Recent News
Attend the World’s Premier Sportfishing Trade Show
Join industry leaders & emerging innovators at the ultimate gathering in sportfishing commerce. Learn More
BEWARE of ICAST Hotel Scams
ASA has received reports of unauthorized companies contacting attendees to help with hotel reservations. These companies are not affiliated with ICAST or the official event hotels and are not authorized to book rooms on our behalf. Eventsphere is the ONLY official ICAST housing vendor.

Fish unintentionally caught and killed in the Gulf as bycatch by industrial menhaden operations.
Working for YOU
We take care of the politics so you can concentrate on growing your business.
Efforts are underway to prevent the use of lead tackle for fishing despite scant evidence that using lead has a harmful impact on wildlife populations.
Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation—known as R3—is a nationwide movement to grow and sustain participation in recreational fishing.
Since taking office, the Trump Administration is taking many actions on tariffs that impact the sportfishing industry, ASA is monitoring, weighing in with the Administration & Congress.
Striped bass are one of the most important fisheries on the Atlantic coast. In fact, striped bass are the most caught saltwater fish in terms of pounds by recreational anglers.
Hear from Our Members
Unquestionably, 2025 was a year marked by uncertainty. From tariffs to the longest federal shutdown in our nation’s history, every week seemed to bring its own surprise. As we start the new year, several outstanding recreational fishing policy priorities remain on the to-do list for the Trump administration, Congress and federal agencies.
Visit the 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 to read more about what’s ahead in 2026 and how ASA is working to advance the priorities of the recreational fishing industry.
ASA R3 GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 14!
We’re extending the R3 grant deadline to allow applicants more time to coordinate with partners and finalize their requests.
If you are still pulling together partners, finalizing your program plan, or waiting on internal approvals, you now have additional time to submit.
Program highlights:
▪️Eligibility: ASA member retailers, or ASA members working with any retailer
▪️Grant amount: $500–$10,000
▪️Project period: Projects completed within 1 year of award
▪️Funding: In most cases, funds are provided on a reimbursable basis
▪️Preference: Scalable programs that emphasize retention
Learn more and submit your application by visiting the R3 Grant Program page. 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐎
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year
ASA, with support from recreational fishing community partners, released a new policy brief detailing efforts by an international animal rights organization to restrict the use and sale of live bait in US waters.
Last week, ASA’s Inland Fisheries Policy Director, Connor Bevan, joined representatives from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the National Aquaculture Association at the National Association of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Summit to discuss this anti-fishing campaign and its proposed restrictions with state legislators.
𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 for full release.
Shark encounters are rising, and anglers are feeling it.
Lost fish. Lost gear. Safety risks. 🦈
The SHARKED Act brings together fisheries managers and shark experts to identify strategies to mitigate the problem, including research, education and policy changes.
Tell your Senators to support the SHARKED Act today! 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐎
🎥 @reelguides - Blackfin tuna SHARKED next to the boat















