With ICAST officially in the rearview, and amid an avalanche of new urchin-style baits that are currently dominating the bass fishing industry, there is certainly a lot more to get excited about.
If you’re not familiar, and if you’re just a weekend warrior… perhaps you’re not, but ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is an annual sportfishing convention where pro anglers, fishing brands, buyers, media, and other industry folks get together to preview all the hot new gear in the fishing world. For most brands, it’s the time of year when they launch new products, although most of them aren’t actually available until the fall. For northern anglers, the season could actually be nearly over with, which is why I actually kind of hate the release calendar in bass fishing, but that’s a blog for another time.
While I did not attend this year (had some other stuff going on in the country music world), a whole mess of new bass products have either already hit the market or will be hitting the market very soon. I’ve checked out just about every single announcement, video, promo clip, and interview from all the brands, and as an admitted gearhead, I’m already dying to get my hands on some of these innovative (or not-so-innovative) new products.
I’ve already written about the “Best of Show” winners, as well as the rods I’m most excited about, but today, we’re talking reels… so without further ado, here are the bass reels from ICAST 2026 that I’m most excited about.
Note: Most of these won’t be available for purchase immediately and are either waiting for a firm release date or are currently available for preorder.
Seviin Veltrix
SEVIIN is the relatively new reel company launched by the rod-building legends over at St. Croix, and the new Veltrix series is their first true budget-friendly line. It’s no secret that fishing gear has gotten way more expensive in the past few years, but at the same time, rod and reel makers have also trickled down some of their top technology into the cheaper models. A good reel might cost you a little more than it used to, but you’re probably getting more bang for your buck. Featuring a pretty cool and unique green styling, I’m excited to see what this Veltrix line from Seviin could offer at about 100 bucks.
Shop the new Seviin Veltrix Casting Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $105.00
Shop the new Seviin Veltrix Spinning Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $90.00
13 Fishing SHYFT
Like I said in the ICAST rod guide, I don’t have much experience with 13 Fishing, but this new Enzo rod line has caught my attention. Designed by MLF Bass Pro Tour angler Dustin Connell, these rods also come in at a pretty budget-friendly price, and it seems like DC and 13 Fishing are pairing them with a budget-friendly reel, the SHYFT. Any serious fisherman probably needs a few different reels, so at less than 100 bucks, you have my attention. Of course, we’ll have to see about the quality, but if it works for a three-time REDCREST champion, it’s probably good enough for me.
Shop the new 13 Fishing SHYFT Casting Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $89.99
Shop the new 13 Fishing SHYFT Spinning Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $99.99
Shimano Curado DC 150
The Shimano Curado is a gold standard in the bass fishing world… premium performance meets ultra-reliability, and it’s really nowhere near the top of the line when it comes to spending big on a reel. If you’ve ever used a digital reel, they’re pretty cool. Basically the digital control system aids in your braking, which helps you improve your casting. Shimano more or less pioneered the tech; however you couldn’t really dial it in… the digital system would sense the overrun and apply brakes. But the new Curado 150 DC offers 4 distinct modes, fine-tuned for the type of line and the type of fishing you’re doing, making anglers even more dialed in and efficient on the water.
Shop the new 13 Shimano Curado 150 DC Casting Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $314.99
Lew’s HyperMag ITB 150
Lew’s makes some great reels, and many of them come in at a pretty affordable price. Their Speed Spool series is a great entry-level casting reel, but the HyperMag is their Cadillac of reels, featuring a really cool braking tech that allows you to cast harder and farther, without risking as much of a backlash. I don’t have a ton of Lew’s gear, but I’m thinking this reel might be one that I have to try.
Shop the new Lew’s HyperMag ITB 150 Casting Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $399.99
Shimano Miravel A
The Miravel is another gold standard type of reel that you just can’t go wrong with. A great bang-for-your-buck reel, you could outfit your entire finesse spinning lineup with these reels and never think twice about it. Super smooth and precise, it does everything you need it to do at a phenomenal price. I have the previous generation of Miravel, and use it regularly, but I would love to get my hands on this new model. It’s tough to find a better spinning reel under $175.
Shop the new Shimano Miravel A Spinning Reel at Tackle Warehouse – $154.99
*This post contains links through the Tackle Warehouse Affiliate Program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
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