The World’s Largest Sportfishing Trade Show Once Again Lives Up to Its Reputation
Jul 16th, 2017 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jul 16th, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Orange County Convention Center – July 14, 2017 – From exhibitors to buyers to media, representatives from the domestic and international recreational fishing and boating community converged on the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., July 11-14, for the 60th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST. Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry’s trade association, ICAST is the ultimate showcase for the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel.
ICAST, along with the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and the Marine Accessories Pavilion, encompassed a vast section of the West Building. ICAST hosted 582 exhibitors in 1982 booths covering almost 200,000 square feet of the show floor. There were close to 15,000 people registered for the show, including 1,156 people from 73 countries, which translates into a significant opportunity to do business.
“Business opportunities abound at ICAST,” said Trade Show Director Blake Swango. “By partnering a second year with the National Marine Manufacturers Association on the Marine Accessories Pavilion, we expanded the show’s reach into the boating retail and media audiences. Combined with our ongoing co-location with the fly fishing industry and IFTD, we really do offer everything that enhances the fishing and boating experience, under one roof.”
“Inherently, this show is about showcasing the gear, apparel and accessories that help to make a day on the water both exciting and rewarding. And we’re planning on doing things even bigger and better in 2018 when the show returns to Orlando from July 10-13.”
ICAST 2018 Moves to the North/South Building
For the first time since 2013, ICAST will move from the West Building to a new location in the Orange County Convention Center complex. From July 10 – 13, ICAST 2018 and IFTD will be held in the North/South Building, across the street from the West Building.
The North/South Building is the newer of the OCCC structures. One of the best features about this move is that ICAST On the Water will be located directly outside the North Building which is a great advantage for this growing Tuesday event.
“ICAST is a great show and 2017 really is bigger and better than ever,” said Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing, Inc., and ASA’s board of directors chairman. “We are really looking forward to the move and bringing the show and On the Water together in one location. Mark your calendars now for the most important and exciting recreational fishing show in the world.”
ICAST Super Tuesday
On the Water product demonstrations, held on the OCCC grounds, sponsored by GoPro and Nissan, was an excellent venue for buyers and media to check out and demo exhibitors’ gear, tackle and accessories and where one lucky buyer won a Karma Hero5 GoPro drone.
The ICAST Cup – Industry Bass Fishing Tournament, sponsored by FLW, paired professional anglers with media representatives and other industry professionals. It was held on Lake Toho, in Kissimmee, Fla. Congratulations to USA Bassin’ Team of Richard Patterson, Dave Smith and Glen Cabezas for winning this year’s event.
Florida Sportsman’s Bass & Birdies, the fourth, annual golf/fishing tournament, was also held on Tuesday. Congratulations to Max Carter, Erick Thomas and Jimmy Murphy for winning the 2017 Bass & Birdies Classic.
These events gave buyers and media additional opportunities to try out product and network with industry representatives. The proceeds from these events support Keep America Fishing, ASA’s angler advocacy program.
The State of the Industry Breakfast
During this sold-out event, more than 600 industry representatives heard about how the new administration is supporting expanding recreational fishing opportunities in both freshwater and saltwater which is very encouraging to our industry. This comes at a time when the fishing industry, state agencies and other organizations, with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s leadership, are implementing programs and expanding staff to attract new people into our sport, and keep them in our sport. Industry members can go to ASAfishing.org/60in60 for materials and tools.
Breakfast keynote speaker, Jay Baer, president, Convince&Convert, and social media strategist and content marketing expert, talked about how to take good marketing and customer experience and make it great.
ASA Board of Directors Chairman Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing, and ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman both thanked Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Brian Yablonski and Director Nick Wiley and the other commissioners for attending the show and all the support they are providing for our ASA’s efforts to help keep Florida fishing.
State Senate President Joe Negron addressed the breakfast attendees about how important recreational fishing is to Florida. Also attending were Florida State House representatives Mark Miller and Matt Caldwell.
Gov. Scott meets with SeaQualizer staff Ryan Brown and Jeffrey Leiderman, inventor, about the FishSmart device.
Governor Rick Scott Visits ICAST
For the fourth year, Governor Rick Scott visited ICAST on Thursday afternoon, July 13. According to his staff, this is the only trade show he visits on an annual basis. He enjoys connecting with all our members and checking in with member exhibitors who are based in Florida.
“There are 100,000 fishing related jobs tied to a $2 billion impact on our state’s economy,” said Governor Scott. “I love going fishing and I’m now getting my grandson involved.”
ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman accepts a contribution from AFTCO President Bill Shedd.
ASA Receives a Special Contribution
On Thursday afternoon, long-time ASA member and exhibitor Bill Shedd, president, AFTCO, presented a check to ASA and several other conservation organizations, to assist ASA in all its efforts to help ensure fishing’s future.
Shedd said fisheries conservation, particularly marine fisheries, is very important to him and his company and that ICAST presented an opportunity to show that commitment. Each year, more than ten percent of his company’s profits are contributed to conservation.
2017 ICAST Show Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its generous members who signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2017 sponsors are:
Gold – Columbia Sportswear; Crocodile Bay Resort; Costa; Fishing Tackle Retailer; Florida Sportsmen; FLW, LLC; GoPro; Nissan Commercial Vehicles; Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Visit Orlando.
Silver – Bonnier Corporation; Heybo Outdoors; Huk Performance Fishing; Kid Casters; LIVETARGET Lures; Mojo Sportswear Company; Mossy Oak; Outdoor Sportsman Group; Pure Fishing and Sportsman Protein Shake.
Bronze – H2Outdoors Clothing Company; Sunsect; XTRATUF and ZXCHEM/Headstream Tackle.
Best of Show Awards
BOTE’s Rover was voted by buyers and media as the best product in both the Boat Accessories category and the overall “Best of Show.”
The ICAST 2017 “Best of Show” awards, sponsored by Costa, were presented on Wednesday, July 12, during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception at the Orange County Convention Center.
2017 ICAST New Product Showcase Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners’ contacts listed below.
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ICAST 2017 Overall Best of Show – Bote
Product: Rover
Media Contact: Will Morgan [email protected]
Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Yeti Coolers
Product: LoadOut Bucket
Media Contact: Lauren Phillips [email protected]
Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Bote
Product: Rover
Media Contact: Will Morgan [email protected]
Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa
Product: The Sunrise Mirror Lens
Media Contact: Matt Aboussie [email protected]
Best of Category – Footwear – Huk Performance Fishing
Product: Attack
Media Contact: Chris Ellis [email protected]
Best of Category – Giftware – The Catch and Release Print Shop
Product: Fish Prints – Actual Size
Media Contact: Michael Emerson [email protected]
Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel – Frogg Toggs
Product: Prym1 Series Pilot II Jacket & Bibs
Media Contact: Scott Brandon [email protected]
Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Frogg Toggs
Product: Sierran Transition Wader
Media Contact: Scott Brandon [email protected]
Best of Category – Electronics – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product: SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS
Media Contact: Ryan Chuckel [email protected]
Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – YETI Coolers
Product: Panga Duffel
Media Contact: Lauren Phillips [email protected]
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Simms Fishing Products
Product: G3 Guide™ Stockingfoot Wader
Media Contact: John Frazier [email protected]
Best of Category – Fishing Line – Pure Fishing Inc.
Product: Berkley Fireline Ultra 8
Media Contact: Megan Friedman [email protected]
Best of Category – FishSmart – Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle
Product: 2017 Flounder Sample Pack
Media Contact: Nickie Kiefer [email protected]
Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – 13 Fishing
Product: Ambition Combo
Media Contact: Jose Chavez [email protected]
Best of Category – Tackle Management – Daiwa Corporation
Product: Tactical Backpack
Media Contact: Curt Arakawa [email protected]
Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Trapper Tackle
Product: Trapper Round Bend Treble
Media Contact: Vince Hurtado [email protected]
Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – Okuma Fishing Tackle Corp.
Product: Savage Gear 3D Topwater Bat
Media Contact: Dave Brown [email protected]
Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – Rapala
Product: X-Rap Magnum 40
Media Contact: Bob Ringer [email protected]
Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – Lunkerhunt LP
Product: Prop Series
Media Contact: Jesse Bleeman [email protected]
Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: LIVETARGET Hollow Body Mullet
Media Contact: Gary Abernethy [email protected]
Best of Category – Fly Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Pflueger Supreme QRS Fly Reel
Media Contact: Megan Friedman [email protected]
Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano American Corp.
Product: Curado K Baitcasting Reels
Media Contact: John Mazurkiewicz [email protected]
Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Shimano American Corp.
Product: Sustain Reels C4000/5000
Media Contact: John Mazurkiewicz [email protected]
Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Lew’s Fishing Tackle
Product: Mach Crush Speed Spool Combo
Media Contact: Gary Dollahon [email protected]
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – G. Loomis, Inc.
Product: IMX-Pro Fly Rod
Media Contact: John Mazurkiewicz [email protected]
Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – 13 Fishing
Product: Fate Black
Media Contact: Jose Chavez [email protected]
Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix Rods
Product: Legend Tournament Inshore
Media Contact: Dena Vick [email protected]
First Runners-Up
First Runner-Up – Boating Accessories – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product: Talon Shallow Water Anchor – 15 ft
Media Contact: Ryan Chuckel [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Boats and Watercraft – Live Watersports
Product: Live L4Expedition – Realtree Edition
Media Contact: John Cleckner [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Eyewear – Maui Jim Sunglasses
Product: Kanaio Coast Style #766
Media Contact: Stephanie Proos [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Footwear – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Challenger Mid Boat Shoe – Waterproof
Media Contact: John Frazier [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Giftware – L’il Sucker Products, Inc.
Product: Insulator
Media Contact: William Kelly [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Lifestyle Apparel – Simms Fishing Products
Product: SolarFlex® Armor Shirt
Media Contact: John Frazier [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Technical Apparel – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Contender Insulated Jacket
Media Contact: John Frazier [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Electronics – Lowrance-Navico
Product: Lowrance HDS Carbon 16
Media Contact: Andrew Golden [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Fishing Accessory – Rapala
Product: Mag Spring Pliers
Media Contact: Bob Ringer [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Fly Fishing Accessory – Phoenix Inventors, LLC
Product: The SimpliFLY
Media Contact: Ken Lewis [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Fishing Line – Rapala
Product: Sufix 832 – Coastal Camo
Media Contact: Bob Ringer [email protected]
First Runner-Up – FishSmart – Adventure Products, Inc.
Product: EGO Kryptek S2 Slider Landing Net – Medium Clear Rubber
Media Contact: Grant Corbett [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Kids’ Tackle – Anything Possible
Product: Steinhauser Tangle-FREE Pocket Combo
Media Contact: Ralph Duda [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy
Product: KVD Signature Bag
Media Contact: Angelica Vasquez [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Terminal Tackle – American Tackle Company
Product: JIGSKINZ “ProSkinz Color Series”
Media Contact: Darrin Heim [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Freshwater Hard Lure – Rapala
Product: RipStop
Media Contact: Bob Ringer [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Saltwater Hard Lure – Yo-Zuri America, Inc.
Product: Hydro Minnow LC
Media Contact: Ray Gardner [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Freshwater Soft Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: BaitBall Spinner Rig
Media Contact: Gary Abernethy [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Saltwater Soft Lure – Chasebaits Australia
Product: Smash Crab JNR
Media Contact: Clay Sherriff [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Fly Reel – Zebco Brands
Product: Van Staal VFHD 8-10-12 Wt
Media Contact: Alan McGuckin [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Freshwater Reel – 13 Fishing
Product: Concept Z
Media Contact: Jose Chavez [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing
Product: PENN International VI – 50VISW
Media Contact: Megan Friedman [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Rod & Reel Combo – 13 Fishing
Product: Fate Black and Origin FB Reel
Media Contact: Jose Chavez [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Fly Fishing Rod – St. Croix Rods
Product: Imperial USA
Media Contact: Dena Vick [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Freshwater Rod – G. Loomis, Inc.
Product: CONQUEST Bass Rods
Media Contact: John Mazurkiewicz [email protected]
First Runner-Up – Saltwater Rod – Lew’s Fishing Tackle
Product: Tournament Performance TP1 Inshore
Media Contact: Gary Dollahon [email protected]