The world’s largest sportfishing trade show returned to Orlando this past July, and once again, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST 2025) delivered beyond expectations. Powered by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), this year’s show brought together the global fishing community to celebrate innovation, forge new business connections and address the challenges and opportunities facing the recreational fishing industry today.
Now in its seventh decade, ICAST continues to serve as the beating heart of sportfishing commerce and culture. From cutting-edge product launches to powerful policy discussions, ICAST 2025 reaffirmed why it is the must-attend event for anyone in the business of fishing.
This year, more than 12,000 industry professionals from 78 countries registered for ICAST. Roughly 600 exhibitors filled 206,000 square feet of show floor with the latest in rods,
reels, lures, electronics, apparel, accessories, and much more. Just as impressively, 811 products were submitted to the New Product Showcase, highlighting the incredible momentum and creativity driving the future of sportfishing.
These figures underscore the global reach and continued growth of the fishing industry and the central role ICAST plays in its future.
The New Product Showcase at ICAST 2025
Each year, the New Product Showcase sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer remains one of the most anticipated events of the show. It gives manufacturers a chance to debut their most innovative products and compete for the attention of buyers, media and retailers.
In 2025, the competition was fierce, with new products spanning categories like terminal tackle, rods and reels, electronics, apparel, accessories, and more. The prestigious Best of Show award went to the FluxJet Kayak, the world’s first electric jet fishing kayak. The FluxJet is a sleek, high-performance watercraft that blends advanced propulsion with lightweight design – ideal for anglers who demand mobility, stability and versatility on the water.
Click here to see the ICAST 2025 Best of Category Winners
ICAST 2025 Is More Than a Trade Show
While gear and gadgets draw the spotlight, ICAST 2025 also served as a platform for critical conversations about the future of recreational fishing. ASA hosted policy briefings, conservation discussions and seminars on topics ranging from tariffs and trade to fisheries management and access to artificial intelligence in retail and consumer trends. Industry leaders, conservation partners, government officials and manufacturers came together to collaborate on issues that affect every angler and the economic vitality of sportfishing businesses. With the need for bipartisan support for recreational fishing at all levels of government, events like ICAST ensure the collective voice of anglers and industry leaders is heard loud and clear.
The future success of our industry also relies heavily on growing participation in our sport. In light of this, we were proud to present the inaugural ASA Impact Award to Steve Harvey in recognition of his efforts to bring new folks to fishing. Mr. Harvey and his wife Marjorie have introduced countless young men and women to fishing through their foundation, the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation. The Atlanta-based charity has contributed more than $700,000 for scholarships and provides youth outreach services to help cultivate the next generation of leaders both on and off the water.
ICAST 2025 Strengthens the Sportfishing Community
Networking was also in full force at ICAST 2025, from the welcome party and on-the-water demos to media events and dealer meetings. Relationships formed at ICAST have long-lasting impacts, helping small businesses grow, connecting brands with influencers and opening up global markets. Whether you’re a tackle manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler or media professional, ICAST offers unique value for everyone. The face-to-face interactions, even in an increasingly digital world, help drive trust, build partnerships and spark innovation.
Attendees also raised tens of thousands of dollars for Keep America Fishing (KAF), ASA’s advocacy arm. In year two of the Lunkers and Bunkers golf tournament, attendees took to the links for a hybrid golf and fishing tournament that raised $17,500 for KAF. The AFTCO team of Justin DeBree, John Coleman, Tommy Coleman and Charlie Coleman took home the 2025 ICAST Lunkers and Bunkers Grand Championship. The following morning, more than 30 teams of anglers blasted through a soft, overcast morning on Lake Toho in pursuit of the ICAST Cup Presented by Major League Fishing. Representing Yo-Zuri America, the father-son duo of Bobby Bakewell and Robert Bakewell took home the trophy while the event added another $6,600 to KAF.
Later in the week, a fundraiser with Under Armour generated more than $4,000 for ASA’s angler advocacy efforts. To close out the show, the inaugural Party for a Purpose auction and raffle gave attendees the chance to bid on bucket list trips to destinations around the world as well as a sweet prize pack of gear from ICAST exhibitors, raising another $12,000.
Looking Ahead to ICAST 2026
As the sun sets on another successful show, the momentum generated at ICAST 2025 will continue to ripple through the industry. New products launched here will soon be in stores and in
anglers’ hands. Conversations started on the show floor will evolve into partnerships, new business and solutions that benefit the broader recreational fishing community.
While it’s only been a few short weeks since we said goodbye, ASA staff are already hard at work planning ICAST 2026. New and returning exhibitors are encouraged to apply for booth space today. Booth space is $16/sf and start at 10×10 square feet. An additional $200 fee applies to each booth corner on two aisles. After February 1st, booth space increases to $18/sf and $20/sf after April 1, plus the corner fee. To exhibit at ICAST, you must be a member of ASA. To become a member, please submit a membership application.
If you’d like to become an official sponsor of ICAST 2026, please visit our Sponsorship Website or contact Caley Gillett, Manager of New Business Development at ASA.
Mark your calendars for July 14-17 and we’ll see you in 2026.
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