Last week, the American Sportfishing Association concluded its annual Sportfishing Summit in beautiful Key West, Florida. The event featured insightful presentations from industry experts, policy discussions on fisheries management and tariffs, award presentations, and conversations that will guide our industry for years to come.
The 2025 Sportfishing Summit featured over 165 attendees from 91 different member companies, representing an impressive range of industry knowledge and expertise. During dozens of committee meetings and seminars, our members discussed an array of issues, including policy objectives surrounding tariffs and forage fish management as well as goals and priorities for ICAST 2026.
Additionally, several trailblazers were recognized for their contributions to the recreational fishing industry. During our third annual Women in the Industry Reception, the Inspire Award was presented to Bebe Dalton Harrison of Women in Angling for her vision and lasting contributions to advancing women in recreational fishing.
Later in the week, Kathy Fennel of Major League Fishing received the Lifetime Achievement Award, praising her extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to the sportfishing industry. We also welcomed Dr. Ray Hilborn of the University of Washington to receive the Gary J. Zurn Conservation award, granted in recognition of his tireless efforts to advance science-driven fisheries conservation and research. Without the unwavering dedication of these industry leaders, the recreational fishing sector would not be where it is today.
An impressive slate of speakers was also featured at this year’s event. We kicked off the Summit on Wednesday with our Keynote Speaker, Amy Walter, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report. Attendees received an in-depth look at emerging trends in Washington, D.C., including perceptions surrounding key trade and commerce issues as well as election forecasting in 2026 and beyond.
We dove deeper into the trade and tariff conversation during our second panel, which featured Ron Sorini and Megan Costello of Sorini, Samet & Associates, ASA’s trade firm.
On Thursday, we transitioned into a discussion on retail trends, sales data and consumer preferences, led by Don Unser of Circana. Finally, we wrapped up our speaker series with a lively discussion on addressing challenges related to Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation.
Throughout the week, our Board of Directors were busy collecting committee testimony, voting on action items, and discussing Association priorities. The Board also celebrated an important milestone by naming a new Vice Chair during its proceedings, Carey Graves, President of Daiwa USA. Mr. Graves has been a long-time supporter of ASA’s mission and a staunch advocate for recreational fishing, and we look forward to his new leadership on the Board. ASA would also like to thank outgoing Vice Chair, Patrick Gill of TackleDirect, for his time and dedication on the Board of Directors.
In the recreational fishing industry, ASA’s Sportfishing Summit is unmatched in its ability to connect members from all sectors of our sport. Outside of ICAST, it is one of the few times each year where executives from fishing tackle manufacturers, retailers, and the media gather to learn, strategize and network in an intimate setting with the recognition that we are a stronger force when we work together as a community.
ASA President and CEO Glenn Hughes reinforced this sentiment: “The Sportfishing Summit provides an amazing opportunity to bring together the leadership from across the industry to discuss the business of the association. At the same time, it allows all ASA members to participate, network and build relationships in a fun-filled, 3-day, awesome setting, like Key West. There is nothing like it!”
Thank you to all our members for making this Summit special. Don’t forget to save the date for the 2026 Sportfishing Summit in Point Clear, Alabama from October 20-23.
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