FishStix debuts redesigned rod lineup and lands two ICAST Showcase spots

FishStix used ICAST 2026 in Orlando to unveil a redesigned Titanium Series, a new Guide Series and a new Fly Series, while two products were picked for the New Product Showcase. The showing marked the Texas rod maker’s biggest product update yet and its strongest presence at the sportfishing trade event.

Why it matters: - FishStix is pushing deeper into the premium inshore saltwater market with a broader lineup built for harsh conditions and everyday use. - The company also gained industry visibility at ICAST 2026, where New Product Showcase selection can boost credibility with anglers, guides and retailers. - The show recognition puts FishStix in front of buyers at the sportfishing industry’s biggest annual trade event.

What happened: - FishStix introduced a redesigned Titanium Series, an all-new Guide Series and a new Fly Series at ICAST 2026 in Orlando, Florida. - The company said the launch was the most significant lineup update in its history. - FishStix marked its fourth ICAST appearance. - The FlyStix and The Rod Father were selected for the 2026 New Product Showcase.

The details: - The Titanium Series and Fly Series are built in Texas on improved blanks with titanium guides. - FishStix designed those rods to handle corrosion, grit and heavy saltwater abuse. - The Fly Series extends FishStix’s inshore spinning and baitcast performance approach into fly fishing for the first time. - The FlyStix is FishStix’s first purpose-built saltwater fly rod. - The FlyStix comes in 9-foot 8-weight and 9-foot 11-weight models. - The Rod Father is a 7-foot-6 medium-heavy fast spinning rod. - FishStix built The Rod Father for snook, redfish and structure fishing. - The Rod Father and FlyStix are part of the redesigned Titanium Series and use titanium guides rated for saltwater. - The new Guide Series is positioned as the everyday-carry rod for tournament anglers, working guides and regular anglers. - FishStix priced the Guide Series below the Titanium Series. - The company said the Guide Series is meant to be the rod anglers reach for on every trip. - FishStix said the show floor response was strong from longtime customers and first-time buyers.

Between the lines: - The lineup suggests FishStix is trying to cover more of the inshore market without losing its premium positioning. - Moving into saltwater fly rods gives FishStix a new category to compete in and broadens the brand beyond spinning and baitcast offerings. - Showcase selection for two products signals that the company’s redesign landed well with industry observers, not just consumers. - Founder Hunter Welch said the lineup was built to give serious anglers a premium option without cutting corners.

What's next: - FishStix will likely use the ICAST momentum to sell the redesigned rods to anglers, guides and dealers after the show. - The company’s next test will be whether the new Titanium, Guide and Fly Series convert trade show attention into broader adoption on the water. - FishStix will continue to compete from its Texas-made, handcrafted rod platform with a limited lifetime warranty.

The bottom line: - FishStix left ICAST 2026 with a bigger lineup, its strongest trade show exposure yet and two showcase honors that could help the brand expand in premium inshore fishing.