ICAST 2026 kicks off this week, beginning with Super Tuesday on July 14th.

What are some of the hottest bass fishing tackle items you need to know about?

Check out this year’s Pre-Show Top 10 Tackle Picks!

(10) Z-Man Chatterbait Elite EVO HD

What’s New: The Z-Man ChatterBait Elite EVO HD is an upgraded, heavy-duty variant built specifically to withstand high-pressure situations, heavy cover, and heavy braided line.

What I like: Upgraded Trailer Keeper, Welded Line Tie, 5/0 super heavy-duty, nano-coated needlepoint hook. This bait was made for heavy cover situations and should work well in the legendary chatterbait waters of Florida.

What I don’t like: I dont hae a tackle box full of them yet. MSRP $12.99

(9) Shimano Poison Glorious Lands in US Market

What’s New: Situated between the Popular Poison Adrena and Super premium Ultima rod lineup the Poison Glorious Rods feature a unique cork covered monocoque grip dubbed Fusion Grip.

What I like: Another iteration in the continued collaboration between Shimano and Jackal continues to impress and deliver Innovative blanks, handles, and optimized modern actions. These rods embody everything a modern high-performance bass fishing rod should have.

What I don’t like: With premium features, this rod series firmly lands in the highly competitive $500+ class, with an MSRP of around $550, depending on the model and action.

(8) Megabass Vision 110 SSR (Super Shallow Runner)

What’s New: Super Shallow running 110 jerk bait with specialize bill that is purpose built to keep the bait shallow.

What I like: Comes equipped with upgraded, out-barb MH (Medium Heavy) treble hooks to pin short-striking bass.

What I don’t like: These are pretty much the only ripbaits I keep tied on all year long. Catching finnicky fish consistently doesn’t come cheap these days. MSRP: $24.99

(7) Daiwa 60th anniversary Tatula MQ

What’s New: Zaion Bodied MQ reel with diamond paint finish and AIR Drive Design.

What I like: Looks like a value optioned Exist dupe for the everyday angler.

What I don’t like: The Talula is the selected 60th Anniversary platform, serving as their USDM bread-and-butter line. But after 13 years under the same name, it feels like it’s been run into the ground. MSRP is $299.99.

(6) 13 Fishing Shyft Reels

What’s New: The standout feature of the 13 Fishing SHYFT Reel Series is its mission to deliver premium, tournament-grade performance for under $100. Offered in both baitcasting and spinning models, this series utilizes advanced materials and high-quality components typically found in far more expensive gear.

What I like: The $100 price range is gaining more attention lately, which is great for the value-conscious weekend angler or the young tournament angler aiming to expand their gear collection.

What I don’t like: Value options from 13 have seen mixed reviews in the past. Can the new Rapala owned entity shake that stigma?

(5) Missile Baits Buzz Wagon

What’s New: Premium toad toting buzz bait designed from the ground up by Missile Baits in collaboration with Brazalo Custom Lures.

What I like: Anodized aluminum blades including pink with 3/0 punch style hook missile shaped keel weight and out of the box squeak.

What I don’t like: How about a skirted version? MSRP $11.99

(4) Rapala Crush City Avatar Shad

What’s New: Rapala puts a modern twist on the classic soft plastic baitfish with the Avatar Shad. It sports a unique segmented body, a molded soft bill, and a center fin. This setup lets the bait glide through the water with lifelike head movement, body roll, and a natural kicking motion that perfectly mimics a live minnow.

What I like: Durable Super TPE material with a unique profile that suits a variety of rigging options.

What I don’t like: The Crush City Lineup has been a popular, albeit controversial, soft plastic series in the US. However, their proven fish-catching ability ensures they’ll remain a sought-after item for years to come. MSRP: $9.99 for a 4-pack.

(3) Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC 200

What’s New: Touted as the first saltwater-rated DC reel, the Shimano Calcutta Conquest DC A stands as the pinnacle of modern baitcasting technology

What I like: Legendary machined Shimano quality with cold forged frame, IDC 5 technology, MGL IV Spool, Infinity Drive and Micromodule gearing.

What I don’t like: BNIB made is Japan comes at a step price with an MSRP of $649.99

(2) Garmin LVS 42HD and LVS 44 Transducers

What’s New: Garmin has introduced the latest Live Scope Transducers as the next generation technology of their much-acclaimed Live Scope System

What I like: No Black Box Required: Both transducers connect directly to compatible Garmin chart plotters and a power source. This completely eliminates the need for the bulky GLS10 black box module, saving storage space and greatly simplifying installation.

What I don’t like: Priced at $1,999 and $2,199 respectively, they’re expensive but essential upgrades in today’s competitive bass tournament fishing scene.

(1) Urchin Bait Overload

What I like: Competition breeds improvements and new accessories and riggings styles for a popular bait

What I don’t like: Market is flooded with too many options that don’t help out the original creator.

Tightlines.

G.C.