Newport Field Notes: ICAST 2026
ICAST 2026 is in the books. For four days, the Orange County Convention Center was packed with the biggest names and newest gear in the fishing industry, and this year Newport walked in with something the kayak market didn't expect.
The Reveal: STANCE180
We introduced Stance 180 to the world, a GPS-enabled bow mount trolling motor built from the ground up for kayaks, not a bulky bass boat motor cut down to fit one.
That distinction is the whole story. Every bow mount on the market started as a bass boat motor and got adapted downward. STANCE180 started with the kayak angler's seated position, narrow bow, and an understanding of the true value of hands (and foot) free fishing. The result is a motor that puts full GPS bow control directly in front of a kayak angler, built for the way you actually want to fish from your kayak.
Specs at a Glance
- 65 lb thrust
- 24V/36V dual-voltage architecture
- 20.5 lb total weight
- 36" kayak shaft
- GPS anchor-lock, Jog, Waypoint Log, MOB, Cruise Control, Heading Lock, and more.
- Single-action deploy
- Floating7/IP6 wireless remote
- Weedless performance prop
- Quick Release mounting bracket
- Brushless FOC motor technology
Why This Matters Right Now
With the rest of the kayak motorization category chasing the next stern-mount iteration, Newport went a different direction to round out complete bow-to-stern motorization. A smart, kayak-first bow mount with a full GPS suite, so kayak anglers can finally work the front of the boat the way bass boat anglers have for years. That's been the whole goal of motorized kayaks all along - to recreate the same features of a bass boat, but in a kayak package.
With STANCE 180 we're not chasing incremental. We're solving the actual problem kayak anglers have been living with. A great stern-mounted motor for long runs, paired with a fishing tool like Stance 180, and kayak control has never been better. Now Anglers have the best of both worlds, all from a central power source if they choose.
Behind the Booth
What made it to the show floor this week was the visible result of tons of planning, sourcing, testing, logistics, and hundreds of small details Newport landed all at once. The energy at the booth all week reflected a team that is prepared, executes seamlessly, and represents the brand the way we wanted our industry to see it.
What's Next
ICAST was the reveal. STANCE180 is on track to roll out with a public launch in Q1 of 2027 with an estimated MSRP of $1,999. Early access is open now for anglers who want to be first in line.
