ICAST to include fly fishing area in 2023

The ICAST trade show is to include a new fly fishing area in 2023. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), which produces ICAST, will also include six fly fishing categories in the show’s New Product Showcase.

The announcement comes just weeks after the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) said that it will not be running a trade show next year, a decision that is likely to be long term.

An ASA statement says: “As the overall recreational fishing industry evolves domestically and internationally, now is the perfect opportunity for companies related to fly fishing to expand their reach in the general market. ICAST is the venue to help them do just that.

“Our goal is to represent the entire recreational fishing community and fly fishing plays a key role in reaching a specific audience of anglers.”

ICAST Fly Fishing will be located on the show’s main 20-foot aisle reserved for fly fishing-specific exhibitors. In addition, the traditional ICASTing Pond will be side-by-side with a newly-installed FLYCASTing Pond and next to the New Product Showcase.

AFFTA’s International Fly Tackle Dealer show (IFTD) co-located with ICAST for six years in Las Vegas and Orlando before deciding to go it alone in Denver (2019) and Salt Lake City (2022) for the last two events.

“Over the decades, the fly fishing industry has always had a place at ICAST,” said Blake Swango, VP Trade Show and Membership at the ASA. “Many companies who produce fly fishing tackle, apparel and accessories are long-time ICAST exhibitors.

“We know we can do more to enhance the fly fishing experience at ICAST for the fly fishing sector, as well as buyers and media.”

Fly fishing categories in the New Product Showcase will include rods, reels, waders and wading boots, lines, leaders, tippet and liner accessories, packs, bags and luggage, and technical apparel and accessories.

Winners of these categories will be announced during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception along with all the other category winners.