Pure Fishing may not be at ICAST, but 150 new exhibitors will be

Its been a whirlwind year for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) with an incoming US President ruffling global feathers with the controversial introduction of tariffs, the world’s largest tackle company opting out of ICAST and ASA losing its highly rated show director.

In an exclusive interview with Angling International, ASA President Glenn Hughes gives his take on the issues facing the representative body for the trade.

Angling International: Is it correct to say that, despite Pure Fishing deciding to move resources this year and invest in their showroom, ICAST is on track to match its 2024 footprint?
GH: Yes! While we wish Pure Fishing the best with its investment in its Charleston showroom, we are happy to report that we have replaced its booth space and brought in 150 new exhibitors so far in 2025.

What does that tell us about the strength of ICAST?
The exhibit space is nearly sold out and ICAST 2025 is outpacing 2024’s attendance and retailer registrations. ICAST is still the place to be if you’re doing business in the sportfishing industry and early registration proves it. Nowhere else can exhibitors put their products in front of more buyers than at ICAST, which makes the show more efficient and effective than any other event. Exhibitors participating in the New Product Showcase have the chance to win ‘Best In Show’ for 41 categories of products based on voting by retailers and media. They are held in high regards in the fishing industry; and each award is up for grabs! Taking home that title has transformed companies and boosted sales, and we don’t expect this year to be any different.

Is it also an evolving show? It feels it has evolved from being an order writing show to a media show to being more focused on networking and socialising, whether you are placing orders or not.
The core answer is that ICAST is owned by the ASA members, and it is our job to provide our members with more value and a solid return on their investment each year. We are always looking for new ways to make ICAST a more exciting and valuable event for our members and attendees, but at the end of the day it’s still the best opportunity for manufacturers to get their products in front of the largest audience of retailers and the media in the world. That said, it’s a different time and the definition of ‘media’ and ‘retail’ has changed. Social media apps, streaming platforms and online publications have created a way to bring ICAST to life around the U.S. and all over the world in a way traditional print media and scripted television never could, delivering near instant reports from the show floor on the latest products, people, companies and awards. So much happens online these days, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, that companies and our members are making a lot of investment in reaching new customers through these channels. It’s our job as a show to provide the best experience possible and meet the current demand, not just from those inside the building but also everyone at home.

You also have an opportunity for a refresh following the departure of Show Director Blake Swango. What is the situation with that?
The ICAST brand is stronger than ever and a lot of that can be credited to Blake Swango. We’ll miss him around the office but he’s still a friend and neighbour and available for the occasional ale. The entire industry owes him a debt of gratitude for his many years of leading the show and membership. We know he’ll do great things in his new role and wish him the best. Of course, behind every great leader is an excellent team that makes ICAST run smoothly all year long. We’ve promoted Larkin Jacobs to Trade Show Director and Maggie Yates to Trade Show and Membership Manager for their many years of successfully managing the day-to-day of the show. Frankly, Blake couldn’t have done it without them, our trade show committee and the entire ASA staff who work hard all year to support all the aspects of the show. Because of our proven systems in place and core group of solid vendors, the show continues like clockwork. The interview process for the position has given us an opportunity to reset, learn and listen to programmes and ideas that are successful in other shows. We are confident that a fresh pair of eyes with a unique experience will enhance the show even more. We’ve got new things planned for this year and we’re already tossing around ideas for 2026.

Both yourself and Pure Fishing have said that PF is still very supportive of ASA. How does PF use its size and influence to boost the ASA’s work? 
Pure Fishing is still a valued member of the American Sportfishing Association, and we appreciate that partnership. It is committed to conservation and fishing participation and will continue to play a role in the efforts of the industry to safeguard clean water, abundant fisheries and access to both.

We can’t not talk about tariffs. As a representative body of a trade that imports from China and sells to Canada, what is the biggest challenge for the ASA right now?
The biggest challenge is just keeping up with what’s happening. It is all moving at such a lightning pace and we’re doing our best to keep our members up to date on an almost daily basis with news coming out of the White House. In addition to regular email updates, we also created a Trade and Commerce hub on our website with important details on tariffs and their impact on the industry. We have also partnered with one of the leading trade firms in Washington, D.C. to help us navigate the intricacies of trade and tariff impacts on our members and they’ll be speaking on tariffs at one of the Lunch and Learn session at ICAST this July. There are concerns within the industry about where everything will land. Manufacturers and retailers are trying to adequately account for price changes and how consumers will respond to these changes – a lot of things can, and already have, changed. We have great stories to tell about what the fishing industry provides in America. Our industry contributes $230 billion to the economy, supports 1.1 million jobs and contributes $2 billion to fisheries conservation each year. Fishing is also great for mental and physical health, brings families and friends together, and creates lifelong memories of time spent outdoors for 57.7 million American anglers.

We have a global readership, of course, so feel free to add any message you would like to convey about the ASA’s work and the opportunities offered by ICAST for making trade connections in the USA.  
We have countless stories of companies flourishing after they get in front of the right person on the showfloor at ICAST. Despite the ease of connection online, there’s no replacing the feeling of a rod or reel in your hands or having access to owners, investors and decision makers at more than 600 companies manufacturing the most innovative fishing tackle in the world. The U.S. is the largest market for recreational fishing and ICAST is the largest gathering of fishing retailers and manufacturers at a single location. It is the place to be if you’re looking to get your foot in the door here.