SUP-maker BOTE banged out a big win at this year’s ICAST trade show in Florida.
Held at the Orange County Convention Center, this year’s ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show featured a New Product Showcase, with ‘Best of Category’ award winners named out of 686 entries by 218 companies.
BOTE won for its Lono Aero + APEX Pedal Drive kayak in the “Boats and Watercraft” division. The Lono Aero means ‘ease of transportation’ as it fits into a travel bag for easy storage, with its pedal-drive system catching judges’ eyes.
The system features a clear, removable cover that allows for the LONO Aero to be fitted with the sold-separately Apex Pedal Drive unit, converting the LONO from standard kayak to pedal-driven kayak.
The inflatable boat with wood and mint green finish touts “Speed. Packability. Portability. Versatility. Durability.” among its features. Other accessories include a magnetic base that holds magnetic cups in place, Velcro straps to secure paddles when switching to Apex Pedal Drive, bungee straps and stash pockets, a KULA cooler port, and a removable top and seat.
The contest drew praises form organizers. “I want to thank all our member companies who participated in the show and in the New Product Showcase,” says ASA President Glenn Hughes. “This high level of innovation is good for our industry and benefits the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who buy and use them.”
Other winners included Plano Molding’s Frabill Ultralight Conservation Net for Best Boating Accessories, Hummingbird’s Mega Live Imaging for Best Electronics, and Seaguar’s BasiX for Best Fishing Line.
The 2022 ICAST is set for July 19-22 again at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Info: https://icastfishing.org/about/
—izzy Rillos
