ICAST wrapped a four-day run in Orlando, Fla., last week, with 13,346 attendees and 633 exhibitors.
A New Product Showcase included 1,087 items from 292 companies, and 37 category winners were recognized. The show is produced by the American Sportfishing Association.
“This is one of the most impressive shows we’ve had since I’ve been here,” ASA trade show and membership vice president Blake Swango said in a statement. “The booth spaces are bigger, better and more impressive each year, and I think this is probably the most beautiful show that I have worked on.”
This year, an ICAST Fly Shop showcased fly-fishing exhibitors, with demonstrations, lessons and gear. “Fly-fishing manufacturers responded in a big way,” Swango said. “We had new fly-fishing media outlets attend the show, as well. The ICAST Fly Shop seemed busy all week long, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more exhibitors … next year.”
On the last day of the show, youth anglers from high school fishing clubs affiliated with Major League Fishing and B.A.S.S. participated in a Youth Angler Development Day, with testimonials from industry professionals ranging from top-tier anglers to other fields that provide jobs.
“Youth are so important to our industry,” said ASA vice president of communications Mary Beth Long. “They have a lot of enthusiasm and a passion for fishing, and this is a cool opportunity of them to come and meet some of our vendors to see other ways that they can potentially have a career in fishing.
American Tackle Co. took Best of Show honors with its G2 Tsuka Complete Carbon handle.
“To win Best of Show against all of these other products is pretty unreal,” said American Tackle Company marketing manager Kevin Landers.
