The Wildest New Gear at ICAST 2026: Joe Oceanside’s Top Picks & FluxJet’s Demo Day Dominance
ICAST 2026 is officially in the books! Known as the Super Bowl of the fishing industry, the top manufacturers from around the world brought their absolute best, most innovative products to the show floor. From glow-in-the-dark rods to underwater sonar drones, the innovation this year is mind-blowing.
Check out the full video walkthrough from Joe Oceanside below, and keep reading for a breakdown of the wild gear at the show and how the FluxJet performed on the water!
The FluxJet Spotlight: Conquering the Demo Lake
We were thrilled to have Joe stop by the on-water test day to take the FluxJet for a spin! As Joe pointed out during his ride, the FluxJet is an electrically powered, jet-driven kayak that operates much like a jet ski.
Here is what makes it a game-changer out on the water:
- Zero Exposed Propellers: Because there is no propeller or drive unit protruding from the bottom of the hull, the FluxJet glides over timber, crosses obstacle nets, and blasts through thick weeds without getting tangled or damaged.
- Universal Power: The platform is extraordinarily versatile, operating off standard 12V to 60V power setups so you can drop in standard marine batteries you already own.
- Hands-Free Fishing: Set your speed with the hand throttle and steer effortlessly with intuitive push-pull foot braces (push right to go right), keeping your hands 100% free to cast and troll.
- Unmatched Stability: Joe noted the kayak's extreme stability and high weight capacity, making it a confident platform even for offshore applications.
“This thing feels amazing... I'm very confident with it. It's very stable and can handle a ton of weight. I could see myself going out offshore with this thing and trolling around trying to catch tuna or mahi.” — Joe Oceanside
Other Unique Watercraft at the Show
The FluxJet wasn't the only vessel turning heads out on the water. Here is a roundup of some of the other unique craft Joe uncovered at ICAST 2026:
- Yamaha Crosswave: Built on a WaveRunner platform, this personal watercraft features a 67-inch beam, standing stability, an 8-foot rod storage locker, and a 200-horsepower engine capable of mid-40s speeds.
- VoyaX MOSA: Named after the prehistoric Mosasaurus, this hybrid electric pedal kayak features manual, pedal-assist, spot hold, and fully electric modes, all controllable via a joystick remote.
- SevenBass Flatform: A customizable, ultra-stable inflatable fishing craft weighing under 40 lbs, complete with gear loops and a built-in transom bracket for trolling motors.
Next-Level Tackle, Tech & Accessories
Technology is moving fast, and this year's show proved that anglers have more data and better gear at their fingertips than ever before:
- Deeper Scout Sonar Drone: A tiny, deployable drone that maps underwater structures and sends real-time bathymetric data right to your smartphone.
- Pisces Hybrid Electric Reel: An offshore reel acting like an e-bike with "pedal assist," offering freehand control, a trigger for full motor power, or smartphone app control.
- Buzbe Tackle Management: Took home awards for their new Urchin storage box (which suspends delicate, high-value baits) and their magnetic "Launchpad" rigging station.
- Garmin LiveScope 2: The newest forward-facing sonar featuring perspective mode for shallow water, allowing you to see your lure and fish reactions in real-time.
- Bait Pop: A patented sonar-enhancing liquid paste that makes your bait pop on forward-facing sonar while adding scent and color customization.
- Mad Cats: A brilliant setup for night fishing featuring glow-in-the-dark rods, reels, and lines that illuminate under a single UV black light.
- ArkPro Floating Aerator: This award-winning aerator drops directly into your livewell, boasts up to 25 hours of battery life, and uses a fully waterproof magnetic charger.
- Under Armour Tide Chaser: A deck shoe collaboration with BlackTipH featuring a microscopic shark skin-inspired grip that bites tighter under weight, plus built-in water drainage.
The Bigger Picture: Fisheries Conservation
ICAST isn't just about cool gear. Joe sat down with Mike Leonard from the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the organization that fights year-round for angler access and conservation.
Through the Sportfish Restoration Program, an excise tax on the tackle and gear you buy goes directly back into building boat ramps, maintaining fish hatcheries, and funding conservation efforts. Every time you gear up for the water, you are actively supporting the future of the sport!