What’s Hot from ICAST 2026
By Capt. Richard Simms
The annual show of the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, wrapped up July in Orlando, Florida. It is known as the largest fishing tackle show in the world, typically featuring every new fishing product made, so far anyway.
While there weren’t a huge number of products specifically for catfishermen, here are just a few of the latest and greatest products revealed of interest to catfish anglers at the famous show:
MAD KATZ GEAR
Mad Katz Gear is a premier catfishing brand specializing in high-quality rods, reels, tackle and apparel designed for dedicated anglers. Some of the newer products on display at ICAST 2026 include the Mad Katz Genesis 67c50 – Glow Series Reels. With an MSRP of $140, the reels feature a hard anodized aluminum sideplate, oversized aluminum spool with line marker, silent double dog reverse and a Triple Carbon-X drag system with up to 36 lbs. of drag.
They also showed off the Mad Katz Goliath 6000 Surge Spinning Reel. With an MSRP of $299.99, they say the reels are a fully sealed design to help keep water, sand, and debris out, stainless steel main & pinion gears and 50 pounds of smooth, powerful drag.
CATFISH PRO
Catfish Pro was on hand with its new Tournament Series 2.0 Glow Rods and the 6800 CTS Round Baitcaster Reel. The Catfish Pro Glow rods have an $89 MSRP, but you get a $5 discount per rod if you buy two—or make it a Combo and save $15 on each reel.
The 7-foot, 6-inch rods are full sun-powered Glow-in-the-Dark, no batteries or black lights required. Charge it during the day and fish confidently at night. They are built with advanced S-Glass, E-Glass and Carbon Graphite blend. They say the upgraded full-length EVA Super Grip handle with textured grooves provides maximum control, even in wet or slimy conditions. The guides are double-wrapped, chrome-plated tangle-free stainless steel.
At a $119 MSRP, the Catfish Pro 6800 baitcaster reels weigh only 9.6 ounces, yet feature a 40-pound heat-treated carbon-fiber drag and what they describe as a “loud bait clicker.”
OTHER PRODUCTS
While not specifically branded for catfishermen, other products of potential interest at the 2026 ICAST included:
- Rather Outdoors Rhino 30 6-foot 6-inch 2-piece Medium Spinning Combo This product won the overall Best of Show award and also won its category, Rod & Reel Combo. (MSRP $80)
- The Bubba Pro Series Cordless Electric Filet Knife – Gen2 was judged “The Best of Show” in the Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools category. (MSRP $270)
- Finally, in the “Best Boat or Watercraft” category, the MOSSA 128, a premium intelligent electric fishing kayak took the prize. (MSRP: $4,499, Early Bird Price [at this writing] $3,999)
Sidebar
Shimano’s New Combat Cat Rod
Built for serious catfish anglers, Shimano’s new Combat Cat rods combine rugged construction with features designed specifically for big-bait and heavy-tackle applications. The series features durable SeaGuide guides, a sturdy reel seat, long EVA grips and a powerful blank with the backbone needed to handle trophy cats around heavy cover.
The solid tip is especially useful for nighttime fishing, glowing under black light to help detect subtle bites. Available in 7-foot 6-inch and 9-foot 6-inch models, with medium-heavy or heavy power and casting or spinning configurations, the Combat Cat offers versatility for techniques ranging from bottom fishing live bait to pulling planer boards.We put the Combat Cat to the test on the water and found it to be a solid, dependable rod with plenty of power for demanding catfish applications. At an MSRP of $100, it offers serious catfish anglers a rugged, technique-specific rod at a reasonable price.
–Keith Sutton
(From Chattanooga, Tenn., Capt. Richard Simms is owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters, Inc. He began his outdoor career as a Tennessee game warden later choosing journalism (and guiding) as his chosen profession. Check out his book, “An Outdoor State of Mind.” You can contact him at Richard@ScenicCityFishing.com.)
