Gear

Gallery: New Rods and Reels at ICAST 2014

We highlight brand-new saltwater rods and reels from fishing's biggest and best trade show.

By Sam Hudson

Updated: July 22, 2014

Shimano Aero Technium 10000 XS

This gallery is for all the tackle fanboys, itching to see the latest rods and reels from ICAST. Most models will be available in late 2014 or early 2015. Whatever your favorite saltwater brand, we have you covered in the following images. Other ICAST Galleries: Shimano’s new surf-fishing line-up includes long-casting spinning reels such as the Aero Technium 10000 XS and Tiralejo ‘Long Cast Concept’ surf rods (not pictured). Combined with SuperSlow 10 oscillation and a 4.3:1 gear ratio, the Aero Technium 10000XS has the spool capacity to handle up to 360 yards of 50-pound-test PowerPro braid. Sam Hudson

Shimano BeastMaster

The Shimano BeastMaster 9000 electric reel includes Shimano’s GigaMax motor, a brushless design that provides high torque, high speed, and exceptional durability, and a maximum winding strength of 250 pounds. This reel is ideal for kite-fishing and deep-dropping scenarios. Sam Hudson

Van Staal VSX

Van Staal’s VSX (in sizes 100, 150, 200, 250, and 275) features a new Xwrap oscillation system for perfect line lay and increased casting distance, plus the new Xtreme waterproof drag system allows for better drag power and increased drag precision. Sam Hudson

Fin-Nor Lethal Lever Drag

Fin-Nor is back with its Lethal series of reels, with new lever-drag models available as single and two-speeds in a number of sizes Sam Hudson

Daiwa Emcast BR Bite N’ Run

The Daiwa Emcast BR Bite N’ Run spinning reel lets a fish take a trolled or drifted bait while feeling little or no line resistance when the spool is disengaged. Features include lightweight composite body, 8 Bearing System (7BB+1RB), a carbon drag that maxes out at 22 pounds. Sam Hudson

Daiwa Tanacom 750

The Daiwa Tanacom 750 Power Assist line counter reel makes kite fishing and deep drop fishing easy for saltwater anglers. Features include new LCD display, 4 Bearing System, automatic stop and jigging features, variable-speed Power Lever control, and manual winding option. Sam Hudson

Daiwa Ballistic

Benefiting from Steez EX technology, the new Daiwa Ballistic spinning reels are now mag-sealed to perform in saltwater conditions. Sam Hudson

Okuma Metaloid

Okuma’s Metaloid series feature a one-piece 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame and come in three sizes, a M-5SN (narrow), M-5S and M-12S. Each is available in single speed as well as 2-speed design. Single-speed Metaloids are high-speed models featuring a gear ratio of 6:4:1. The M-5NII and M-5II two-speed models use the same 6.4:1 high gear backed by a 3.8:1 low gear. Sam Hudson

Okuma Andros Special Edition

Okuma’s Andros A-12SSE and A-16SSE feature a factory-installed Tournament Drag Cam for the hardcore sailfish and white marlin tournament anglers. The Okuma Tournament Drag Cam replaces the aggressive high-output cam of the Andros to deliver lower drag output with a smoother curve and precise adjustment. Sam Hudson

Braid Fighting Belt

Check out one of a couple different carbon-fiber fighting belts, available in different colors and designs, from Braid fishing products. Sam Hudson

Toro Tamer Offshore Explorer

Toro Tamer’s newest Offshore Explorer rods break down into four pieces for travel and fit into a hard case measuring about two feet long. This 30- to 60-pound-test rod measures seven feet. Sam Hudson

Fuji Concept O Guide

Fuji introduced it’s ‘O’ Concept Guides by combining deep pressed guides with their largest selling ring, the ‘O’ ring, making this high end technology available at a low price. Sam Hudson

Accurate Reels Boss Fury 400

The Accurate Reels Boss Fury 400 comes in single- and 2-speed models, plus narrow and extra narrow editions. Top features include Four Class 5 ABEC stainless steel bearing, greased AccuDrag system, stainless steel gears and the Double Anti-Reverse Dawg system. Sam Hudson

L.L. Bean Apex

L.L. Bean introduced its newest Apex fly rods, with an orange color scheme and hard case for storing. Check out the butt of the rod; that’s carbon fiber. Sam Hudson

L.L. Bean Kennebec Angler’s Travel Case

The L.L. Bean Kennebec Angler’s Travel Case allows anglers to carry up to three rods and reels, plus padded pockets for accessories, in portable case that features a cork grip handle and shoulder strap. Sam Hudson

Star Aerial Reels

Updated for 2014, Star Aerial reels feature a metal body, aluminum spool, sealed drag, six stainless steel ball bearings, plus a one-way roller bearing. Sam Hudson

Alutecnos Albacore 12

Alutecnos Albacore 12 is a masterpiece and bullet-proof, with details like a frontal cam and lock release button for placing the automatically rearming gear lever into “free” or “full” mode, five bearings and gears made from tempered stainless steel, and drag washers made from the latest carbon composite material. Sam Hudson

Penn Battle II

The Penn Battle II has enhanced corrosion resistance due to the improvements of using five sealed bearings and one anti-reverse bearing, plus incorporates keyed carbon fiber washers in the HT-100 drag system that utilizes both sides of the drag washers (to increase maximum drag by 15 to 50 percent). All together, it’s an upgrade from the popular Penn Battle. Nine Battle II spinning combos are also available for inshore, near shore, boat and surf applications. Sam Hudson

Penn Fathom Lever Drag 2 Speed

The Penn Fathom Lever Drag is offered in four sizes (five sizes in the two-speed model) to suit most bottom fishing techniques, including jigging, live bait or trolling. The two-speed models (pictured) feature the Quick Shift system for quick and easy changes with gear ratios ranging from 6.1-to-1 (retrieving 31 inches per crank) on the high setting to 2.5-to-1 (retrieving 21 inches) in the low setting. Sam Hudson

Penn US Senator

The new Penn US Senator is made in the USA and built to endure virtually any saltwater species, with models including the US113N, US113 and US113W. (The US113N is a direct replacement for the proven Baja Special.) Features include oversized stainless-steel main gears and heat-treated pinion gears for durability; six shielded stainless-steel bearings for smooth operation and a lubed HT-100 Versa-Drag system with carbon fiber washers for a cool, smooth drag. Sam Hudson

Penn Battalion Surf Rods

The Penn Battalion surf rod allows long casts into churning breakers, with models from 8 to 12 feet. All models feature unique sculpted grips covered in a rubber shrink tube for optimal grip when wet. Fuji stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide insert and Fuji DPS reel seats. Sam Hudson

Abu Garcia Orra Inshore

Abu Garcia Orra inshore reels are available in sizes 30, 35, 40 and 60 with a gear ratio of 5.8-to-1 (5.6-to-1 on the size 60) and weights starting at 8 ounces. For added smoothness and corrosion protection, the Inshore has eight High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) stainless-steel bearings and one roller bearing. Sam Hudson