ICAST, or the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, is fishing’s largest trade show. In 2025, it takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from July 14 to 18. The show always seems to fall on the third week of July, even if the first week is just a day or two. Inside the exhibit hall, and the retention ponds outside it, manufacturers from across the globe show off the latest in fishing gear, tackle, and electronics.
“This [past] year’s growth in attendance paid dividends for retailers and buyers who got to peruse the product offerings of more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and 635 exhibitors,” says Rob Shane, of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). “In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors, there were 950 different brands showcased at ICAST.”
The ASA is the organization that produces ICAST each year. Attendance is limited to members of the fishing industry, including manufacturers’ representatives, custom tackle builders, retailers, industry representatives, pro-staff, and members of the outdoor media. So although the public is not invited to the show, fishing media such as Wired2fish is still able to report on the latest tackle from the show floor, offering a glimpse of what’s available in fall and early 2026.
For many, ICAST serves as a homecoming of sorts. I look forward to the event every year as much for the camaraderie as the new gear. It gives members of the fishing industry a chance to meet face to face with old friends, and make some new ones. The fishing industry itself is not too large — folks recognize each other even if they haven’t talked much throughout the year. And, of course, at the show there are plenty of networking opportunities.
“When it comes to growing your business and staying competitive, your network is everything,” says ASA VP, Member Services and Business Development Kenda Allman. “There’s no better place to expand your network than ICAST.”
I also look forward to sharing all the innovative new products with the Wired2fish community. We will be bringing you both written and video content, so you won’t miss a thing. If there’s a new bait, rod, reel, piece of electronics, or accessory that you need to know about, we’ll have you covered. Check for updates on our website and social media channels throughout the show.
Schedule of Events at ICAST
Tuesday, July 15 is the On The Water Product Demo Day. Here, attendees can test out the newest rods, reels and lures along a shoreline. They may also have the opportunity to take a kayak, standup paddle board (SUP), inflatable or other small craft on the water. The small testing pond has been utilized to demonstrate new tackle, trolling motors, kayaks and sonar tech in past years. I really enjoy the hands on nature of demo day; it provides the best chance to get a feel for some of the new stuff before it hits the market. Thankfully, it’s not an all-day event, as Orlando afternoons in the summer heat are harsh.
Retailers and members of the media participate in the New Product Showcase preview on Tuesday evening. The New Product Showcase is where manufacturers unveil their latest innovations in fishing tackle, gear, apparel, and accessories. This anticipated event offers attendees, especially buyers and media, a first look at new products hitting the market. It’s also a competition where products vie for “Best of Category” and the coveted “Best of Show” awards, voted on by credentialed buyers and media. Voting continue into the following day, but all category winners are announced Wednesday evening at a reception.
“The New Product Showcase reception is the first look attendees get at every product entered in the ICAST Best of Category Awards,” says ASA Trade Show Vice President Blake Swango. “It’s not only a chance to see new products, most of them for the first time, but also an opportunity to vote in the awards and plan which exhibitors you might want to go see throughout the week.”
The show floor is open to all attendees Wednesday through Friday, with the last day a shortened session. The hall is buzzing with activity for all three days. “Rods are cast. Reels are reeled. Baits are demonstrated,” says Joe Albanese, editor in chief of Wired2fish. “Manufacturers show their line up to interested buyers. Members of the media do their best to capture all of the new products, as well the excitement.”
ICAST truly is an industry barometer. The showcase serves as a powerful indicator of where the sportfishing industry is headed in terms of tech, design, advancement, and angler preferences. Expect the show floor to be packed all week, with likely too many options to truly cover everything.
US Takeover from Overseas
Another high point of ICAST is the international companies that bring their latest and greatest to our shores. And tariffs, or the threat of tariffs, has not dampened excitement from Asia and Europe, according to the ASA. It’s no secret that a number of products that American anglers love come from the Japanese Domestic Market, also known as JDM. This trade show allows retailers to see these items in person. Likewise, there are a number of excellent tackle manufacturers from Australia and Europe that showcase innovative rods, reels, baits, and terminal tackle.
About the American Sportfishing Association
Now in its 68th year, ICAST is put on by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The ASA has advocated for the recreational fishing community and industry for more than 90 years. Founded in 1933, its primary mission is to represent and advocate the interests of the entire sportfishing community, from manufacturers and retailers to anglers and conservation groups. The ASA is heavily involved in fisheries conservation. They help direct funds generated through excise taxes on fishing gear and boat fuel to state fish-and-wildlife agencies for projects that benefit fish populations, habitat, and anglers.
