ICAST, the annual trade show where all the tackle manufacturers show off their newest gear for the coming year was an amazing thing to be a part of.   So much to see from rods and reels, to lures and line... and everything in between.   ICAST also combined forces with MAATS, the trade show for companies that make boating accessories and after-market boating gear.   You can imagine the overwhelming amount of stuff to see in two and a half days.

 

The Nuts & Bolts crew was there for all of it, and now we've got some video showcases on line to let you see some of this new gear for yourself.

 

Here's a few of the highlights.  There's even more clips and reviews you can view on the Nuts & Bolts website Product Review section. 

 

AMERICAN RODSMITHS - 

Do you have a rod that has become an old friend, but don't use it anymore because the grip is shot?  Or maybe you really like a particular rod, but don't care for the grip.  Either way, it's a rod that doesn't get fished.  American RodSmiths introduced a new grip that YOU can replace, and it's based on the Winn's golf grip design.  No slip, extremely comfortable and very fishable... all day long.  This is neat.  I can imagine there will be a lot of old rods getting a facelift in the future.

 

PENN REELS -

Regular maintenance and cleaning is the key to reel performance and longevity.  But a lot of us have an inherent fear in opening up the side of a reel, especially a spinning reel.  It's like working on a transmission.  Penn introduced the new EAS (Easy Access System) on several of their spinning reels.  It's an ingenious and convenient way to access the inner workings and gears to keep your reel in great shape.  Plus, when you open it up, nothing falls out.  Good stuff.

 

BTS PROTECTANT - Boaters continually search for a way to make cleaning their boats, and keeping their boats clean... easier.  There probably isn't a magic potion that will do everything, but BTS Protectant comes pretty darn close. BTS stands for Bow To Stern and it works on everything boating related.   A wipe on/wipe off liquid that is easy to apply, and protects just about everything on your boat from the nasty stuff that harsh marine environments tend to create.   Mold, mildew and algae stains don't have a chance.  It keeps vinyl seats, motor cowlings, stainless, fiberglass gel coat, even fabrics and interior spaces in great condition. 

 

SPIDERWIRE - Ever used colored braided fishing line and noticed that most of the color winds up on your guides or levelwind?  Spiderwire introduced it's new Spiderwire Stealth Braid with a color coating that actually stays on the line.  The coating and shape of the line provides longer casts -- up to 15% longer. 

 

Spend a couple minutes with Patrick Sebile and it becoms very clear this guy knows lure design.  Sebile took top honors at the ICAST Innovation Awards for both their hard baits and their new plastic baits.   I was impressed by their deep diving plugs.  The Koolie Minnow will track true and dive to depths of 64 feet.  That means you can really cover the water column and target those deep dwellers like grouper and snapper.  Great color selection too.

 

You may notice that several of the products mentioned above also appear as links on the Nuts & Bolts newsletter, website and TV program.   Well it's for good reason.   We use (or will soon be using) these products because they work.  And the recommendation comes because we believe that company produces a quality product at a reasonable price, and also provides a high degree of customer service.  If we discover a product that makes your day on the water (or off the water) more fun, more productive, safer, or easier, then it's our job to bring it to your attention.  

 

These are just the first, of many products to be included in the Nuts & Bolts Newsletter.  Over the next few weeks, we will include additional showcases featuring great tackle items, electronics, trailering accessories and more.