ICAST 2022 Launches With an Event-Filled “Super Tuesday”

Events help support industry advocacy efforts during and after the show

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL – July 19, 2022 – The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, the premier trade event for the global recreational fishing industry better known as ICAST, launched today with Super Tuesday, an activity-filled day that features On The Water product demos, sponsored by Take Me Fishing, the Major League Fishing ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament and the highly competitive New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer.

From Tuesday, July 19 through Friday, July 22, more than 12,000 industry representatives will descend on Orlando, Fla. and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to get a first look at the products that will help define recreational fishing’s future.

Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the national non-profit association that represents the business interests of the sportfishing industry, ICAST offers an astounding array of tackle, gear, apparel and accessories.

Now in its 65^th year, ICAST is the face of the multi-billion-dollar recreational fishing industry. Nationally, recreational fishing has a $128 billion impact on the economy supporting 825,000 jobs. In Florida – The Nation’s Sportfishing Capitol – anglers and boaters have a $13.8 billion economic output supporting 119,678 jobs.

“I want to thank our exhibitors and sponsors for their commitment to ASA and to the ICAST Show” said ASA’s President Glenn Hughes. “The booth fees and sponsorships go to support ASA’s efforts to help ensure clean water, abundant fisheries and access to both.”

Hughes further noted, “This year’s show floor is going to be electric. More than 12,000 industry professionals and 20% more exhibitors are excited to participate in the greatest – and largest – fishing tackle trade show in the world.”

“One of the most talked about and anticipated ICAST events is the New Product Showcase,” said ASA Trade Show and Membership VP Blake Swango. “This year, more than 900 products are entered, all vying for one of 30 “Best of Category” awards and the coveted “Best of Show” recognition. The showcase generates year-long media content for all whole enter.”

Check out all the show events. ICAST is an industry-only event and is not open to the public.

ICAST Events Help Keep Anglers on the Water
In addition to producing ICAST, ASA supports two advocacy programs – Keep America Fishing and Keep Florida Fishing – providing U.S. anglers a voice on national, regional and state policy issues impacting their ability to fish on public lands. Throughout the week there are special events showcasing these programs to raise awareness and support.

The ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Major League Fishing, partners professional bass anglers from Major League Fishing during this morning’s bass fishing tournament on Lake Toho, Kissimmee, Fla. The tournament pairs well-known professional bass anglers with tackle dealers, media members and manufacturers with the proceeds benefiting Keep America Fishing. Takeoff starts at 5:30 a.m. with weigh-in following at 10:00 a.m.

A new show floor destination this year is the ASA/KAF Arcade and Dunk Tank (Booth 615) which is open for action during show hours. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during exhibitor happy hours, professional anglers and industry VIPS are lining up to get “dunked” to support Keep America Fishing. ASA’s President Glenn Hughes was the first to sign up for the cause along with other industry notables.

The Dunk Tank Line Up:

Wednesday
4:00 p.m. – Matt Robertson, Bassmaster
4:30 p.m. – Brandon Palaniuk, Bassmaster
5:00 p.m. – Michael Neal, MLF
5:30 p.m. – Mike Frenette, Saltwater Angler

Thursday
4:00 p.m. – Glenn Hughes, President, American Sportfishing Association
4:30 p.m. – Ken Duke, Managing Editor, Fishing Tackle Retailer
5:00 p.m. – John “Mazurk” Mazurkiewicz, President, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame
5:30 p.m. – Eric Sutton, Executive Director, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

September is Keep America Fishing Month
Two events during September build on the excitement that will be generated during ICAST week. Anglers across the U.S. are invited to enter the month-long ASA/Keep America Fishing Tournament, produced by Fishing Chaos, to generate funds in support of Keep America Fishing. Individuals and teams can join the tournament from anywhere by downloading the app and recording their catches.

Launched in 2021, the Keep America Fishing Online Auction gives anglers everywhere an opportunity to bid on – and hopefully win – the latest in fishing tackle, gear, accessories and more including items entered into the 2022 New Product Showcase. The auction runs from September 26 – 30 with all proceeds benefiting Keep America Fishing. The auction runs from September 26 – 30 with all proceeds benefiting Keep America Fishing.

Navigate the ICAST Show with the ICAST App
Loaded with helpful features, the ICAST mobile app, sponsored by ANYTHINGPossible, is a one-stop shop for maps, event schedules, booth locations and exhibitor listings. Available on both Android and Apple devices, the app is a convenient digital companion to keep a busy week organized.

Keeping Up with ICAST
ICAST can be found on social media at: Facebook – @icastfishing – Instagram – @icastshow and Twitter – @ICASTshow. When posting, use hashtags: #ICAST2022 #ICASTshow #ICAST.

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?