Every July for the past 3 years, the fishing world has converged on Orlando, Florida for ICAST, the largest sportfishing show around. The kayak fishing industry has begun revealing their latest and greatest at this event, and coming away with some Best In Show awards to show for it. Eddyline Kayaks won Best in Show last year for the c-135 Stratofisher Yak Attack Edition, and Old Town won the year before that for the Predator Minn Kota.

This year was rumored to be the age of the pedal drives and it did not disappoint. I rolled into Orlando on Monday night, and by Tuesday morning I was pedaling the new Old Town Predator PDL at the On The Water Demo for ICAST.

.

.

I also got to see the legend, Bill Dance, bring in some bass off Lake Toho from the Tuesday Tournament that ICAST hosts with FLW.

.

.

I left the Demo starved and did a quick Google search on food in the immediate Kissimmee area. I found a local Cuban restaurant where the only "bad reviews" were that very little English was spoken there. Perfect, that's a clear signal to me of a good ethnic restaurant. I headed right over. It did not disappoint! Visit Mi Casita BBQ if you want some economically priced, authentic Cuban food.

.

That night was the New Product Showcase where Buyers and Media get to vote on the best new products in a bunch of categories. Here are some photos of what I saw, and caught my eye.

First thing when I walked in, "Look Hobie has a new kayak,....the Outback. :)

.

Then I noticed the pull tabs on the Mirage Drive, Reverse!

.

.

Then the Perception Kayaks Pilot with Pedal Drive. With a one pin axis point for pivoting the prop, the Pilot looked very good, and at $1799 projected retail, we think it's going to be a winner.

.

Wilderness Systems Radar 115 Kayak with Pedal Drive was also in the showcase. Wildy seems to have married the Ride 115 and the ATAK into this promising design. The Pedal Drive on the Radar has more mechanism to it, with a push button to raise the prop up for shallow draft, and then a hinge clip aspect to pivot the prop up, out of the water. The version they had in the showcase had the pedal drive, the Helix motor and a pile of new prototype accessories with it. The price for the fully rigged Limited Edition was $4899.

.

Jackson Kayak featured their Cuda 12 HD with increased length and width, plus the normal JK add-on bonanza of fishing items like rod holder, line cutters, etc. Retail around $1899

.

.

What else caught my eye besides the kayaks? Well, our main focus is the fishing kayaks, but I can't help get psyched about some of the other gear coming out.

.

The AquaDrone, a completely waterproof drone for all your fishing filming -  is a 100% fully waterproof drone capable of landing and taking off in fresh or saltwater without harming the drone or its accessories.

.

The Garmin Quatix 3 GPS Smartwatch -

"Quatix 3 GPS smartwatch belongs on the water. Equipped with important cruising, fishing and sailing capabilities, its appearance commands attention, even on land. More than a watch, it's a wearable instrument that streams data from compatible Garmin electronics. This smartwatch features a fish catch counter and competition timer, race timer, start line and tack assist for sailors, plus an anchor watch to warn you of drifting. Delivers smart notifications for emails, text messages and more. It can even control your FUSION^® stereo system. Also includes activity tracking and multisport functions for running, hiking, swimming and more."

.

.

13 Fishing Concept TX Limited Edition Reel - The 13 Fishing Concept "TX" Casting Reel was built specifically for the extreme demands of the Gulf Coast angler. The extreme salinity of the Gulf Coast demands durability, and the Concept XT takes it to a new level with corrosion resistant sealed bearings and Ocean Armor 2 saltwater protection.

.

.

MirrOlure MirrOline XXL 37MR - Mirrolure is tried and true. There is a reason so many fisherman swear by them. Here's the latest.

.

.

And then I saw the Duck from Savage Gear caught my eye.

.

So, these were the highlights of my first day at ICAST. I slipped out of the convention center and into the humidity of Orlando. It enveloped me, much like the #OrlandoStrong vibe that permeated the local community. With our fast and furious news cycle I'd already moved past the attack in Orlando, but they hadn't and the love that seemed to flow throughout Orlando was palpable.

.

.

Best meal I had in Orlando was at Tapa Toro, Spanish cuisine. They had house-made pork rinds. Gold.

My meal? Chicharrones, Patatas con Chorizo, Tocino, and a Watermelon & Coconut Mojito. Yes, I love pork.

Next Re-Cap will have more pics and info on all the offerings at ICAST in the kayak fishing world.