The fishing community is defined by a collection of diverse people, stories, and brands that all contribute to growing our sport and shaping the future of our passion. However, besides late-night campfires and beers at the boat ramp, there aren’t many opportunities to get together with our angling colleagues to talk shop. Thankfully, our industry is lucky enough to have the ICAST trade show in Orlando this July 16-19th. We couldn’t be more excited to attend, and we hope you’re there too.
ICAST, produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) for the past 67 years, is the world’s largest fishing trade show and is the place to be for anyone working in fly fishing. Over the course of four days, tens of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, and media companies from around the world and across the fishing industry gather to grow their businesses, expand their networks, discover new opportunities, and connect with the who’s who of the fishing community. Fly fishing at this year’s event will be bigger than ever, as ICAST has expanded the show’s new product showcase to include ten fly fishing gear and equipment categories and even more floor space for exhibitors and the signature ICAST Fly Shop.
Reason 1 – The ICAST Fly Shop
The ICAST Fly Shop is unlike anything else we’ve ever seen. Thanks to this uniquely crafted fly shop-esque activation, we’ve now got an area to trade fish tales with professionals from all corners of the industry, explore new product offerings courtesy of our favorite brands, and watch expert fly tyers demonstrate their art. Oh yeah, and after casting the latest rods in the FlyCASTing casting pond, we’ll be relaxing in the dedicated lounge area waiting to connect with you over a beer or two.
Pro tip: take a break from networking to fine-tune your casting with some help from the volunteer guides.
Reason 2 – Let’s Do Business
At ICAST, your brand isn’t just another booth in a sea of logos; it’s a story waiting to be told. And don’t worry, ICAST isn’t a typical trade show – it’s where pros like you gather to forge real connections with anglers who live and breathe the sport. Picture this: sharing stories with seasoned guides, swapping tips with industry insiders, and getting firsthand feedback from passionate fishermen. It’s the kind of environment where authenticity reigns supreme and where your brand can truly find its voice. Here, it’s not about flashy pitches or empty promises; it’s about showing up, being genuine, and letting your passion for fly fishing speak for itself.
Reason 3 – Discover New Opportunity
Get inspired for your next product launch, or find that new product your customers won’t be able to live without when you attend ICAST this July. Popular fishing brands from Australia, Japan, and multiple European countries will be in Orlando showcasing their latest offerings, and you’ll have access to them before anyone else. ICAST is a relatively new space for fly fishing brands, so endless opportunities exist for forging new relationships with the broader fishing community. Just think, a new fly fishing product in collaboration with Garmin USA, Under Armour, or Xtratuf…? The possibilities are endless.
Reason 4 – The New Product Showcase
ICAST is the home of fishing innovation, and the New Product Showcase offers companies of all sizes the opportunity to win the industry’s most prestigious product awards. If you’ve developed a piece of game-changing fly fishing gear, this is the place to debut it—who knows, you might just have a shot at being the next big thing. Past winners include the Hardy Marksman Z rod, Cheeky Fishing’s Spray fly reels, and the BUZBE Colony 8 Thin Modular Tackle Box.
Reason 5 – Expand Our Networks
ICAST knows what it means to make a living from fly fishing. They put on this event for anglers like us to come together from every corner of the globe. It’s not about exchanging business cards or nodding through rehearsed elevator pitches; it’s about diving headfirst into genuine conversations about legendary salmon-fly hatches and tying tips for articulated streamers. At ICAST, you’ll meet the world’s best guides, the most influential brands, and everyone in between – all of whom share our passion for getting out on the water. So, if you’re ready to dive into a community as deep and diverse as the rivers we fish, ICAST is where you need to be.
Reason 6 – Learn From Experts
ICAST is more than just a trade show – it’s the home of fishing. Professionals and industry representatives from all corners of the world convene under one roof in a display of passion for our sport. In addition to showcasing new products and growing customer bases, this is also a time to learn from experts engaged in other aspects of the sport. This year’s ICAST event will feature representatives from leading conservation organizations and state agencies, including the Coastal Conservation Association and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, among many others. From legislative policy and conservation to sustainability and better business practices, there’s a conversation for everyone.
Reason 7 – Support Our Sport
ICAST serves as a vital platform for giving fishing a unified voice in advocacy, and ASA is dedicated to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries and the entire fishing community. In an era marked by the pressing issues surrounding climate change, conservation, and access, the collective voice of anglers is more crucial than ever. Events like ICAST provide a rare chance for industry stakeholders to collaborate and work towards a brighter future for fishing, ensuring that the sport thrives for generations to come.
So whether you plan to exhibit your brand’s innovative new product or simply attend for the networking, ICAST is the premier destination for anyone that serves the angling audience – register here today, and we’ll see you in Orlando.
