In today’s newsletter: Hobie returns, best batteries, new lures, life vests, kayak carts and more from the largest sportfishing tradeshow in the world.There was so much great stuff at ICAST, I needed an extra edition of show coverage to go over the highlights. Over the next year, expect to see KA editors test, review and share our opinions of the following gear, tackle and boats discovered at the big show.

Anglers rush to add electronics and motors before considering how to power their kayak systems. Lithium Battery Power has the answers with 36-, 24- and 12-volt batteries and matching charging systems.

Will Villegas at Lithium Battery Power walked us through their best options for kayak fishing and explained how to choose the best battery system for all kayak needs. Cutting through the complicated choices of volts, amp hours and battery construction and materials, Villegas makes it easy to understand lithium batteries and their best applications.

“At my age, I can’t afford any falls,” BlacktipPH founder Josh Jorgenson laughs. According to the mega influencer and hard-core angler, safety and comfort were the drivers behind his new Under Armour collaboration, the Tidechaser shoe. The injection-molded shoe has a channeled footbed to drain water and a medical-grade hook-and-loop strap to keep the shoes secure. But it’s what lies beneath that excites Jorgenson. The outsole has a unique tread pattern inspired by shark skin. Like the man-eater’s famous skin, the tread is unidirectional with the heel pattern tilting towards the toe and the toe pattern tilting towards the heel. The result is a shoe that sticks to wet, slimy and slippery surfaces. Jorgenson demonstrated the performance by placing the shoe on a table, then leaning the table towards the ground. The surface was almost vertical before the unweighted shoe finally fell to the ground. Jorgenson claims the shoe is a passion project with years of trial and error, but the tread pattern came in a moment of inspiration.

The story goes like this: the leading kayak manufacturer is running at the head of the race when they trip, stumble, nearly fall, recover and run again. After suffering through the COVID pandemic, changing ownership and moving manufacturing south of the border, Hobie is now making kayaks in Missouri, returning to full-speed production and fulfilling warranty obligations. Their presence at ICAST after a long absence shows they are back in the game. I expect Hobie will return to driving innovation, building community and giving kayak anglers great fishing kayaks.

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!