The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) took on a Florida flavor as the venue shifted from Las Vegas to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center July 15-17. The annual event brought hundreds of recreational fishing product manufacturers together with thousands of vendors and the media for a first look at 2010 product lines. Florida Sportsman editors brought their cameras—including video (click here)--and notepads to record just a taste of the innovations in gear and accessories that you’ll see on tackle shop shelves in upcoming months. Despite recent economic problems facing the industry, we came away impressed with the upbeat atmosphere—not to mention the entrepreneurial spirit of the marine industry. We saw some great stuff that FS staffers will put to the test throughout the year. One of the ICAST highlights is the New Product Showcase, where media members vote on the best new products in a variety of categories. Here are the winners.

ICAST Best in Show

Apparel- Cablz, Inc.

Combo- Pure Fishing Pflueger Arbor Combo

Electronics- Lowrance Navico HDS-10

Eyewear- Costa Del Mar Zane

Fish Accessory- Durasafe Codable Locks

Giftwear- Master Vision Mini Lantern

Kids’ Tackle- Ross Reels Worldwide Journey Youth Fly Outfit

Line- Pure Fishing Berkley Trilene TransOptic

Soft Lure- Sebile USA Magic Swimmer

Hard Lure- Sebile USA Spin Shad

Marine- Hobie Cat Hobie Mirage Angler

Freshwater Reels- Shimano Stradic C14

Saltwater Reels- Daiwa Saltist Lever drag

Freshwater Rods- USA Custom Rods Camo Stix

Saltwater Rods- G. Loomis PGR 8825

Tackle Management- Plano Molding Liqua-Bait Locker System

Terminal Tackle- Better Bait Systems Circle Hook Rig

ICAST 2009 Best of Show- Hobie Cat Mirage Pro Angler

Marine category winner in the New Product Showcase and voted overall ICAST 2009 Best of Show. The Hobie Pro Angler features standup stability, Turbo Mirage pedal drive, six horizontal rod holders, raised, dry seating and loads of storage. We previewed the Pro Angler in the June Florida Sportsman Casting Off, and took her fishing at www.floridasportsman.com/xtra/hobie_pro_angler

The Tri-Shear was one of the coolest tools we saw at ICAST. Lightweight, lifetime warranty, cleanly slices—without frayed ends--Kevlar and Spectra braided lines, mono up to 300 pounds, and wire and cable up to 240 pounds. Two sizes; includes lanyard and belt holster. www.antiquereels.com

Want to keep your cell phone, camera and keys dry yet easily accessible when you’re on the water? RAM Mounts displayed new waterproof, clear-top cases that fit their standard swivel mounts. Dial a number without ever taking your phone out of the case. Kayakers will be all over this one. www.ram-mount.com

If you can’t fit all your tackle for the day in the Flambeau T5 Multiloader Pro, you may be carrying too much stuff. Features Zerust rust inhibitor to ward off the effects of salt corrosion. www.flambeauoutdoors.com

John Mazurkiewicz displays Shimano’s new Talica 2-speed lever drag reel. Designed specifically to freespool live bait with 40- to 80-pound braided line. High speed gear ratio is 6.2:1; low gear, 4.1:1. www.fish.shimano.com

Sam Heaton demonstrates Humminbird’s new 385ci, a dedicated kayak sonar/GPS/chartplotter unit with interchangeable navionics card capacity. www.humminbird.com

Fin-Nor’s Marquesa is a 6-bearing, leverdrag reel. Carbon fiber drag system is standard on six different models and four sizes available. Models are available with or without top bar for better line management for kite fishing and trolling.

Legendary Keys captain RT Trossett and Crystal Dollahon showed us the new Fin-Nor Marquesa. The 20’s and 30’s feature over 40 pounds of lockdown drag—drag which Captain Trossett put to use as he tested the prototypes on Keys tarpon. Available in 12/16/20/30 sizes. www.finnorfishing.com