Hobie wins at ICAST 2012

The world’s largest fishing show

The increasing importance of kayaks in the sport of fishing was highlighted at ICAST held in Orlando Florida in early July.

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, annually hosting 7,000 members of the sportfishing industry representing 63 countries. ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry’s trade association, which looks out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community.

Winning an award at the ICAST event is considered to be among the most prestigious accolades a product can achieve.

Voted by the general public and media representatives alike, Hobie Cat’s MirageDrive® Pro Angler 12 had stunning success in the ICAST New Product Showcase Awards, sensationally winning the Overall Best of Show Award, beating more traditional categories such as fishing tackle which normally would dominate the industry awards.

The ultimate prize came after Hobie Cat had also picked up Best of Show in the Boat category.

Hobie have added features, on their latest design, found only on much larger, more expensive boats and included them into the 12’ (3.65m) platform that can go into the ‘skinniest’ of water, and this really separates the Pro Angler 12 from larger boats.

You would hope to the find level of adjustability that Hobie has built into the Pro Angler12 seat in a car, not a boat – and a high-end car at that!

There is a pivoting tackle system that delivers tackle boxes to the angler’s fingertips at the twist of a hatch latch and the ease of plugging in a Lowrance® fish finder without any trouble or tools is absolutely priceless.

Hobie’s turbo MirageDrive pedal system allows hands free fishing and delivers unrivalled and seemingly effortless propulsion. The list goes on with features on the Hobie Pro Angler 12 that are virtually unheard of on a kayak fishing platform.

A lot of what makes Hobie’s honours particularly meaningful is the fact that they are recognition of the impact that kayaks are having on the world of fishing. Kayaks present an opportunity to reach so many more people and turn them into anglers because of their affordability and easier accessibility, and that is good for everyone. What is even better is the quality and innovation that the industry trendsetter Hobie Cat keeps building into their large award winning range.

The award winning Hobie Pro Angler 12 can be seen at the Sydney International Boat Show from 2 -6 August at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour.