ICAST, the World’s Largest Fishing Gear Show, Returns to Orlando

Reunion Island feels good.
You have to forgive a lot of fishermen who started singing catchy choruses to the Peaches & Herb song “Reunion” in July.
This year’s International Sport Fishing Trade Convention (ICAST), the world’s largest sport fishing trade fair, celebrates its return to a face-to-face convention in Orlando after being virtualized in 2020 due to a coronavirus pandemic. ..
It is no exaggeration to say that industry leaders and manufacturers are enthusiastic. In the world of fishing gear, it’s like someone postponing Christmas.
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ICAST connects buyers and sellers with manufacturers of everything in the fishing industry including rods, reels, hooks, lines, coolers and kayaks, clothing, electronics, accessories , sunglasses, gadgets and gadgets.
Annual conference American Sport Fishing AssociationTo be held at the Orange County Convention Center July 20-23.
âIt is no exaggeration to overstate the value of seeing and trying a product in real time,â said Glenn Hughes, president of ASA. âIn these environments, we build relationships, share ideas and work together to improve the industry. “
Some of the figures expected for the next show of the year:
- 1,300 bought
- 500 independent retailers
- 200 wholesalers
- Represented by 42 States
- Represented by 14 countries
The floor of the convention center is lively. Millions of dollars in sales are negotiated. In addition to the latest innovations in the fishing industry, arrangements are made to bring your favorite brands that anglers trust and love to bait and tackle stores in your neighborhood or at your home. big favorite outdoor retailers.
The highlight of the annual ICAST is Showcase of new products. Over 1,000 new products from over 300 companies are on display in 30 categories.
Media and buyers can visit the storefront within the first 24 hours and vote for the best and best products for the fishery. During this period, exhibitors and company representatives are not allowed in the showcase. One product was selected as the âBest in Showâ at the awards ceremony on the second night of the conference.

While winning an award doesn’t always lead to sales, manufacturers can usually make a good impression on social media with influencers and industry representatives.
Carrie Graves, vice president of sales for reel maker Yamato, said, âConsidering everything I’ve been through over the past year, this is a great place to get together with customers, friends and representatives of the sport fishing industry at ICAST. No opportunity. 2021. â
The blue economy has benefited from the coronavirus pandemic
The entertainment fishing industry is well located. The pandemic has stagnated in several sectors of the US and global economies, but recreational fishing has actually benefited. People cured cabin fever by spending more time outdoors, on and around the water.
The maritime economy contributed $ 397 billion to gross domestic product in 2019. Report published on June 8 Through US Department of Commerce And that The National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationThe so-called âblueâ economy has grown 4.2% faster than the 2.2% growth recorded by the country’s economy as a whole.
Tourism, recreation and recreational fishing are the largest segments, amounting to $ 235 billion. Florida alone has over 2,200 miles of tidal coastline and 7,500 lakes and rivers. Recreational fishing contributes $ 13.8 billion to the economy..
Technology, social media, disposable plastic solutions
I will be attending ICAST for the first time since 2017. I can’t wait to walk the aisles of the convention to see what the hundreds of exhibitors are offering.
What I love most is seeing how technology makes fishing a better experience for fishermen. Thanks to today’s electronics, the ’90s look like equipment from the Stone Age. The reels are made of lighter and more efficient materials, which makes them more durable. The rod is stronger and lighter. The lure is more realistic.
One of the issues facing business leaders today is disposable plastic waste. I’m interested to see what companies are doing to reduce packaging and develop products that are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.
I’m also curious how the explosive growth of social media is used to promote and market products, and what are the craziest lures a company has created. I’ve seen ducks, mice, and even spider-like decoys so I’m wondering what’s next.
Will any of these new lures, rods and reels, sunglasses, electronics or gadgets help you catch more fish? Many of you already know the answer to this question.
Ed killer Outside Editor TCPalm. Sign up for him and other weekly newsletters profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manageTo interact with Ed, befriend him on the following Facebook page. Ed killerFollow him on twitter @tcpalmekiller You can also send an email to [email protected]
ICAST, the World’s Largest Fishing Gear Show, Returns to Orlando