The 2010 Las Vegas Icast show again produced many products that are specifically made for the kayak angler or can be well adapted for the kayak fishing environment. In speaking with lots of exhibitors, it’s clear that companies know the value of kayak fishing consumer and this will always mean better gear and most times the added competition will mean better pricing.

Here are some of the products displayed at the show that might be of interest to the kayak fisherman.

PrecisionPak is a company that seems to be showing a clear transformation to products more focused for kayak fishing.  It also appears that they want to make gear that is reasonably priced but still stand up to the rigors of the kayak angler. Their new clothing line is made up of some nice kayaking jackets and pants that should be prefect for nasty weather – but unlike some other companies PrecisionPak has made its clothing up to 3X for more comfort for the big kayakers and the price is right.

Another standout item in their line is the CRatepak 3, this is the third generation of the gear management system and nothing has been left out. The new design was helped along by avid kayak angler Cory Routh.

Freedom Hawk Kayaks known for its line of kayaks made for the stand up fishing has improved on its 12’ model with its new Ultralight Version. The new model knocks off about 11 lbs. and this should be a very welcomed improvement. Some other improvements are a new super comfortable Angler Elite seat that moves on a track system and an easy on and off trolling motor mount that now works on all Freedom Hawk models.

Ram-Mount was a company that made gear that people converted and used for kayak fishing – now they make gear specifically for kayak fishing and as always with them, the ingenuity is amazing. The standout item is the new Ram 5 Spot Mount, specially designed to work on both sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks, the best way to describe it would be to call it an adjustable mounting shelf for your kayak, I think a lot of people will use it in their console area but it looks like it will work well in the tankwell also - it should be a dream for adding rigging options to your yak.

Handheld electronics are more popular with the kayak fisherman and Ram has taken notice with mounts for the Endura GPS and the Spot Satellite GPS messenger.

Temple Fork Rods has teamed up with the likes of the kayak fishing pro’s Dean Thomas, Corey Routh and Fil Spencer to build 5 kayak fishing specific rods - all to benefit Heroes on the Water.  Purchase any of these rods through an authorized TFO dealer and a donation will be made to HOW.

Diablo Paddlesports made its presence at the show noticed with their flagship Adios model, it is my first look at the kayak and it is impressive, it was rigged with a trolling motor and the control was set up on the standing rail..  If standing up and fishing is important to you than you have to give this kayak a test drive – I am looking forward to seeing how paddles and standing up on it. They also had their new 10’ model for display and from what I understand it should be available soon.

Lifetime Kayaks is the new kid on the kayak block. Their new line revolves around the Sport Fisher which can convert back and forth to single or tandem use.  At around 10’ long and 36” wide the kayak can be rigged up with their Power Mate – self contained motor mount and battery case.  Time will tell if this company is serious about kayak fishing.

Lowrance has come out with some new affordable models for 2011 that they say cover more water and show more fish than any other unit under $100! The new X series comes in a standard, Pro and portable version. This new line will be avalaible November 2010.