Zebco Makes History with Best of Show Win at ICAST

Zebco has captured the fishing industry’s highest honor, earning Best of Show at ICAST 2026 and marking the first time a Rather Outdoors brand has claimed the event’s top award.
FTR Industry Brief
  • Zebco's Rhino brand won Best of Show at ICAST 2026, marking a historic first for the Rather Outdoors family of brands
  • The award recognizes Rhino's relaunch, which debuted a new lineup of spinning rods and combos built on a rod development technology breakthrough
  • Chris Littau, Vice President of Zebco, said the win is the beginning of a new chapter for Rhino, not the finish line
  • Dealers can learn more about the Rhino lineup through Zebco
  • MSRP and dealer ordering/stocking information not provided in source copy — see blocker flag below

Chosen from among the newest products and innovations in sportfishing, the victory marks a defining moment for Rhino and the entire Rather Outdoors family. Long recognized for its toughness and durability, Rhino’s relaunch debuted at ICAST last week with a bold new lineup of spinning rods and combos thanks to a technology breakthrough in rod development.

“Winning Best of Show is an incredible honor, and we’re grateful to everyone who believed in what we’re building with Rhino. But this isn’t the finish line for us; it’s just the beginning,” said Chris Littau, Vice President of Zebco.

“Zebco has been the first chapter in so many people’s fishing stories, and the Rhino relaunch is helping ensure that first experience is one that lasts. We’re proud of this recognition, but we’re even more excited about where Rhino goes from here.”

The award represents a historic milestone for Rather Outdoors, whose portfolio includes some of the most recognizable brands in fishing. It also serves as validation of Rhino’s renewed vision: delivering products tough enough to earn anglers’ trust and durable enough to stand up to years of memories on the water. For Rhino, winning Best of Show is more than a celebration of a successful launch—it is the beginning of a new chapter for one of fishing’s most iconic names.

Learn More About Rhino products HERE

About Rather Outdoors

Rather Outdoors is a global outdoors corporation uniting some of the most recognizable brands in the fishing space. With historic and iconic brands such as Lew’s, Strike King, Quantum, Zebco, Fox, Matrix, Salmo, and Fox Rage, Rather Outdoors provides a wide assortment of fishing products worldwide to enhance anglers’ success and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. To learn more about the Rather Outdoors brands, visit www.ratheroutdoors.com.


Discover more from Fishing Tackle Retailer - The Business Magazine of the Sportfishing Industry

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

15
What is the biggest thing keeping you from using AI in your shop?

Latest