ICAST 2019 Launches With an Event-Filled “Super Tuesday”

Orlando, FL – ICAST, the premier annual event for the global recreational fishing industry, launched yesterday with Super Tuesday, an activity-filled day that featured On the Water product demos, the FLW ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, Florida Sportsman’s Bass and Birdies Classic and the New Product Showcase Preview Reception.

ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). ASA is a national, non-profit trade association made up of more than 800 members who share a stake in promoting sportfishing for the well-being of our businesses and as part of our national heritage.

ICAST 2019 is now in full swing through Friday, July 12. This morning marked the opening of the exhibit hall inside the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) North/South Building for 653 exhibitors from around the globe.

Super Tuesday Product Demos – On the Water
Yesterday’s featured event was On the Water. Sponsored by Lowrance, the event was held on five acres of water and open space outside the OCCC’s North Building. Buyers and Media Editorial badge holders gained hands-on experience while testing the latest tackle, gear, electronics, kayaks, SUPs and even bass boats. On the Water included food, fishing, boating and beverages, provided by Nissan.

“This was the biggest year ever for On the Water, and the first year we had bass boats along with the non-powered watercraft,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership. “We thank Lowrance for their sponsorship. We are grateful to all of the generous sponsors and partners that help make ICAST our industry’s top event.”

Super Tuesday Tournament Results
Earlier in the day, teams competed in the FLW ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament at nearby Lake Toho Marina. The overall winners, John Carman, Peter Thliveros and Matthew Mattingly of the Lew’s Fishing Team, took home the ICAST Cup. The Lew’s team is notable as the first back-to-back winner in ICAST Cup history.

Tuesday morning also marked the return of the Florida Sportsman’s Bass and Birdies Classic at Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club. Competing teams mixed golf with fishing in the course’s water hazards, which proved to be full of lunker largemouths. Top finishers were Paul Cross, Laura Darner, Steve Step and Drew Gregory.

All proceeds from both tournaments benefit Keep America Fishing, the sportfishing industry’s grass roots advocacy program for our nation’s 49 million anglers.

“The camaraderie that’s developed over the past several years makes the event almost a homecoming for our returning participants,” said Dave Washburn, FLW’s vice president of Operations. “And the proceeds support the industry’s angler advocacy efforts through the Keep American Fishing program. Everyone wins.”

New Product Showcase Preview Reception
Super Tuesday concluded with the evening’s New Product Showcase Preview Reception at the Orange County Convention Center. The New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer/Decode, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place.

For ICAST 2019, ­­­­­­1,004 new products were entered by 303 companies. All New Product Showcase entries are available for viewing on the ICAST website and on the ICAST app available for Apple and Android devices.

During the Preview Reception, registered Buyers and Media Editorial badge holders began the voting process for 29 “Best of Category” awards.

The ICAST 2019 New Product Showcase “Best of Category” winners will be announced during the Wednesday night New Product Showcase Awards Reception, sponsored by SiOnyx, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the OCCC.

Buyers and media will then head to the New Product Showcase on Thursday morning between 9:00 a.m. and noon to vote for the “Best of Show.”

The ICAST 2019 overall “Best of Show” award will be announced at 2:00 p.m. in the New Product Showcase. All badged show attendees are invited to attend.

Thanks To Our 2019 Sponsors for Their Support

Gold: Columbia Sportswear, Crocodile Bay Resort, Engel Coolers, Fishing Tackle Retailer/Decode, FLW, Lowrance, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), SiOnyx and Visit Orlando.
Silver: Bonnier Corporation, FishAnywhere.com, Huk Performance Fishing, LIVETARGET Lures, Mossy Oak and Yakima Products
Bronze: Classic Fishing Products