In today’s newsletter: ICAST 2026 kicked off with a splash as anglers, manufacturers, buyers and the media gathered at the Orange County Convention Center ornamental pond to test the newest kayaks, paddleboards, motors, rods, reels and lures. Like kids in a candy shop, Kayak Angler’s editors were first in line to paddle, pedal, ride and cast the sweetest new products and share our favorites with readers.

Once again, Garmin made the biggest waves at ICAST Demo Day. After blowing away the competition with LiveScope live sonar and ultra high-definition displays, Garmin continued to define the possibilities with LiveScope 2. The newest version of their live sonar has higher definition and wider sonar signal for a better view of bait, structure and fish. Best of all, the new LiveScope 2 transducer connects directly to the fish finder display without a black box. Combine the LiveScope 2 transducer with Garmin’s exclusive SpyPole remote-controlled transducer pole for the ultimate LiveScope coverage. Now that fishing has become a video game, the player with the best gaming system has an edge on the competition.

A month before ICAST, longtime Kayak Angler contributor and legendary river angler Jeff Little called with exciting news. ePropulsion electric motors (see review, KA Issue 55), worked with Little to develop new motors designed specifically for kayaks. Little predicted, “The kMax is going to cause problems at Demo Day.” Little was right, with a top speed of eight miles per hour, the compact motor zoomed around the convention center pond like a scalded cat. The kMax is so powerful, ePropulsion gave it fishing mode and speed mode. In fishing mode, the motor works a low speed for maneuverability and control. In power mode, the boat speeds across the water faster than any kayak motor we’ve tested. Not only is it fast, but the motor turns smoothly at high speed and is easy to control with an intuitive throttle control and foot-controlled steering.

To put motorized kayak fishing in reach of anglers without space or money for a full-size fishing kayak, Ventral introduces an inflatable paddleboard with an integrated motor.

Daiwa brought two new saltwater tough spinning reel lines for us to test at the ICAST Demo Day. The BG LT and BG SW include features trickled down from Daiwa’s high-end reels to a reasonable price point.

VoyaX has been making waves on social media with the new Mossa 128 and Mossa 97 and Kayak Angler editors were excited to put the new boats to the test.

Lew’s was on the water showing off their new Hypermag Shallow Spool 300 spinning reel. The flagship reel features modern design to cut weight and increase strength at every opportunity.

There’s nothing like flipping through a print issue with a coffee in hand and your next fishing trip on your mind. Upgrade to a print subscription to read in-depth gear and kayak reviews, learn new tips and tactics and be inspired to try new kayak fishing adventures.

Upgrade now and get print issues delivered straight to your door for only $15 with our ICAST subscription special. Hurry! This is a limited-time offer!