The Hook Up Tackle Goes To I-Cast 2021!

[@Spaceshuttlegunner]

This is probably the best video on KZbin show casing Icast. Also I love the, no BS reviews.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Mark! 🍻

[@jasonmeyer7129]

@@thehookuptackle_usa 6r6at and a s8 rr

[@jesseboyden3119]

This was the best video I seen come out of icast this year

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! 🍻

[@chadjackson4786]

@@thehookuptackle_usa crazy how much better japanese braid is compared to garbage spiderwire or powerpro

[@kylenorris587]

Great job you two. It was like watching an SNL skit. The sarcasm was spot on and spectacular. Every episode just gets better and better. I could watch you guys everyday.

[@RobPlocki]

You guys need to get some of those evergreen/daiwa hats in that Brett hite had on!

[@CatchCo]

Hey! Thank you for stopping by the booth! We are fans of you are doing in your store and it’s cool to see you bringing a lot of cool stuff to your customers. Just wanted to throw in a our $.02 on the some of the issues you raised here and join the conversation. Sorry in advance for the essay… As far as blatant knock-offs, we totally see the concern with taking something unique and innovative from another market and essentially re-releasing it in near identical form as if it were new. I don’t think it’s quite the same though to say that because a bait shares a feature with another bait (e.g. a dorsal fin weed guard) that it is a knock off when every other feature on the bait is different (forage it imitates, paddle tail design, size/weight, approach to color pattern, hook design, etc.). There a features that come to market in certain form and then get adapted and used by others over time. The design of the paddle/boot tail was new at one point by some brand until it was adapted and became ubiquitous. That’s what happens with product features in every industry in every category and it actually fuels innovation as brands adapt features and then make more improvements. Heck, the design behind the whopper plopper is about 100 years old. Lary just made the original metal design plastic and changed up the size and made a few tweaks. True knock-offs are things that are things that are meant to look identical and confuse customer and I’m not sure that term is always being used fairly towards some brands. I also think people are too quick to find the one similarity in something an ignore all the differences or to focus on the one product a brand makes and ignore the other products that are unique. We had a number of new products in our booth that had pretty unique and new features that we are proud of. Our Cyclebait spinnerbait is a great example. Our Tataki Frog has a weight system designed into the hooks in a way that gives it a bit of a different action than most frogs. Not revolutionary by any means, but it does take a lot of effort to test and refine things like this in an an attempt to try and not just do something basic. Our Bull Shad and tightrope jig collaborations allowed us to partner with smaller creators and bring their products to mass market in a way that no other company has tried (that is also a form of innovation in approach to marketing and content). Final thought, not everything at iCast is meant to be “new” in the sense of “revolutionary.” New also means new to market and it’s a chance for buyers to see what new products they want to carry. Newness (even if not revolutionary) drives customer engagement in the industry, which is good for retailers, manufacturers, and customers alike! Thanks for listening and for starting the conversation! Hope to see you again at future shows and hope to make it into the shop sometime when we’re in the Scottsdale area. Tight lines

[@MrPhoenix1800]

I think Ben gets upset because he has had his shop open for quite awhile trying to bring light to the JDM market, he took a chance on products and now that it is paying off because the real innovation is coming from Japan, and these big American company’s who have gotten lazy and just have money to copy product is a slap in his face. Ben really knows what he is talking about and I can tell he eats lives breathes Bass fishing, and analyzes with a magnifying glass. So if he feels like most company’s there are not being innovative why not call them out on it.

[@CatchCo]

@@MrPhoenix1800 totally! But that’s also what makes his store and content platform so great! But many of those products are not accessible to 95% of the market bc if access and price point. And it’s also not like this doesn’t happen within the Japanese market. A number of Japanese brands have come out with spybaits after Duo (Lucky Craft, Jackall, etc.). A few brands have come up with derivatives of the Deps Buzzjet that are very similar (Megabass iLoud, Duel Noi-Z). And it’s also not like Japanese brands have not taken inspiration from the American market. Like I said, I can understand calling out a company for directly replicating an original design that is unique and passing it off on your own. But I do think the definition of “knock off” has gotten way too broad and is not applied equally to all companies. And it would also help to give American companies more credit for trying things that are different even if you don’t like the brand. This is definitely a good conversation for the industry to be having either way and we appreciate the opportunity to share our thoughts and have an open conversation! 🙏🙏

[@swimbaitor3505]

ok

[@bayouburner281]

Thanks for taking us along🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for joining! 🍻

[@johnborghoff1774]

Thanks for your critique on I cast .i can say you are right on. The big box guys have run the innovators away because of the cost. There are so many talented independents out there with great ideas. I like the idea of a half and half show. I now like going to the smaller shows to look at innovation

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It's all about the money sadly! No long term thought or pride. Sad.

[@nawinchester]

Ben, your business acumen is spot on with respect to trade shows and what is a trend in this country across all verticals with respect to reduced attendance reduced interest and truthfully a question of ongoing viability for these types of shows. So if Icast takes the position that they don't give an f about what you think, they're just going to perpetuate the decline in the interest and attendance of what has been a really cool show and concept. I think your idea of 50% for industry folks and then 50% for the general fishermen is an excellent idea for Icast to generate new interest and potentially more vendors displaying if they knew there were going to be "end users" also attending the show. Industry that gets rigid with their thinking will ultimately fall to the wasteside like so many others. We're fortunate that you and Jeff took the time and bore the expense to attend and then share with us the icast experience.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching man! Our industry needs to evolve - can't keep doing the same things and expect the same results! We'll see what some of these big events do!

[@robcarey4189]

Fyi, Curado MGL is Aluminum frame with Mag Spool...awesome coverage and looks like a ton of fun.

[@jack03111969]

I love your no bs attitude towards all the knock offs 👍👍👍👍👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching man! 🤟

[@ericshedrock6052]

Most of the time the product you guys are showcasing is simply out of my budget but not always besides the entertainment value you give witch is a lot I need to thank both you guys for raising my tackle IQ I have learned so much from your videos it’s truly amazing keep up the excellent work and thanks keeping us informed

[@aliensyndrome1]

Best Icast video out there!!! Thanks for the awesome tour of Icast

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching!

[@richshackelford5793]

Ben you and Jeff killed it. Finally a honest recap of I cast. No chimping aloud.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Well played my friend 😜. Thank you for watching!

[@arnemueller2112]

You guys are obviously the most professional seller on KZbin. You are absolutely capable of selling with competence. Your moderation style is one of a kind, Jeff’s background voice, creating a dialogue with his opponent in front of the camera is unique. You know what you are talking about, you are funny, you are authentic, you are…. I wish I had such a store in my area. Greetings from Germany!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Cheers my friend! Thank you for watching and thank you for your kind words!

[@jddarby007]

THIS is how you do an I-Cast video.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for an excellent video overview of I-Cast 2021. You offered some excellent comments about the “knock off” industry. The product lines have grown to the point that it may be a crap shoot to select a similar lure type from 27 different providers. A very gesture to provide to the AZ community also. Thank you.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Dennis!

[@amberhelms2344]

Great meeting you at ICAST, Ben & Geoff!! My husband, Rusty, is sorry he missed meeting you and shaking your hands. Keep up the great work even though you continue to cost me money!! 😂

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for the fun conversation Amber! Sorry we missed you Rusty! 👍

[@emmpak]

The hook up tackle still needs to get RAID JAPAN products in stock.

[@jesseboyden3119]

The head hunter segment was hilarious

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching man 🍻

[@brianhart6978]

It would be super dope to dope down some of the dopey use of dope. But then again, I'm old and an actual dope. Seriously though, I always look forward to your stuff, Ben. You manage to be highly knowledgeable, irreverent, and hilarious all at the same time. Thank you for the entertaining and informative review of icast.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Dope! 😂. Thank you for watching!

[@ethanfartis9764]

3 things are certain in life. Death, taxes, and daiwa dropping another tatula at I cast instead of zillion rods

[@christopherpettersen2359]

This was absolutely the best coverage of ICast. Great showcase of the new products. Hopefully this continues for next year. I appreciate the time and effort put in for the inside look.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching man! We'll keep going until they kick us out!

[@jerryvalentour164]

Ben and Jeff you guys kicked it out of the lake . Fantastic job.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you Jerry!

[@TheBaitmanTV]

Great video Ben. The ending summary was spot on. Wish I could have been there. I’m afraid I’d ended up feeling the same way. Hopefully I can go next year

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

thanks for watching man! Next year it is!!

[@sangsaephan3258]

Man y’all gotta go to iCast every year and make these videos! Waaayyy more informative then some the reps themselves for some of these brands 😂.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Ok, we'll keep going until we get knocked off 😂

[@craigarcher7634]

There should be a people's choice award for that Jackall Bounty Fish

[@gewglesux]

Love Jackall their swimbaits when you can find em

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed!

[@Elliottvision1]

Thanks for doing this guys y'all always come through!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! 👊

[@ntwtransam]

And to think I almost didn’t watch this. So much innovation in all of these game changers.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Right?! 👍

[@_Mr.Giraffe]

Great comprehensive video. Best video from all of icast. Geoff this is amazing that you broke the video up into segments by name. It’s the small details.

[@lightsoutlitch6278]

Me: I'll watch this in bits and pieces over the next few days. I have some tournament prep to do for tomorrow. Me: 1:32:44 minutes later...

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Haha! Well thank you for watching man. Good luck in the derby!

[@Twangtown7]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for doing this fellas!

[@Tbowie13]

I wonder with those Shimano Jerkbaits, if they put off micro pulses as that blade thing shivers inside there. Besides the way it looks, if it pulses the water, that could be a gamechanger in cold water as bass come up and really analyze the bait!

[@ComunismoJamas]

I love go to the Bassmaster Classic, just because of the ability to get some new releases and good discount, but Icast is awesome 2, ... 👉🏽thank you for the video guy’s ❗️

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching man! 🍻

[@muskybites505]

Seaguar 101🤣🤣🤣thanks for keeping it real Ben

[@gewglesux]

Agreed.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man!

[@grandpawoodyfishing1882]

The best I-Cast video out . Great job .. See you on Sunday .

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Those Zman Turbo Fatty Zs look legit! The ultravibe Speed worms by zoom absolutely slay the bass in the grass son.

[@hooks2bset]

Love how you didn't let any of the "patch pirates" do any "chimping" on the baits. B Hite straight give info, respect! You talked about a public day but I would show up looking for Ben, Geoff and Griff. Great video as always with some awesome, well placed sarcasm.

[@MrPhoenix1800]

After smashing them on the vision 110 I am super excited about that new respect colors really digging the clear. I just have to beat everyone to it now lol.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’m a sucker for clear - so I’m excited foe this one!!

[@Danthemant1000]

Love your insite. I stopped buying most bait companies that knock off other brands. Savage gear is the worst. The day they copied the Hudd tail, I was out. I keep buying the originals. Thanks you.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@Plee92]

By far most detailed icast vid

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching Peter!

[@dustinwalker8152]

Thanks for sharing this! It would be amazing to do one of these for the Osaka show edit: missed your chance at a crawler fish in that pond

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

#truth 🤣

[@alcav54]

What the heck, what about all of the new innovative baits from Googan!! 😜🙄

[@gewglesux]

Bwhahahaha..

[@mikehauck5832]

Awesome content. What the North East needs. THE HOOK UP TACKLE NO KNOCK OFF SHOW. 🤙🍻🍻☮😎

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@Tbowie13]

Yeah baby, show me what I'll be spending my money on this year! Wish the Japanese brands were there! Been patiently waiting on this since last since last sunday!

[@Shadowtech2024]

I am so glad you guys did a video of I cast. Always wanted to go. 👍👍👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Glad you watched! Thank you!

[@ferndelisle]

Also gotta say no one breaks down a rod lineup quite like Ben

[@davidkrumme216]

Every company takes an idea from another . Megabass is just a storm swimbait with the hook covered. Love what berkley is doing. Keeping prices in check.

[@chadjackson4786]

berkey needs to stop sitting on their hands and make a damn silent dredger

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I love how every Berkley fan boy has the same comment that makes it "ok" - low prices. That's because they didn't need to design, test or prove the bait. A smaller company already paid to do that, so now they just come in and take it. Same as BassPro, etc. It's not ok to justify stealing something because its cheaper.

[@davidkrumme216]

Every bait is a copy of another with something added to it. Every single bait. Theres only one orginal of every bait and all those were made long ago. Cant slap a 25 dollar price tag on something and not expect companies to compete thats insane. 😂😂😂😂

[@davidkrumme216]

Thats every single business that has ever existed in the history of the planet. Thats like saying you guys are stealing someone elses idea because they were the first to sell baits online. 😂😂😂

[@Hanak1579]

Awesome video presentation we appreciate all the hard work and look forward to the new products

[@legionssb]

Got one of those new legalis a week ago, pretty sweet for the price

[@thecreekcrawler]

The Berkeley Gilly was a straight knock offs from a Japanese design and won best freshwater soft plastic AND best in show. It was nice meeting you guys in the Daiwa booth. I was the guy that showed you my x70sp Bass screensaver 😎

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Hell yeah - nice meeting you man! You still need to teach Geoff how to take a good photo! 😂👍

[@thecreekcrawler]

@@thehookuptackle_usa its all about the angle of the dangle lol

[@Roboworm99]

That line weed guard reminds me of the Mark Pack Jigs

[@diggy561]

Damn Berkley 😭

[@BasslivesmatterLLC]

This my guy here he will show yall a true honest review of what he thinks about the new icast products. Please sweet baby Jesus build a thehookuptackle store out east.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s too humid out here! 😜. Thank you for watching! 👊🍻

[@Mr.BigPerch]

Ben rostet the Icast, it's funny, i mean we have same Companys in Europe they bring "new lures" out that looks like copy from JDM Companys.

[@A.Blair_Fishing]

Great video for those who couldnt go!

[@rorytaylor4543]

This was awesome, I appreciate you being the supplier of the cool innovative shit that you get excited to buy and try. Fishing should be fun , and for me it's funner with cool JDM tackle.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Rory!

[@cerebraltackle]

Berkley Circa 1990 - Let's get in the lab and create new shit! Berkley Circa 2021 - Who can we rip off this year?

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

Berkley is killing it!

[@gewglesux]

This Is why i sub to the HUT!!! REAL TALK... I don't buy Knock off's... Not just in fishing in ANY Hobby or sport that i am into. if you want it... Pay for it!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man!

[@georgeadcock2347]

Super video. Great job 👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you George! 🍻

[@Tbowie13]

The dark sleeper knockoffs are mindblowing! Bass Pro has knocked off Sooo many baits this year. Their version of S-Waver could not be any closer...You'd think it came off the same line! It's ridiculous!

[@Smallmouthnation]

Agree this has been the best Icast video. Hope Galaxy’s Edge was good as the they say and please tell me you experienced the Avatar ride 🙏

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Could never bring myself to wait 2 hours for Avatar. But Star Wars was amazing!

[@chrishaynes2282]

I love the tatula eleite. I fish it more than my metanium. Can't wait for the new tatula.

[@blackedoutbass753]

Such a rad vid covered everything we wanted to see and nothing we didn't. Keep sticking it to the big brand knock offs guys they have zero integrity and zero creativity so they steal from smaller companies which is fu$ked. Love the channel keep em coming.

[@drunknnirish]

Thank you for making videos that don’t suck!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@mradamkirby]

Refreshing, like an Orion. Legend, Ben. 🙌

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Ahh. Orion! ❤️

[@justinb292011]

Definitely the best vid out of icast. Love how you guys don't hold back!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

If they're proud to put it out, I'm proud to talk about it 👍

[@ferndelisle]

Sleeper Craw is gonna be incredible. Looking for a rod recommendation, I want something to throw deep cranks and heavier chatterbaits, but also to flip/punch with, preferably shorter than 7’10 and around $200. Appreciate any recommendations!

[@gstixfishing9746]

Good luck

[@ChairmanMeowBurger]

I wouldn't use any deep crank and chatterbait rod to flip or punch with.

[@nathanellis914]

I have terrible short term memory issues. I've watched this video atleast 30 times now

[@fish2much12]

I noticed this year's ICast had a few Japanese knock off baits. Dark sleeper knock off, Imakatsu blue gill knock off, lots of imitation going on.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Yup!

[@jasondean9626]

Best Icast video I have seen,great job guys guys.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you Jason!

[@remsi513dfd13]

Jackal Mikey full-size American return would make my night fishing shad spawn heart melt

[@paoslee]

Ive always used abrazx and invisx, but recently went to berkeley vanish and after a year of testing, there is no difference in real world testing. I lose more lures on abrazx than on vanish. Im stoke to see these cheaper lines. Going to test them out.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Line is such a personal thing. Everyone has different experiences with it!

[@guad512]

I NEED THAT BOUNTY FISH AND SLEEPER CRAW NOW! DAMMIT! 😉

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Me too!

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

Thanks for sharing. Ben might know more and explain things better than the jerseys. 😂

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Hopefully I’ll be in my Orion jersey next year! 😜🍻

[@robertschmitz4025]

You are very correct in your assessment at the end

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man!

[@jerryvalentour164]

They have fishing expos around the country.

[@kevinzap.fishing]

Icast 2021: the year of the knock-off

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Sadly - yes.

[@cerebraltackle]

ICAST - The drug showcase of the year. Ben & The Hook Up - Our friendly neighborhood dealer.

[@legionssb]

And Everybody’s addicted

[@dong8307]

Best video on ICast! Thanks guys. Cheers 🍻

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Don!

[@FlippinOkie]

the Gilly won best of show Ben. INNOVATIVE. Lmao

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

🤦🏽😂

[@Jae-jh4ch]

take a shot everytime this guy says "right" 😩

[@Zaldaingerous]

I’m just here for Ben roasting all the new innovations.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for being here! 👍🤟

[@akersnl]

Nice. Thanks for doing this video

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@ericahlstrom9506]

Does anyone know if Berkley paid for rights of the baits they knocked off? Didn't they do that with the trash fish?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Berkley is claiming that Ike and the Berkley Team designed the gilley, which we know is false. Their sleeper knockoff was blatant from a past pro staffer of Megabass. Their jerkbait color selection is obviously Megabass colors. They’re a joke right now.

[@ericahlstrom9506]

@@thehookuptackle_usa thanks for the info. Really disappointing a company like Berkley with the ability and money to do their own development, being too lazy to and stealing from others. Total garbage

[@lilhito9498]

@@thehookuptackle_usa you mean Edwin Evers but you didn’t hear it from me 🤫🤫🤫

[@Jake_K_]

Gotta love Berkeley 🤣🤣🤣

[@robertcooley6977]

Looking forward to the new colors on the CR and especially the return of the blitz 55 in new colors. All the knockoffs are total BS! Berkeley and StrikeKing are the worst when it comes to their hardbaits...by the way, love the video!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man!

[@treydavis8534]

You’re wrong I’m a beginner, but I just caught a 6 pound bass listening to your videos

[@jerryvalentour164]

How about a Ben and Jeff's picks.

[@alexanderlee6509]

That tatula limited reel looks like my previous generation Metanium.

[@phoenixw2w]

Another great video! 🎣 fish on

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@tonym.9876]

Firstly, 150.00 may not be a "cheap rod" to some anglers. You seem focused on expensive swimbaits, and that's all good, but St. Croix is a very nice make of rod.

[@ethanyangswag]

watching with my citrazona ipa

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Hell yeah! cheers!

[@montymcwilliams1580]

Really appreciate your honesty as you say everything is not awesome!! Lmao

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Monty!

[@chrisrosser9848]

I just wish manufacturers would get items people want back in stock!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

there's a thought! 😂👍

[@foolsremedy832]

I wish I was there to meet you guys 😔

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That would have been dope! 🍻

[@mcdrmtt]

Z3 AT LAST SLEEPER CRAW...we will see.

[@Hanak1579]

When can we per order the Bounty Fish from, Jackall

[@randyjob5769]

I like the new salamander bait, I think it was by fishlab....

[@jimguin7790]

Great video. Do you ever find and bring into the shop small builders type products to promote innovation.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I try my hardest to do that!