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Jesse's Hunting > Fishing Articles > Articles > Casting Around at ICAST
Casting Around at ICAST
Dave Blake - JHO ProStaff
- L.A., CA
August 23, 2006
In the summertime, my favorite place to be is on a stream or pond somewhere catching fish of one kind, or another. I love fishing, talking about fishing and anything else that happens to have anything to do with fishing.
The next best thing to actually fishing is being around fishing stuff. Any chance to get to Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, or even the Wal-Mart fishing section is a potential for finding that next new lure to catch the big one. In fact, it was a tiny gold spinner from Wal-Mart that was the ticket to some hefty trout in a Colorado pond just a couple of weeks ago when nothing else would work. A couple of those fish pushed 20 inches easy.
The granddaddy of all fishing displays is at the ICAST convention hosted by the American Sportfishing Association in Las Vegas. This is where all of the major tackle manufacturers show off their latest and greatest to the biggest names in the business.
My first stop at ICAST is always the new product showcase. Since I am there to see the newest of the new, this is where it’s at. I always find something with a lot of WOW factor and this year didn’t disappoint.
Strike-Pro Phantom
A crankbait that really swims like a fish, the innovative design of the Strike Pro Phantom sets it apart from the rest. |
The first eyecatcher of the day was Strike Pro’s Flex Phantom crankbait. While the swimming action of most crankbaits looks nothing like a real fish, the Flex Phantom looks just like a real fish. It is a jointed crankbait with a twist. While most jointed lures have two or maybe three sections, the Flex Phantom has ten. These sections are held together with a unique “bike chain” joint system that provides strength as well an incredibly life-like action. I’m not going to go after bass or yellowtail without one of these in my box this year.
Okuma Reels
Okuma offers a line of economical but reliable reels for both offshore and inland fishermen. |
Kayak fishing is really starting to catch on along the West Coast and is something I’ve wanted to try for quite a while. The only thing holding me back was the prospect of sitting hunched over all day. There comes a point when I have to stand up, which is not the greatest of ideas in a Kayak.
Freedom Hawk Kayaks Inc. has solved this problem with their innovative design of the Freedom 14 Kayak. The rear section of the kayak behind the seat slits and locks into a V providing enough stability to stand up using two four foot outriggers. These outriggers detach for easy transportation to your favorite fishing hole.
Other standard features include 2 watertight storage compartments, front anchor boom, lift rope for aid with standing up among other things. Extras include a high-rise casting bar for added stability and a 12ft push pole. You can check it out at http://www.freedomhawkkayaks.com.
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