ICAST 2025: The Best New Gear Every Woman Angler Should Know

Some days you’re the current, some days you’re the snag — and at ICAST 2025, the gear world flowed fast and fierce. If you fish like I do, you know it’s not just about catching more fish; it’s about the gear that makes those long days on the water possible and worth it. The world’s biggest fishing trade show just wrapped in Orlando with new tools meant to up our game, and it’s time to talk about the winners that caught my eye — and should catch yours.

Best in Show: The FluxJet Electric Kayak

The FluxJet landed the top prize for a reason. Eleven feet of stealthy speed, weighing just 88 pounds, with a runtime that stretches to 16 hours? It’s the kind of kayak that respects quiet water, with a flush-mounted jet drive to keep your path clear and your approach undetected. For those of us chasing fish on flats or solo runs, this feels like a tool designed by someone who’s been in the cold rain and knows the power of silence.

Fluxjet Kayaks

Eyes on the Prize: Bajio Greenlands Fishing Eyewear

When the sun burns down or the glare makes spotting fish tough, you need gear that doesn’t quit on you. Bajio’s Greenlands are more than just shades — they lock in place like goggles, blocked to handle everything from mountain streams to offshore blues. And here’s a win for all of us who need a little help reading knots up close: prescription and bifocal options. Finally, shades that work as hard as we do.

Bajio Sunglasses

Power Moves: Garmin’s Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor

Imagine fishing hands-free, remote steering at your feet, and a motor smart enough to anchor where you want. This is a game changer for kayak anglers who want speed with precision. The integration with chartplotters means you can set your course and get into the zone — a blend of muscle and tech made for serious pursuit.

Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor

Saltwater Stories: Quantum’s Redesigned Cabo Reel

A reel like the new Cabo, designed for saltwater brawls, is a partner you trust in the Northeast salt. Its IPX8 rating guarantees no water gets in, even when dunked, and the drag smoothness makes it a joy when you’re battling pelagic fighters. For those of us who push gear past the limits, this reel earns its keep.

Quantum’s Redesigned Cabo Ree

Durability Meets Value: Quantum’s Merit Combo

On the grind day after day, you want a reel that stands up without breaking the bank. Quantum’s Merit combo is low-cost but high-performance, tough enough for snook, jack crevalle, or whatever you’re chasing. It’s proof you don’t have to spend a fortune to get gear built for battle.

Quantum’s Merit Combo

Smart Catch Logging: Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite

Keeping track of your catches should be simple. Bubba’s Smart Scale Lite pairs accuracy with convenience, capturing every weight, weather condition, and GPS location via its app. It’s like having a digital logbook that travels in your pocket, making documenting your wins easier than ever.

Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite

Lure Up: Rapala Magnum Countdown Elite

When wahoo season calls, Rapala’s Magnum Countdown Elite delivers with durability and precision to handle the speed and fight of pelagic predators. For shrimp lovers, the Z-Man Prawnstar Z LB offers versatile, lifelike action you can rig your way. Both bring a little more magic to your tackle box with proven fish-catching power.

Rapala Magnum Countdown Elite

Z-Man Prawnstar Z

Fishing in the heat means you need shorts that work as hard as you. Aftco’s Pinnacle shorts offer pockets (and then some) designed with anglers in mind — from 300D plier holders to an invisible zippered phone pocket and even a handy beer opener. Made with stain-resistant, durable fabric, they’re built for women who handle their own gear and their own business.

Aftco Pinnacle Shorts

ICAST 2025 made it clear: the future of fishing gear is smart, durable, and made for serious anglers — women included. These innovations aren’t just new toys; they’re tools for the tribe who know fish don’t care if you’re cold, hot, or tired — and neither do we.

So, what’s your next move? Whether you’re chasing steelhead or saltwater giants, the right gear shifts the odds. Dive into these new arrivals, gear up, and get back to the water where you belong. Ready to fish smarter and harder? Join the Girls Fish Too crew and explore gear that’s made with women who fish in mind.