Last week found the bass fishing world at ICAST, the annual tackle show that showcases new items, reveals notable industry trends and hypes up just about everything.

I always enjoy attending. First, it’s a great time to bump into friends and fellow fishers, talk shop and get a few interviews. This year, a 40-minute session with Andy Morgan highlighted my work detail, as he continues to be a personal angling superhero.

In between meetings, I was able to walk the show and get a feel for everything going on. Let me now report the details.

First off, the New Product Showcase is just that – a series of glass cases holding everything hot, as well as tables showing off the larger gear. For the last few years, advancements in clothing have made headlines and rightfully so. I’ve said before: Apparel is now letting more people enjoy the outdoors. From protective sunwear to foul-weather gear, we’re able to get out and stay out longer, be comfortable and have a better experience.

Sunglass manufacturers continue to quickly advance as well. I’ve recently noticed that both my new Bajio and Smith Optics glasses are lighter and clearer, yet still constructed with glass lenses. Turns out a number of companies are pushing this envelope and producing much better eyewear. It’s likely time you upgraded.

Turning to my favorite: lures. In the bass market, the current push is soft-plastic finesse. Fueled by both the popularity and effectiveness of downsizing, Ned rig gear still drives much of the market, joined by more alternative shapes influenced by Japanese players. When browsing the new offerings, I was immediately reminded of the recent success of Taku Ito on the Bassmaster tournament trail, and his frequent choice of “what the heck is that?” shapes.

There were lots of jigs. Surprising to me, since a standard bass jig is far from popular these days. Most, though, were specialized: flipping, punching, skipping and the like.

Hardbaits were promoted less, spinnerbaits about non-existent. Most of the newest lines – heck, maybe all – were braid refinements.

This year, there was more saltwater tackle than I’ve ever seen at ICAST. Likely a delayed result of the record boat sales across the country, many of which went to inshore folks migrating to the Southeast, there was a ton of gear marketed to both fishing and lifestyle needs. Everything from corrosion-resistant tools to coolers, hooks, leaders and modern-day can koozies. And, my gosh, the off-brand sun shirts and straw hats …

A quick chat with a PR buddy informed me that there were more new freshwater fishing rods in the showcase than ever. I’m always amazed at the rods of today, a 7-footer with surgical sensitivity coming in at three ounces. These new sticks didn’t disappoint.

A few category winners were notable. Plano’s new frog box looks cool and is an innovative idea in storage; hanging the frogs by the hook eye. AFTCO’s Barricade Rain Suit is simply bad to the bone. And LiveTarget again produced a lure that looks exactly like living prey.

For me, the biggest eye-opener of the entire show was the overwhelming push toward lithium batteries. Where, just a year or two ago, one or two battery manufacturers would join such a show, this year, I noticed eight or so, all pushing lithium. While I know little about this market, it appears it’s fairly easy to get involved. I’d think tracing the source of these products would likely lead back to one or two manufacturers.

I’ve always been critical of this technology, and remain so today, though I see I’m likely in the minority. Heck, I use lithium at home like most everybody. Drills, screwguns; even my weed-whipper is battery-powered. Love it.

But I’m going to need more convincing on the deep-cycle end. The weight issue, to me, is overplayed (most bass boats are running around with 600 pounds of fuel and tackle, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves). I’m also deeply concerned about the environmental aspects of lithium mining and production. In addition, it’s nearly guaranteed that lithium costs will continue to skyrocket as world demand outpaces supply. Those costs must be passed on to the consumer.

But the long-term guarantee, that’s got me sniffing the bait. I’m currently replacing a set of four-year old deep-cycles for my boat, as luck would have it. I think I’ll hold off for now, but I’m learning more.

There you have it, the condensed no-frills version of ICAST. Always an eye-opener and a great time to hob-knob with everyone from the catfish noodlers to the head of government affairs.

Because, in the end, we all just like to fish.

(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)