toho. However, in an effort to get more ICAST attendees out to the “On the Water” event it was subsequently moved the Orange County Convention Center North Concourse ponds back in 2017. The inherent issue with this move is it mades attendance challenging for guys fishing the ICAST CUP given the time overlap between the two events. None the less, despite my limited 30 minutes of time there this year I found a few cool items worthy of bass fishing note.

The PAC Bay Revolution reel seat is an interesting piece
Not sure what to make of it without spending some extended time on the water with one. the lower portion is actually modular and can unscrew to accept a variety of handle pieces
The Buzbe Colony 28 is an interesting Modular tackle storage system that allows uses to manipulate the interior tray configuration
Strike King RAGE NED Bug, NED Ocho, and NED Cut R Worm
Daiwa Coastal TWS Baitcasting Reel
Lunkerhunt Phantom Spider
Lunkerhunt Pre Rigged Gambit Swimbait
Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reel
Shimano Stradic FL
Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor
Lowrance Ghost Trolling Motor Modular Foot pedal
St Croix Mojo Bass MGC7HM Rip N’ Chatter Rod

More to Come

G.C.

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