The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2025, held in Orlando from July 15-18, unveiled a treasure trove of cutting-edge gear that promises to redefine the angling experience. From silent propulsion systems slicing through shallow waters to AI-assisted reels that banish backlashes forever, this year’s show highlighted innovations blending technology, durability, and angler-centric design. As the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, ICAST drew over 15,000 attendees eager to witness products tackling real-world challenges like harsh marine conditions, low-light safety, and the eternal quest for more time with lines in the water. The Outdoor Radio Network staff sifted through hundreds of exhibits to curate this countdown of the top 10 most innovative products, starting from #10 and building to our #1 Staff Pick. Each entry showcases breakthrough features that could transform your next outing, with detailed specs, pricing where available, and why it stands out in a crowded field.
#10: FluxJet Kayak by FluxJet Kayaks
FluxJet Kayaks, led by CEO Jason Woods, is revolutionizing water access with its mission to eliminate setup hassles and enhance fishing adventures through electric jet propulsion, earning the industry’s top new gear award at ICAST 2025 for its groundbreaking design. In a bold leap forward for kayak fishing, the FluxJet Kayak emerges as the world’s first electric jet-powered fishing kayak, ditching cumbersome pedal drives and snag-prone props for a patented integrated jet drive that delivers silent, efficient propulsion. This game-changer allows anglers to plug in a standard marine battery and launch in seconds, gliding effortlessly over debris, weeds, and shallow flats that would thwart traditional setups. Measuring 132 inches long, 34 inches wide, and 12 inches high, it boasts a 400-pound weight capacity, making it robust enough for gear-laden expeditions while remaining lightweight for easy transport. Key features include flexible battery compatibility (12V to 60V for customizable range), transducer-ready mounting, adjustable foot pegs for intuitive steering, ample storage via front hatch and rear tank well, modular accessory rails for personalization, built-in deck and navigation lights, and a USB/USB-C charger to keep devices powered. Its stable hull design excels in stability for standing casts or exploring remote waterways, accessible from beaches, riverbanks, or rocky shores without needing ramps or deep water—ideal for sneaking into untouched honey holes. What sets it apart is the prop-free jet system, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing stealth for spooky fish, all while offering speeds that cut travel time to hotspots. Main webpage: https://www.fluxjetkayaks.com/
#9: ZULU6™ HDX PRO Marine Binocular 18x50mm by SIG SAUER
SIG SAUER, with roots tracing back to 1853 in Switzerland as a wagon factory founded by Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser, and Conrad Neher, evolved into a global leader in firearms and optics through partnerships like the 1976 collaboration between Swiss SIG and German Sauer, now excelling in electro-optics with a mission to provide premium, innovative solutions for military, law enforcement, and civilian users worldwide. For anglers battling the relentless motion of open water, SIG SAUER’s ZULU6 HDX PRO Marine Binocular 18x50mm redefines optical stability with its OmniScan Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a digital accelerometer that detects and counters vibrations in real-time, delivering rock-steady views even on choppy seas. This 18x magnification powerhouse features a redesigned HDX PRO optical system with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass lenses and advanced coatings for superior light transmission, color fidelity, and glare reduction, ensuring crystal-clear spotting of distant buoys, birds, or boiling baitfish. Measuring 8 inches long, 4.79 inches wide, and 2.63 inches high, it weighs 33.97 ounces and offers a 3.7-degree field of view, 15.3mm eye relief, and a Schmidt-Pechan prism for compact performance. IPX7 waterproof and fogproof construction, combined with high-visibility orange body armor, polarized flip-back objective covers, and a floating neck strap, makes it marine-ready, while dual AA lithium-ion rechargeable batteries provide up to 40 hours of runtime (or alkaline options for backups). Tripod mountable for extended sessions, it’s backed by SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee—fully transferable with no paperwork hassles. The innovation lies in blending automatic stabilization with polarized optics tailored for watery glare, transforming shaky boat rides into precise scouting missions. MSRP: $1,999.99. Main webpage: https://www.sigsauer.com
#8: E-ROD™ by Dominion Rods
Dominion Rods, founded in 2019 by Jeremy Lund, proudly designs and manufactures in the USA with a focus on award-winning proprietary battery technology, earning the Best Saltwater Rod Award at ICAST 2024 for its innovative electric platforms. Dominion Rods’ E-ROD™ shatters the boundaries of traditional fishing with the world’s first electric fishing rod, harnessing proprietary battery technology to power electric reels without relying on boat outlets, enabling seamless transitions across jigging, deep dropping, kite fishing, and trolling. This patent-pending marvel, proudly made in the USA, mounts to any trolling rod with a #2 ferrule, allowing quick swaps from kite setups to bottom fishing in minutes, while its Kite & Straight Butt series lets anglers deploy kites from any rod holder for ultimate versatility on the water or shore. Recognized with the Best Saltwater Rod Award at ICAST 2024, it supports micro jigging reels to heavy-duty deep drop models, delivering portable power that frees anglers from fixed positions and electrical constraints. Detailed specs like length, weight, or battery life aren’t specified, but its design emphasizes durability and compatibility with various platforms, ensuring reliable performance in demanding saltwater environments. The breakthrough? Portable electrification that adapts to multiple techniques, empowering offshore adventurers to fish smarter, not harder, in remote or power-scarce scenarios. Main webpage: https://erodfishing.com/
#7: Micro Series™ Safety Light by Guardian Angel Devices
Guardian Angel Devices, founded in 2015, specializes in computer and electronics manufacturing for innovative high-tech wearable safety devices, with a mission to save lives by creating rugged products for law enforcement, first responders, and others, trusted by over 5,000 organizations worldwide and backed by 7,500+ five-star reviews, driven by a core belief that personal lighting technology makes the world safer. In the dim hours of dawn patrols or nighttime pursuits, Guardian Angel’s Micro Series™ Safety Light emerges as a beacon of innovation, a ultra-compact 2-ounce wearable device packing high-powered LEDs for 360-degree visibility up to 3+ miles, ensuring anglers stay seen by boats or companions in low-light conditions. IP67-rated for waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof resilience, it submerges up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and offers four brightness modes (low to max) with runtimes from 1 to 100 hours on a 500mAh rechargeable battery, charged via Type-C. Measuring just 5.05cm wide, 4.37cm long, and 1.73cm high, it features constant-on, flashing, and scrolling patterns in 11 color combos (like White/Red or All Infrared), secured by a 20-pound magnet for hands-free mounting on vests, hats, or boats. The fishing bundle includes a no-drill wireless Kayak Kit with remote control for enhanced boat safety, plus accessories like the Marine Mount Bundle ($89.99, down from $132.94) with flag ($19.99) and universal base ($34.99). Compared to the pro-grade Elite Series, it’s lighter and more affordable for recreational use, yet delivers pro-level illumination. Its genius? Transforming personal safety into a seamless, mount-anywhere essential, preventing accidents and extending fishing hours with zero bulk. Bundles start at $89.99. Main webpage: https://www.guardianangeldevices.com/
#6: Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor by Garmin
Garmin, founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas (with HQ now in Olathe), has grown into a global leader in GPS technology across automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and sports sectors, with a mission to be an enduring company creating superior, essential products, including marine innovations like navigation devices integrated into cockpits since its early days. Garmin’s Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor reimagines hands-free navigation for kayak anglers, integrating a brushless motor with wireless throttle and steering to let you focus on fishing amid currents, wind, or tight cover without dropping your rod. Offering full forward/reverse thrust (50lbs at 24V or 30lbs at 12V), it features power steer foot pedals (in select bundles) for intuitive control, a wireless handheld remote with gesture steering, and programmable buttons for anchor lock or heading hold. Seamless integration with Garmin chartplotters and smartwatches enables route creation, tracking, and remote operation, while a man-overboard tag cuts power if you fall in. Built for harsh environments with corrosion protection, it includes a high-efficiency prop for battery life or weedless option for vegetation, all in a sub-25-pound package that’s easy to stow/deploy one-handed via rope and cleat. Multi-band GPS anchor lock holds position precisely, and its dual-voltage design maximizes all-day runtime. The innovation? Unrivaled maneuverability in a clutter-free, tech-synced system that turns kayaks into precision fishing machines. MSRP: $3,599.99 (with pedals) or $2,999.99 (without). Main webpage: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/marine/
#5: ForceFlex Hydros by ForceFlex Eyewear
ForceFlex Eyewear, founded by Brent Sheldon—who previously established Revision Eyewear as a global leader in tactical eyewear for military and law enforcement—brings military-grade technology to consumer markets with a mission to deliver refined, durable designs that enhance performance in active lifestyles like fishing. The ForceFlex Hydros stand out as the world’s first high-performance fishing glasses with 7 patents granted, positioning them as the best performance fishing sunglass ever invented through unbreakable durability, superior comfort, and loss-prevention features. Patented flexible frames bend, twist, and snap back without breaking, backed by a lifetime warranty for confidence on the water. Proprietary TXS Precision Polarized Optics, developed by the top tactical eyewear designer and now available to the market, provide distortion-free vision across the entire lens surface, cutting glare from waves while enhancing contrast for spotting fish beneath the surface. The 7 patents include Floating Air Chamber (O Chamber for buoyancy if dropped overboard), Magnetic Clip Attachment (detachable retainer to secure to your body), Reflective Headstrap, Indirect Venting System, Overmolded Soft Visor, Inner Core Flex System, and Indirect Side Venting System. Lightweight and stylish, they prioritize supreme comfort with the flexible frame, indirect venting, and high-quality lenses reducing pressure points during long days afloat, making them the most comfortable fishing sunglasses on the market. Never lose them again thanks to the magnetic detachable retainer and floating O Chamber design. The standout innovation? Combining unbreakable construction with optical precision and practical features in eyewear that survives drops, crushes, or boat chaos, ensuring clear sightlines when it matters most. Main webpage: https://forceflexeyewear.com/
#4: Mag Grab by Cling Fishing Products
Cling Fishing Products, founded by Jared May in his garage as a passion project, embodies America’s manufacturing renaissance by producing high-quality, USA-made gear developed and tested on Montana’s blue-ribbon trout streams, with Jared handling product design, social media, manufacturing, sales, and more to blend form, function, and art for anglers. Cling Fishing’s Mag Grab revolutionizes tackle organization with a patent-pending magnetic fly patch that clamps onto vests, hats, boats, or packs, using rare-earth magnets for secure, quick-access storage of flies, lures, hooks, tools, and nippers without the risk of water loss. Saltwater-safe and built in Bozeman, Montana, by anglers for anglers, its magnetic back plate design delivers maximum holding strength across the surface, tested on demanding trout streams for reliability in marshes, rivers, or oceans. Expanding the line, the Rod Rack and DoubleStack add versatility for multi-tool setups. Compact yet robust, it combines form, function, and artistry, ensuring gear stays put during casts or bumpy rides. The innovation? Hassle-free, anywhere attachment that streamlines workflow, letting you grab and go without fumbling— a simple yet profound fix for the perennial problem of lost tackle. Main webpage: https://clingfishing.com/
#3: Svivlo Fishing Reels (Draken ONE and Genesis ONE) by Svivlo
Svivlo, founded by Swedish watchmaker Sten-Thore Zander and his son Patrik Zander (CEO and co-founder), draws on a heritage of precision engineering to produce the world’s first backlash-free baitcasting reels, with early prototypes and testing leading to patented CastGuard technology, aiming to redefine fishing efficiency for all skill levels. Svivlo’s Draken ONE (100-size) and Genesis ONE (300-size) baitcasters harness CastGuard™ 2.0 technology to auto-adjust braking and eliminate backlashes, achieving an astounding 94.5% Effective Fishing Time (EFT) score—meaning more lure-in-water action per hour, even in wind or with varying casts. Drawing from Scandinavian minimalism (HÆGR Design), these reels feature a Formula 1-grade carbon fiber body for feather-light strength (Fenrir Strength), the Euler brake for sensing lure pull, Baldr Sentinel for speed detection, RIKR Amplifier for acceleration boosts, and Kunnigr Shifter for RPM shifts. The matte black Midgaard Dunkel finish minimizes distractions, focusing purely on performance for effortless casting with any lure. Ideal for predators or finesse fishing, they transform frustrating tangles into magical, backlash-free sessions. The breakthrough? AI-like automation in a sleek package that maximizes fishing efficiency, banishing downtime for pure immersion. Main webpage: https://svivlo.com/
#2: Premio USA Fused Carbon Pliers by Danco Sports
Danco Sports, established in 2006 and headquartered in Stuart, Florida, has built a reputation as a manufacturer of pliers, knives, and fishing accessories, committed to delivering affordable, high-quality products with outstanding customer service to anglers and industry leaders, maintaining a focus on innovation and reliability in the sportfishing community. Debuting at ICAST 2025, Danco Sports’ Premio USA Fused Carbon Pliers redefine fishing tools as a featherweight powerhouse—feather light yet titanium strong—crafted from patented pending Fused Carbon™ technology that fuses strong carbon fibers in a unique process for high-strength, fatigue-resistant, rigid performance that’s pound-for-pound the lightest and strongest pliers in the industry, with each pair boasting a one-of-a-kind pattern. Weighing only 1.8 ounces and 30% lighter than titanium while stronger, these pliers ensure fatigue-free handling during extended sessions of hook removals, line cuts, crimping, splitting rings, or dehooking big game, all with effortless one-handed spring-loaded operation. Proudly made in the USA and backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, they feature replaceable titanium-cobalt cutters for razor-sharp precision on braided lines, ergonomic molded/poly grips for superior comfort and control in wet conditions, premium elastic lanyard for secure attachment, and corrosion-resistant finishes built for relentless saltwater abuse. Measuring around 7 inches, this innovative marvel unleashes the power of fused carbon tech, blending unmatched lightness with unyielding durability to feel like an extension of your hand—perfect for serious anglers demanding tools that perform under pressure without weighing you down. Elevate your tackle game with these game-changing pliers that combine cutting-edge engineering, American craftsmanship, and unbeatable reliability for ultimate on-water efficiency. Main webpage: https://www.dancopliers.com/
Outdoor Radio Network Top Pick for Most Innovative Product #1: heat it™ Insect Bite Reliever by heat it
heat it, founded in 2018 by four engineering students in Karlsruhe, Germany, as a dynamic start-up with in-house development and production, has grown rapidly to serve over 1,000,000 users in more than 15 countries, delivering 50 million+ treatments since 2020 with a 4.8-star rating from 20,000+ reviews on app stores, backed by investor Dr. Hoepfner (a brewmaster and experienced Business Angel), and emphasizing a mission to provide chemical-free, convenient relief as a “Summer Hero” for families, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts through medically validated heat therapy. Earning our top spot, the heat it™ Insect Bite Reliever is a smartphone-powered marvel that zaps itch and pain from bug bites with targeted heat up to 126°F, delivering chemical-free relief in seconds via a keychain-sized device—no batteries required. Plugging into iPhone (Lightning for 6s-14, USB-C for 15-16) or Android ports, it offers 12 customizable modes through a free app: 4/7/9-second durations, child mode (120°F for ages 3+), and sensitive skin settings (reduced by 3°F). Medically validated with over 50 million treatments since 2020 and a 4.8-star rating from 1,000,000+ users across 15 countries, this German-engineered gem (founded by Karlsruhe students in 2018) includes a 100-day trial. Compact for pockets or tackle boxes, it’s safe for self-use from age 12. The ingenuity? Harnessing your phone’s power for instant, portable therapy that keeps bites from derailing fishing trips— a subtle yet profound innovation for outdoor comfort. Main webpage: https://heat-it.com/
ICAST 2025 proved that innovation in fishing gear is thriving, from eco-friendly propulsion to smart safety tech. These top 10 products not only solve real angler problems but elevate the sport. Head to the show floor next year for more breakthroughs, or visit the linked sites to gear up today. Tight lines!
