Planos Hydro-Flo Bag Honored at ICAST

Plano Molding Co. has been awarded the prestigious "Best of Show" award for its Guide Series? Hydro-Flo? tackle bag entry in the tackle management category at the annual International Convention of Associated Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) show being held this week in Las Vegas.

Mike Nussman, American Sportfishing Association (ASA) president and CEO, and Jeff Marble, ASA chairman and the CEO of member company Frabill, made the announcement during last night's Chairman's Awards Reception following the first day of the trade show.

Jesse Simpkins, Plano Molding Co. (center), accepted the award on Plano's behalf from ASA president and CEO Mike Nussman (left) and ASA chairman Jeff Marble (right). Click to view/download hi-res image. largest for the sportfishing industry. Plano Vice President Jesse Simpkins received the award on behalf of his company.

"It's a great honor to have this unique new product recognized by the fishing tackle industry as a best of show item," Simpkins said. "Plano has been the category leader in tackle management ever since our company introduced the first plastic tackle box back in 1952. This distinction serves as proof that we continue to innovate each and every year. It is the pleasure of our team here at ICAST to take the honor back to Plano, Ill., for our entire company to enjoy because so many people there have had a role in getting it and our other new-for-2012 products ready for this show."

Plano's winning model 4674 Hydro-Flo tackle bag features an ingenious system that allows water to flow right through the base of the bag whether or not the "rinsing" is intentional. The impact-resistant base has rigid flooring that is riddled with holes to allow water to drain through it, plus the floor sits higher than the bag's bottom resting surface to keep contents above a wet boat deck or the ground. Rubber feet on each corner of the bottom's perimeter keep the bag from sliding around in a boat.

The model 4674 includes seven of Plano's popular ProLatch? StowAway® utility boxes, five 3700s and two 3600s. And the bag has more storage areas in its dual-compartment side pockets for keeping tools and tackle handy, as well as on the backside where there's an expandable elastic pocket for extra storage.

The Hydro-Flo's top has a convenient storage compartment for favorite baits and accessories, and underneath the main cover is a clear zippered pocket, perfect for storing soft plastics and maps. The outer side of the bag features two elastic tie-down straps on top for storing raingear or a light jacket. The bag's construction is top notch throughout, featuring a high quality nylon shell with heavy-duty stitching.

ICAST's New Product Showcase where the Plano product was featured is always one of the show's most popular activities. The show's registered buyers and media are the only ones to have access to the area during the first few hours of the show, and they are the only ones who can vote to determine the new product winners.

ICAST annually attracts around 7,000 attendees from more than 60 countries. ICAST is produced by ASA, which looks out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community.

For more information about ASA, visit www.asafishing.com. For more information about Plano, visit www.PlanoMolding.com.

For a complete list of the award winners at ICAST 2011, click here.