
ICAST 2025 Best of Show Winners
The votes are in... Shop the 2025 ICAST Best of Show Awards now! Be sure to also check out the Tackle Warehouse Viewer's Choice Awards - Coming Soon!
Best Freshwater Rod - Daiwa Tatula Cork Series Rods
Representing an evolution of tech-forward, technique-specific, affordable bass rods, the Daiwa Tatula Cork Series includes 15 technique-oriented and 8 versatile rod model options that round out a comprehensive lineup of weapons for a tournament angler’s arsenal. Enhanced with high-density graphite SVF blanks wrapped using X45 bias process, the Tatula Cork Rods are reinforced for excellent hook-driving power and prevent twisting for more accurate casts. Built 14% lighter than previous generations, the Daiwa Cork Series Rods feature a lightweight construction that gives anglers an edge with the latest and most advanced bass fishing applications.
Best Freshwater Reel - Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT Spinning Reel
Revamped for 2025 with the latest Daiwa innovations and technology, the Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT Spinning Reel is newly adapted with AIRDRIVE DESIGN and a ZAION V Monocoque (MQ) body for extreme corrosion resistance and rigidity. Including AIRDRIVE ROTOR for the perfect rotational balance under heavy loads, AIREDRIVE BAIL for seamless line management, and a lightweight AIRDRIVE SPOOL that reduces weight while minimizing resistance during the retrieve. The perfect reel for anglers who chase fish in both fresh and saltwater environments, the Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT Spinning Reel incorporates large MAGSEALED gears to prevent corrosion of the internal mechanisms and deliver lasting performance.
Best Saltwater Rod - Fitzgerald Fishing Flats Class Inshore Rod
Designed in collaboration with renowned inshore guide and TV host Captain C.A. Richardson, the new Fitzgerald Fishing Flats Class Inshore Rods are crafted for targeting a variety of saltwater species. Allowing anglers to make technical presentations to wary predators, Flats Class Rods are assembled on lightweight 40-Ton Japanese Toray carbon fiber blanks for an impressive combination of sensitivity and strength. Enabling smooth passage of bulky braid-to-leader knots, Flats Class Rods come fitted with corrosion-resistant American Tackle Ti-forged stainless guides in a larger size for unhindered casting and fish fighting. Finished with premium cork grips, ergonomic reel seats, and stainless hook keepers, the Fitzgerald Fishing Flats Class Rods are ready to help you subdue redfish, tarpon, and much more.
Best Saltwater Reel - Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel
Featuring Quantum’s GEARTEQ machined gearing, the Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel delivers extreme cranking power, smooth retrieves, and long-lasting gear life to help anglers conquer challenging marine environments. Optimized for performance with braided lines often used in inshore fishing applications, the Cabo Spinning Reels utilize Casteq technology for precise oscillation and even line lay, which greatly increases casting distance. Built saltwater tough and ready to tame large saltwater predators, the Quantum Cabo Spinning Reels prevent intrusion of water, sand, and debris with a fully sealed Sealoq 8 gearbox and drag system.
Best Rod & Reel Combo - Quantum Merit Combo
Full of features to help you conquer fish and the elements, the Quantum Merit Salt Combo offers impressive performance at a friendly price. Constructed with an aluminum sideplate and graphite frame and rotor, the Merit reel comes equipped with key features like a braid-ready spool, class-leading CFX2000 drag system, and Sealoq-6 protection, which seals internals from water and contamination with IPX6 standards. Built on a graphite-composite blank for an ideal balance of sensitivity and robust durability, the rod comes outfitted with strong one-piece HD304 stainless-steel guides and comfortable cork grips.
Best Freshwater Soft Lure - Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait
Designed to burn fast or creep along super slow, the Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait offers tons of versatility to remain stable at any retrieval speed. Built to provide a hard-thumping extra-wide tail kick, the Swag LT Swimbait features an innovative over/under line-through harness, giving anglers the option to rig with a single top hook or an underbelly treble. Molded with Z-Man’s extra-tough ElaZtech soft plastic, the Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait offers an ultra-lifelike big baitfish presentation with tons of durability compared to other swimbaits in its class.
Best Saltwater Soft Lure - Z-Man Prawn Stars Loose Body
Backed by overwhelming demand from anglers across the country, the Z-Man Prawn Stars Loose Body provides versatility for heavy cover situations by allowing anglers to adopt their own hook styles and weedless rigging methods. Perfect for pairing with a 3/0 Z-Man ZWG Worm Hook, the Prawn Stars Loose Body features an extremely lifelike crustacean profile, realistic antennae, segmented body, and upturned tail for natural swimming and kicking movement. Proven deadly for bass, redfish, speckled trout, and more, the Z-Man Prawn Stars Loose Body leverage Z-Man’s durable Elaztech construction and a variety of hand-painted color patterns that match various shrimp and crustacean color phases.
Best Freshwater Hard Lure - Rapala Claptail 110
Featuring a metal prop designed to spin and hit the back blade, creating tons of commotion, flash, and splash, the Rapala Claptail 110 also utilizes a durable plastic body that's weighted perfectly for long casts and consistent topwater action. Designed by MLF pro Jacob Wheeler to create a two-tone sound unlike any other bait, the Claptail 110 features expert and precision input to excel at the highest level of bass tournament fishing. Equipped with razor-sharp VMC black-nickel 1x strong hybrid treble hooks with a swiveling front hook hanger to increase your hookup rates, the Rapala Claptail 110 checks all the boxes when it comes to innovation and performance for a freshwater hard lure.
Best Fishing Line - Power Pro Max 8 Braided Line
Delivering advanced features, incredible sensitivity, and a 25% thinner diameter that easily slices through current, Power Pro Max 8 Braided Line gives anglers outstanding performance for ultra-precise presentations. Geared towards offshore anglers jigging in deep water, Max 8 Braid uses an 8-carrier Spectra HT construction with Enhanced Body Tech (EBT), which infuses each fiber with resin for a rounder, smoother, more durable line. Available in 4-color or white and 30–100-pound sizes, Power Pro Max 8 Braided Line is perfect for saltwater or heavy freshwater applications.
Best Terminal Tackle - VMC Minnow Shaker Jig
Ideal when targeting fish on forward-facing sonar, the VMC Minnow Shaker Jig is engineered to help you get the most action out of soft-plastic minnows. Crafted with a unique 45-degree line tie, the VMC Shaker Minnow Jig maximizes your bait’s rocking, rolling motion to coax bites from the most pressured bass. Armed with a laser-sharp EWG hook, the long shank features a pair of special dual-pronged monofilament keepers molded into a poured resin to securely grasp your minnow in place for optimized presentations. Complete with 3D holographic eyes, the VMC Minnow Shaker Jig is sure to help you put more fish in the boat.
Best Tackle Management - Buzbe Swarm Combo Kit + Hexslide
The Buzbe Swarm Combo Kit +Hexslide just got better! Including Buzbe’s famous colony boxes and Quik Qube storage bags, this innovative storage solution offers fast access and modular storage inside the legendary Buzbe Swarm tackle bag. On the outside, the all-new Hexslide System utilizes Buzbe’s patented external rail, which allows anglers to attach all kinds of optional accessories like a pliers holder, D-ring clip, line holder, sunglasses case, and more! Weatherproof, customizable, and built to dominate, the Buzbe Swarm + Hexslide Combo Kit provides an all-in-one storage system perfect for co-anglers or the traveling angler.
Best Cutlery, Pliers, Tools - Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite
Made with an IPX4 water-resistant rating and non-slip grip, the Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite is ready to tackle tough conditions and help you weigh your most prized catches. Boasting a whopping 60-pound capacity, the Fish Scale Lite provides precise accuracy of +/- 0.3% and a color LCD screen for easy viewing in varied light. Fully Bluetooth capable, the Fish Scale Lite can also pair to the Bubba phone app to store data like weights, species, weather, and the GPS locations of your best fish. Anglers may also subscribe to a Pro Plan for access to tournaments, additional modes, and more.
Best Warm Weather Technical Apparel - Aftco Pinnacle Shorts
Providing style, comfort, and functionality, the Aftco Pinnacle Shorts are perfect for fishing and casual daily adventures. Constructed using a polyester-blend fabric with stain-resistant DWR finish, the Pinnacle Shorts allow for plenty of storage via hand, thigh, and back pockets, along with a 300D pliers pocket and invisible zippered cell phone pocket. Sporting a comfortable elastic waistband and vented gusset inset for fresh airflow, the Aftco Pinnacle Shorts also come equipped with a handy bottle opener built into the belt loop.
Best Motorized Boating Accessories
Delivering an ultra-rugged propulsion system straight to the stern of your kayak, the Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor is optimized for elite-level kayak performance and has tons of features designed to make kayak fishing easier. Capable of maneuvering in tight places and providing precise positioning in windy conditions and strong currents, the Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor adds extra safety to kayak fishing with the wearable Man Overboard (MOB) tag that’s designed to shut off the motor if it detects that you have fallen overboard. Compatible with Garmin chartplotters and dual wireless steering foot pedals, the Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor is the most advanced propulsion system for the dedicated kayak angler.
Best Eyewear - Bajio Greenland Sunglasses
Regarded as one of the techiest frames Bajio has ever made, the Bajio Greenland Sunglasses were tried and tested in the frigid conditions along Greenland’s famous Kangia River to ensure optimal clarity and sun protection. Featuring a goggle-like face grip to keep the frames in place while boating or hiking, the Greenland Sunglasses keep anglers locked in during extreme conditions in the most exotic fisheries. Designed to give you a fish-spotting advantage when you’re far off the beaten path, the Bajio Greenland Sunglasses utilize a bio-based large nylon frame, premium polarized lenses, and full-wrap fit for technical fishing performance or everyday use.
Best Novelties and Wellness - Rapala Giant DT Crankbait
A massive replica of America’s favorite crankbait, the Rapala Giant DT Crankbait USA ignites instant storytelling of fishing adventures and lunker bass, making it the perfect centerpiece for any garage, fishing room, or man cave. Packaged in an original carton with the legendary Rapala story on the back, the Rapala Giant DT Crankbait USA is emblazoned with a patriotic flag pattern that keeps anglers entertained, talking about the good ole days, and of course, the one that got away.
Best Non-Motorized Boating Accessories - Turtle Box Ranger Waterproof Speaker
Designed to be the ultimate outdoor sidekick, the Turtle Box Ranger Waterproof Portable Speaker features a highly portable design that delivers premium sound and endless versatility in a compact and lightweight design. Pack it, clip it, or mount it virtually anywhere with magnetic siding, as the Turtle Box Ranger’s rugged design is completely waterproof and drop-proof, engineered for the outdoors. Perfect for anglers who live life on the go, the Turtle Box Ranger Waterproof Portable Speaker brings the energy and never misses a beat wherever you’re angling adventures take you.
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