Each year, ICAST, our largest fishing industry tackle show, serves as a reminder of just how innovative and creative the fishing tackle industry really is. I’m always intrigued to see what’s in store each year. Imagine a few football fields filled wall-to-wall with fishing tackle booths, and you’ll have a pretty good picture of what it’s like walking into the annual show. In fact it was recently announced that nearly 600 brands and 10,000+ attendees representing 75 countries made up the 2026 show.
With only one day on the show floor, I was able to preview the new product showcase. Below are only a handful of products that will soon be coming to a tackle store near you.
One final product at the bottom of the page is worth a look simply because it shows a unique item in the freshwater market. I call it the “Sea Urchin” lure. Apparently, this style of bait helped win a recent bass tournament, and now everyone seems to be introducing their own version. Hands down this was the most popular new bait style in the new product showcase. It definitely made me wonder whether this concept might find its way into saltwater fishing as well. You never know!
Shimano Stella SW D 25000

Shimano expands its flagship Stella lineup with the new 25000 SW D, a spinning reel built for anglers targeting the largest tuna, giant trevally and other powerful pelagic species. New technologies including INFINITYXROSS gearing, INFINITYDRIVE and SILENTDRIVE improve cranking power while maintaining Stella’s trademark smooth feel under heavy loads. Shimano also upgraded the drag system with HEATSINK Drag and XXTOUGH Drag to better manage heat during long battles. With increased line capacity, more drag pressure and outstanding corrosion protection, the Stella 25000 SW D is designed for anglers who routinely push their tackle to the limit and demand absolute reliability offshore. Shop Shimano
Fathom Offshore HYDRO Dredge Frame


Tournament anglers know a dredge is only as dependable as the frame pulling it. Fathom Offshore’s new HYDRO Dredge Frame features a hydrodynamic teardrop center hub that tracks straighter while shedding grass and debris more efficiently than traditional designs. Constructed from heavy-duty marine-grade stainless steel, every arm is welded directly into the reinforced center hub to eliminate common failure points. The frame includes 18 drop swivel sleeves and is equally suited for pulling natural baits or large artificial dredges. For crews looking to upgrade one of the hardest-working pieces of gear in the spread, the HYDRO offers impressive durability and thoughtful engineering. Shop Fathom
Bajío Cocho Sunglasses

Designed for anglers who prefer larger frames, the new Cocho from Bajío delivers maximum coverage with a comfortable fit for long days on the water. Removable side shields help block glare from every angle while flexible hinges improve comfort whether you’re running offshore or sight fishing the flats. Available with Bajío’s polarized glass lenses, including the Dark Blue Camo Matte Blue Mirror option, the Cocho is built to reduce eye fatigue while enhancing visibility in bright offshore conditions. It’s a serious fishing frame that blends performance with everyday wearability. Shop Bajio
Turtlebox Cub

Turtlebox shrinks the size but not the sound with its new Cub portable speaker. Compact enough to fit almost anywhere aboard, the Cub still delivers the loud, clear audio Turtlebox has become known for. Waterproof construction and rugged durability make it ideal for boats, beaches, sandbars and travel where electronics regularly take a beating. Whether you’re heading offshore for the day or relaxing at the dock afterward, the Cub offers premium sound without sacrificing portability. Shop Turtlebox
YETI LoadOut GoBox & Kore Inserts

YETI expanded its popular gear storage lineup with several new LoadOut GoBox sizes, including wheeled versions for hauling heavier equipment. The biggest innovation may be the new Kore Protective Inserts, inflatable padded inserts that mold around reels, electronics, cameras and other valuable gear to provide a custom fit and additional protection during transport. YETI also introduced new Strike footwear designed for life on and around the water. Together, the new products continue YETI’s focus on organizing and protecting expensive fishing equipment. Shop Yeti
HEYDUDE HEY2O Collection

Known for casual comfort, HEYDUDE enters the fishing market with its new HEY2O Collection, built specifically for life around the water. The award-winning HEY2O Flip features excellent drainage and grip for wet boat decks, while the Wally HEY2O Fishing shoe offers lightweight comfort, quick-drying materials and plenty of ventilation. Both models are designed to transition easily from the boat to the dock without sacrificing comfort, making them attractive options for anglers looking for versatile everyday footwear. Shop HEYDUDE
Bluewing Line Lock Pro


Bluewing’s Line Lock Pro brings a fresh approach to one of the most overlooked pieces of rigging hardware. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, the unit is fully self-serviceable, allowing anglers to replace rollers, screws and halyard cord without replacing the entire assembly. Available in single, double and triple configurations, it offers flexibility for a variety of outriggers and rigging setups. For crews who fish often in harsh saltwater conditions, the ability to service the hardware rather than replace it could save both time and money over the long haul. Shop Bluewing
Huk Tide Point Shirt

Huk’s new Tide Point Shirt blends technical fishing performance with a clean look that works just as well away from the boat. Lightweight woven fabric provides UPF 30 sun protection, moisture management, quick-drying performance and stretch for unrestricted movement. A perforated back panel improves airflow while practical features such as snap chest pockets and a built-in sunglass wipe add convenience on the water. Finished with exclusive KC Scott artwork, the Tide Point is designed for anglers who want one shirt that performs from sunrise on the boat to dinner at the marina. Shop HUK
The Mully Retractable Sports Towel

Sometimes the simplest products solve everyday problems. The Mully is a premium cotton fishing towel mounted on a retractable cord that clips securely to your belt or waistband, keeping it close at hand without getting in the way. Whether you’re cleaning fish slime, wiping sunscreen off your hands or drying off after leadering a fish, the towel stays attached instead of blowing across the deck or disappearing overboard. It’s a simple idea that many anglers will wonder how they lived without. Shop Mully
Pole-Mounted Line Cutter with Fish Tagger


Leadering and releasing large fish becomes safer with this Pole-Mounted Line Cutter and Fish Tagger. Designed to fit Shurhold-style extension poles, the tool allows crews to safely cut leaders or apply research tags without leaning over the covering board or bringing fish dangerously close to the boat. Built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel with replaceable utility blades, it offers an inexpensive solution that could improve both crew safety and fish handling during offshore releases. For tournament teams and conservation-minded anglers alike, it’s a practical addition to the boat. Shop Lightinup
CrushCity “The CEO” 2.1

Rapala’s CrushCity lineup continues to push soft-plastic lure design with the introduction of The CEO 2.1, a finesse bait built for one of today’s fastest-growing techniques. Constructed from CrushCity’s durable Super TPE material, the bait features a weighted glass-powder core that helps create a controlled, natural fall. Multiple tapered legs produce subtle movement and lifelike twitching with very little rod action, making it an excellent choice when fish are pressured or feeding selectively. Designed with input from Rapala’s professional tournament anglers and product development team, The CEO 2.1 is intended to deliver the realistic presentation and durability competitive anglers demand. Whether you’re fishing tournaments or simply looking to add a productive finesse bait to your tackle box, this is one of the standout new lure introductions from ICAST 2026. Shop Rapala
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on our site. This helps us continue to bring you valuable content. Thank you for your support!
Dive Deeper into the World of Sportfishing
You’ve just experienced a taste of the exceptional content featured in the pages of InTheBite Sportfishing Magazine. If you found this engaging, you’re in for a treat with our full publication. Whether you prefer the tactile experience of print or the convenience of digital, we have the publication for you.
Visit our subscription page now to join the InTheBite family and elevate your sportfishing experience with every issue.





