ICAST 2015 was held in Orlando, Florida this year. This event is like candy land for any fisherman that gets an invite to go! National and International buyers come in from all over the world to put their orders in for the newest fishing related products. Here are my favorites:
Gator Guards make several products to protect your boat. Since your boat is a major investment, why not protect it. Their KeelShield in my personal opinion is a must for every boat owner to have on your boat. Have you ever beached your boat and heard your fiberglass crunching against the rocks and sand as you slide your boat across? I can tell you that my Bass Cat is protected by KeelShield. Either you or your dealer can install it. All you have to do to install it is to prep-peel-and stick! It has a lifetime guarantee as well. KeelShield comes in 11 different colors and works on fiberglass and most aluminum boats as well.
Another awesome product that they have is the Gator Guards Hitch Guard. Hitch Guard fits around your hitch so that you wonât hit your shins on the hitch. It come in two colors either black or glow. Both of these products are made in the U.S.A. You can contact Sue or Scott Smith at www.gator-guards.com or 888 594-5335. Be sure to check out their website to see the rest of their products as well. Your boat will be glad you didâŚ..
TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group was beaming about having a connection with the two past Bass Master Classic Champions; Randy Howellâs Swim ân Runner and Casey Ashleyâs Classic Runner. Check out these two great products at www.roadrunnerlures.com or call 334 567-2011 for more information on their hooks.
The Lewâs booth was booming with a great showing of their rods and reels. I spoke with Lewâs Pro David Fritts, past BM Classic Champion about what rod and reels would work the best for throwing big crankbaits. David spoke with me about the David Fritts Speed Stick Cranking Series Rods. It is carbon fiber composite graphite blank which features the âPalmerâ support reel seat which reduces angler arm fatigue. If you like to throw big baits out on the ledges in the deep waters of your lake then this rod is for you. To make this a great combo with a Lewâs BB1 Speed Spool Bait Cater Reel. This has a 10 bearing system. This reel is so smooth to cast. Check out these products and more from www.lews.com .
Katie Tuinstra of Spike-It showed me their two new great products that I think would be great for any avid angler and even more these products can involve the family. The first is their Swimbait Painting Kit. Now you can paint your own swimbaits and have that certain color that you know works best on your waters. The kit includes 30 white pearl swimbaits and related materials. The paint is water based and can be applied with an art brush or airbrush and can also be used as a dip coating. It is easily cleaned up with water or rubbing alcohol. The painted lure is then sealed by dipping into LureWorks Clearasol plastic resulting in a beautiful, high-build, 3D finish. Spike-It Outdoors also previewed the Hand Pour Lure Kit at ICAST. Make your own lures from start to finishing many colors and designs using the materials provided in the kit. You can make your own grubs, stick baits, jerk baits crawfish and worms using the included mold. All the materials include a 6-cavity mold, 7 colorants, 3 glitters, garlic scent, UV-Glo marker and two quarts of Pourasol plastic are enough to make at least 275 lures but up to 350 lures depending on the size of the lure. To find out more, visit www.ispikeit.com or call 912 225-4533.
The last product makes me hungry just writing about it. The Gator-Guards Booth was located right across the aisle from Shortyâs Breading Company. Shorty Osborn and his crew fixed everything from shrimp, fish to breaded pickles and green tomatoes! I thought I was at the State Fair! They have breading from mild, medium to spicy. Shortyâs Famous Breading products are great for; fish, chicken, pork, shrimp. Soft-shell crabs, fried green tomatoes, squash, oysters and more! Shorty has been making his blend of spice for over 25 years. I loved their logo, Catch nâ Release in the grease! To learn more about Shortyâs Breading Company, go to info@shortysbreading.com or call 434 390-1772.
See you on the water,
Hal Abshire
Tournament fisherman
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