The Best of Fly Fishing from ICAST 2023

Orlando, Florida

August 2023

By Polly Dean

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades Show (ICAST) expanded this year to include more products from the fly fishing industry. Held in Orlando, Florida, it is the premier trade show for every manufacturer and dealer that considers anglers their target audience. At the show companies reveal their latest in product innovations.            

One of the most popular ICAST events is the New Product Showcase, which provides the opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations in tackle, gear, accessories, and apparel. The “Best of Show” and “Best of Category” winners are selected by credentialed buyers and media attendees that cast their votes after previewing the new items.            

In the categories of “Best of Fly Fishing” the winners are as follow:

Fly Fishing Waders & Wading Boots: G4Z Stockingfoot Wader by Simms Fishing Products:

Retailing at a cool $1,000, these waders are billed by Simms as their most durable. They are meticulously designed to offer functionality to meet the needs of the most discerning angler. They’ve endured over 16,000 hours of field testing with features such as a new waterproof front zipper, comfortable and advanced suspender system and GORE-TEX fabric. These are the most feature-laden, abrasion, puncture- and tear-resistant wader on the market.

Fly Lines, Leaders, Tippet and Line Accessories: Colony 8T (THIN) Modular Tackle Box by BUZBE:

The BUZBE Colony 8 Thin Modular Tackle Box uses innovative technology that resets the standard of tackle storage. Offering a customizable layout, it’s perfect for organizing and storing small parts and ideal for fly anglers.

Fly Fishing Packs, Bags & Luggage: Flyweight Pack Fishing Vest by Simms Fishing Products:

The innovative Flyweight Pack Fishing Vest offers the functionality of a vest and the convenience of a pack. Built with a 150D Robic Nylon, the Flyweight Vest Pack comes equipped with a 2-liter hydration bladder sleeve, internal organization, stretch woven water bottle/rod tube holders, a zippered opening and a vented flap on the back to store wet gear without stowing inside. The Vest Pack also has two zippered pockets on both flanks of the vest portion and adjustable straps that go across the chest and abdomen to offer maximum support for long days on the water.  

Fly Fishing Technical Apparel and Accessories: Master M6014 Edition by Renzetti, Inc.:

The M6014 offers the new Hinged Stem that provides versatility of pivoting the vise head as well as the extended crank arm. The new Hinged Stem is available for any Master and or Presentation 3000 and 4000, regardless of its age.

Fly Fishing Reel: Spray Fly Reel by Cheeky Fishing:

The new Spray Reels are engineered for performance and efficiency. The new light-weight design features an improved gasket drag system (GDS), new features and new colors. They are fully machined from the highest grade aerospace aluminum and with a newly updated frame and spool design for added strength.

Fly Fishing Rod: Hardy Marksman Z by Pure Fishing, Inc.:

The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod is designed and crafted for the unpredictable and varied challenges of the saltwater environment. The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod stands up to the most demanding saltwater conditions offering the reliability needed for everything from Gold Cups to Grand Slams. Regardless of the changing tides or shifting winds, the Hardy Marksman Z is your steadfast companion in the saltwater world.