Trading One Angler’s Paradise for Another Brings Costa Rican Team to ICAST

Why one Central American company has been traveling to ICAST every year for more than a decade.

A fleet of fishing boats drifts with the Pacific tide at the end of a long dock extending to a black sand beach at Crocodile Bay, Costa Rica. This is where rooster fish, sailfish, dorado, marlin, tuna, and wahoo await eager anglers. Nearby, the lush rainforest shelters three-toed sloths and vibrant toucans gliding through a dense green canopy, concealing swimming pools and balconies nestled beneath volcanic peaks—ideal spots for anglers to unwind after thrilling days on the water.

This truly is an angler’s paradise. Yet, every year, Cecile Shaw trades one angler’s paradise for another, journeying 2,000 km north. Once a year, Shaw and the entire Crocodile Bay team head to Orlando, Florida, where the sportfishing industry gathers in full force at ICAST.

“We sell a few trips,” Shaw says, “But we are really there as an overseas outfitter.” Shaw says ICAST is an essential trip for filling the shelves of Crocodile Bay’s marina. “It’s a chance to see products that probably won’t be in the stores in Costa Rica. We can test things that we might use at the resort like lures and new hooks, and we can try things out before we commit to importing it, which is a huge deal.”

As the Director of Marketing & Business Development for Crocodile Bay, Shaw splits her time at ICAST between procurement—seeking everything from water shoes to outrigger mounts to stickers—and marketing, coordinating meetings with media partners.

“We are also going there to talk to our media partners like Bonnaire and Firecrown and things like that,” she explains. “We are sitting down and hearing their plans for our media campaigns in the coming year. We use ICAST as a massive networking tool.”

For the past ten years, Crocodile Bay has contributed to the ICAST experience by raffling off a free trip to their tropical fishing haven. They’re one of dozens of exhibitors offering a raffle entry each time a buyer places an order inside a booth at ICAST. Shaw notes that every winner has a unique story. “We get people to step outside of their fishing comfort zone and see the world around them,” she laughs. “Last year, a retailer from Africa won the grand prize and brought one of their manufacturer’s reps with them. They had a blast catching tuna and snapper and everything they wanted, even though we had a tropical storm closing in.”

Registration for ICAST 2025 is now open.

Every July, thousands of industry leaders, business owners, and outdoor enthusiasts convene at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. Hosted by the American Sportfishing Association, ICAST is the ultimate venue for discovering the latest innovations in fishing tackle, boating accessories, and outdoor gear.

Last year, more than 14,000 attendees from 75 nations joined Shaw at ICAST, where a sprawling 20,000-square-meter marketplace brought together fishing tackle manufacturers, marine lifestyle brands, wholesalers, and distributors. Throughout the week, attendees engaged in breakout events like the Lunkers & Bunkers golf scramble, the ICAST Cup bass fishing tournament, ICAST On the Water Demo Day, and countless social gatherings along Orlando’s iconic International Drive.

Inside the show, participants deepen their knowledge through ICAST Lunch & Learn seminars, featuring experts discussing topics such as consumer psychology and the influence of artificial intelligence on fishing. Industry leaders gather for the State of the Industry Breakfast, where keynote speakers—including the likes of astronauts and admirals—share insights to inspire networking and business development. Attendees also had opportunities to win an array of prizes, from daily cash rewards to brand-new boats and, of course, a trip to Crocodile Bay.

Last year, more than 100 exhibitors joined Crocodile Bay in offering special deals and incentives for dealers placing orders at ICAST. This year, another fortunate attendee will win the chance to experience the black sand beaches and world-class fishing of Shaw’s Central American home.

As the premier event for recreational fishing professionals draws near, now is the time to secure your spot! Registration for ICAST 2025 is officially open, and attendees are encouraged to sign up early to take full advantage of this exceptional experience. To register today, visit the ICAST website.