The CruiserBoard is a fishing paddleboard up for Best of Show honors. (Mike Suchan photo)
By Craig Lamb, OutdoorChannel.com
ORLANDO, Fla. — Enter the 2014 ICAST New Products Showcase and the first wares on display weren’t here just a few years ago. Now, they command attention as showstoppers at the fishing industry’s annual trade show.
It’s not at all coincidental that a row of five kayaks is located at the entrance to the room otherwise traditionally filled with rods, reels, lures and other tackle vying for category awards in “Best of Show.” Beside the kayaks are three new entries best described for now as hybrid surf boards. These paddleboards fitted for fishing are making waves in the industry.
On the eve of the show, media and buyers peruse...