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The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is billed as the world's largest sportfishing trade show. It's the place where tackle manufacturers annually introduce new products for the coming year to worldwide buyers and the outdoor media. It is not a consumer show open to the general public. This past July it was held in Orlando, Florida. Having missed the last two ICAST shows, I found a cheap airline ticket online and packed my bag for Orlando.

In these troubling economic times, I was uncertain what to expect. Since my first ICAST back in the late 1980s (show known by a different name back then), I have observed the trade show shrink. Companies attending became fewer and fewer. What would it be like this year?

As it turned out, the mood there was decidedly upbeat, and the show reportedly drew the largest crowd in over 10 years. Attitudes among both manufacturers and buyers were positive. There were a surprising number of new products, including innovative ones not just new finishes on old lures. The general opinion was that even during downturns in economic growth, people still go fishing perhaps as therapy to feel better when things are not going well, or laid-off workers have more time on their hands, or more people are fishing to put food on the table. Whatever the reasons, tackle manufacturers have not suffered from poor sales as has the boat-and-motor industry. The New Tackle Showcase provides special visibility for the industry's latest innovations in gear and accessories. There are 17 different categories, including rod, reel, line, electronics, apparel, eyewear, and more. The products are judged by buyers and credentialed media prior to the opening of the show. Of course, every manufacturer hopes their product is named "Best of Show" within their category. For the first time in my memory, the same company won the "Best of Show Soft Lure" and "Best of Show Hard Lure." That is quite a coup especially for a company that many American anglers may not be familiar with. It's called Sebile, with roots in Europe.

Sebile USA first came to my attention in 2008 when Todd Faircloth won the Lake Amistad Bassmaster event with the Magic Swimmer 165 a hard swimbait. The company offers an array of uniquely designed hard baits and unusual color patterns including some baits with fluid centers. They appear to be a company to watch. Direct from ICAST, here are seven top picks in new lures ones I can't wait to fish. Of course, I've got to start with Sebile's Best of Show lures.

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