Bustling Super Tuesday Brings ICAST Back to Orlando

The main show floor opened to everyone at 9:00 a.m. this morning

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL – July 20, 2022 – A trio of events kicked off ICAST, the annual trade show hosted by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), from Kissimmee to International Drive on Tuesday.

The excitement got underway early at Lake Toho, where the team of Colton Jennings, Matt Hinman and Harbor Lovin topped a field of 58 teams in Major League Fishing’s ICAST Cup. The event, now in its seventh year, raises proceeds now totalling $72,000 for Keep America Fishing, ASA’s angler advocacy program.

While this year’s champions were hoisting the ICAST Cup trophy with an impressive 21lbs-11oz of bass on Lake Toho, hundreds of fishing tackle manufacturers were breaking down wooden crates, climbing scaffolds and dressing mannequins at the Orange County Convention Center to prepare for show doors to open.

However, while manufacturers were transforming the convention center into a toy land of tackle and apparel inside, ICAST attendees were already getting their hands on products outside thanks to 56 booths that broke out for the show’s On The Water Demo Day presented by TakeMeFishing.org.

Attendees Enjoy Live Product Demos On the Water
At ICAST On The Water Demo Day – an annual event held on the banks of two large ponds on the Orange County Convention Center’s (OCCC) grounds – visitors scouted out lures, slung rods and paddled kayaks to get a true feel for products that could shape the future of fishing. Steps away, attendees enjoyed complimentary beer from MAGMA, along with refreshments and hot dogs served under the shade of tents.

“It has really turned into a tailgate atmosphere,” said ICAST Trade Show Director Blake Swango. “Bringing the show out of the convention center and onto the water has really caught on. People are having a great time out there, having good conversations and trying out new gear.”

Swango’s sentiment was echoed by St. Croix Rod’s Dan Johnson, who spent time with buyers from not only the United States, but countries like South Africa, Australia, Colombia and the Cayman Islands.

“When you get on the water, you can wheel that line through a blank,” said Johnson. “You can really feel how the rod behaves. To me, that is critical because we can only do so much through media and sporting goods stores. We can only show so much with power and action tests or folding a rod and deflecting a tip. You really don’t know until you get a rod wet.”

Ocean Waves CEO Tom Caldwell said his 40-year-old company thrives at the outdoor event. Using On The Water to showcase his product to buyers in its element. “We’re a sunglasses company, right? So, we need to be outdoors where people can try the product on and see what is there.”

On The Water is sponsored by Take Me Fishing.

New Product Showcase Preview Reception Welcomes Guests Inside
At 5:00 p.m., media and buyers were welcomed inside the Orange County Convention Center, where what one of the most memorable parts of ICAST awaited—the New Product Showcase Reception presented by Fishing Tackle Retailer.

An annual show highlight, the New Product Showcase is ICAST’s internal competition. Hundreds of products in 30 categories are pitted against one another as media and buyers vote for their pick to be the best. Past winners include industry-changing marine electronics, watercraft and reels that have revolutionized sportfishing and become household names for millions of anglers around the globe.

“The New Product Showcase is our industry’s best consolidation of the newest technology, newest designs and newest applications,” said Fishing Tackle Retailer Managing Editor Ken Duke.

Amidst a backdrop of vintage arcade cabinets as well as complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, credentialed voters browsed aisles of shimmering new products, many of which were making their public debut. By Wednesday evening, the field of hundreds will be whittled down to 30 category winners squaring off for the event’s overall Best of Show Award.

“Winning a New Product Showcase Best of Category Award is a big, big deal,” added Duke. “It means you’re the standout among all of your competitors, compatriots and colleagues in the marketplace. It’s a great marketing tool moving forward that distinguishes you as the best in that area moving forward.”

Show Doors Open Today
On Wednesday, ICAST attendees will have access to the full spectrum of products on the show floor. From battle-tested staples to still-in-the-wrapper new products, they will be able to meet with the companies designing and building fishing tackle, apparel and boating accessories.

Elsewhere on the floor, a full slate of Lunch & Learn business seminars are set to give buyers a rest from the show floor and added insight into the latest marketing, business and political trends shaping the sportfishing landscape today.

Voting in the New Product Showcase continues, as well as product demos at the Lure Tank sponsored by Lunkerville, the State of the Industry Breakfast with keynote speaker and shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder, the Keep America Fishing Dunk Tank, Buyers Lounge Happy Hour with Guy Harvey and the New Product Showcase Awards Reception sponsored by St. Croix Rods.

Visit ICASTFishing.org for more details.

Thank You ICAST 2022 Sponsors!
ASA extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to our members for their generous support of ICAST 2022.

Platinum: Take Me Fishing™, Under Armour and Wired2Fish

Gold: AFTCO, Crocodile Bay, Engel Coolers, Fishing Tackle Retailer, Guy Harvey, Major League Fishing, Pure Fishing, St. Croix Rod and VisitOrlando

Silver: ANYTHINGpossible Brands, Bonnier Corporation, Lunkerville, Raymarine and Roswell Marine

Bronze: Eagle Claw, Kistler, MAGMA, Mustad, Ocean Waves Sunglasses and What the Fin?