This past June, I had the pleasure of joining the folks from Penn Reels at Crocodile Bay Lodge on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Every year, particularly in the largemouth bass market, you can count on reel companies releasing new baitcaster models that are lighter and stronger than previous generations, some with a new twist or innovation.

It took some sifting through, but we definitely turned up some promising-looking striper lures among all the largemouth lures in Orlando.

It must have been the bonito reports showing up in my inbox while I was down at ICAST that had me searching the floor for something new I could throw at hardtails this fall.

Another cool find on the convention floor in Orlando was the 3-Speed offshore reel from Avet.

Along with all the rods, reels, lures, and line, there was plenty of fishing apparel.

Every year, fishing tackle manufacturers from around the globe convene for three days to show off the new products they’ll be unveiling for the following year.

We just got back from ICAST 2012 in Orlando, checking out some of the latest and greatest in fishing gear to hit the market this upcoming year.