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Event Article:
2005 ICAST Lure & Storage Coverage |
ICAST Coverage Day 3 - Lures and the boxes and bags to put them all in
(continued)

Storage: Now that we have gone through a
surfeit of stimulating new tackle lets explore some storage solutions to help
organize and manage all these new lures.
Albackore (Jig Guard, Surf 'n Creel):
Its no secret that we are keen on Albackore's multi-functional tackle solutions.
These are quality bags for anglers that demand the most flexible storage
solution available. For anglers, like ourselves, that are always on the go and
fish both fresh and saltwater the Albackore tackle bags are hard to beat. This
year Jeff is releasing a new Jig Guard that is a dream come true for anglers
that fish lots of jigs (perfect timing with the new Shimano butterfly jig
system). Underneath the material the jig guard uses a system of divided tubes
that not only separate and protect jigs from each other but also retain hooks in
a tangle-free position. These guards are available in two different sizes for
different length jigs. As with all of Albackore's products they fit seamlessly
into the existing backpack and Altunative bags.
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Jeff Jost
shows Zander the new Jig Guard which stores, organizes, and protects jigs |
In addition Albackore
will introduce a well organized Stream n' Surf hip bag and a richly featured
Surf 'n Creel bag. The Surf 'n Creel features a removable, washable,
insulated cooler bag that can be used either to keep your drinks/food/bait or
your catch cool while you fish. You can also pull out the cooler bag completely
and substitute it with two of Albackore's utility boxes. The bag features an
assortment of additional features including a beverage holder, tool holders,
numerous pockets, and an adjustable shoulder and waist belt. Albackore continues
to design products with anglers real needs in mind, and every time we visit with
them we are pleasantly surprised how well thought out their solutions really
are.
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Albackore
released a number of exciting new solutions including the jig guard, a
Stream n' Surf hip pack, and the Surf 'n Creel. The new jig guard fits right
into the existing Albackore bags seamlessly |
Plano (Flip-Sider): Storage giant, Plano, released their most
aggressively styled and innovative product to date at the show. The 3378
FlipSider took top honors at the show in the storage category and is among the
most attention-grabbing hybrid bag/box we have ever seen. The FlipSider offers
anglers the convenience of a bag with the ease of use of a box.

This isn't your daddy's Plano
box...the new FlipSider has the convenience of a bag and the ease of a box
The molded section of
the system houses three rows of patented FlipSider™ compartments. These 14
compartments with depths ranging from 2.5” to 4” are secured behind a sturdy
DuraView™ door allowing you to quickly identify all your tackle. Surrounding the
molded capsule is an EVA foam exterior, Neoprene expanding pockets and
self-sealing waterproof zippers secure your tackle. The large center compartment
includes three 3700 series Pro-Latch™ utility boxes. The FlipSider allows
anglers to organize and swap out utility boxes making it possible to draw on the
box for a wide range of applications. We also visualize the FlipSider as an
excellent boat bag/box allowing you to organize your tackle in advance and
quickly draw the right lures on the water. The FlipSider will be available in an
attractive burnt orange and grey and will retail for $74.99.

This hybrid solution boasts
excellent capacity and ease of use
Conclusion:
At 4:00pm the hall
abruptly went dark, signaling that ICAST had finally come to a conclusion. The
exhibitors let out a roar of merriment as the remaining attendees wrapped up
their conversations and headed for the exits. ICAST 2005 was quite a show, and
while 2 days is probably enough for most of the buyers, 3 days was not near
enough time for the truly tackle afflicted to cover all the exciting products
and solutions that will be available in the 06 season. Whether its new reels,
rods, or lures and storage solutions we charge with protecting our arsenals
there certainly is a bounty of tackle for anglers to choose from in the coming
months ahead.
TackleTour would like to thank the ASA and all the manufacturers
that exhibited at ICAST for a very memorable show. Here's to a fantastic 2006
season!
