How ICAST opens up ‘unreachable’ new territories for global suppliers

One of Australia’s premier lure manufacturers has been making the 22,000-mile round trip from its home in Freemantle, Australia, to the U.S. for the last 18 years to attend ICAST – the world’s largest fishing tackle trade show.

And during that time Halco says that it has added countries to its export roster that has made the annual marathon pilgrimage more than worthwhile.

Tim Carter, Halco’s Global Sales and Account Manager, told Angling International: “Over the years we have added a number of countries to our worldwide reach as a result of attending ICAST. This includes Mexico, Panama, Chile and a number of others that we would never have been able to reach otherwise.

“There is no doubt that ICAST has given Halco the ability to spread its reach globally as the attendance list of dealers attending the show is not restricted solely to visitors from the States.

“We have enjoyed some success building the Halco brand in the U.S. through attending ICAST, but there is still a long way to go. Building a brand there as an overseas company takes time and patience and the show is an integral part of that.”

Carter adds that a company looking to increase its business globally should seriously think about attending the show. “Get there and take part – it is as simple as that. There is no point talking about it.”

In a year that has seen many challenges for businesses globally, Carter said that 2025 proved to be a steady year for Halco and he is optimistic that 2026 will see uplift in performance. “It is looking better than the previous 12 months. I believe the US economy will continue to improve as interest rates fall and economic decisions take effect.”

Why ICAST is the ‘ultimate’ networking venue

ICAST is the ultimate place to network and find out what is happening in the world of fishing. If you are a serious player in the industry it is a must-do event.

That is the view of Billy Parsons (below), General Manager of Australia-based, Gillies, a supplier of lures and other items that include apparel, fly products and life jackets. He told Angling International: “ICAST is always a great place to meet current customers and suppliers as well as new ones.

“Many deals over the years have been done at ICAST and there has never been a show where some type of unexpected deal has not presented itself. The American suppliers are often insular during the year and it’s often the face-to-face contact that creates an opportunity.

“ICAST will always be the biggest and best show globally. The investment by brands both large and small – as well as the support from the state of Florida – ensures that its future is strong. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) does a wonderful job in organising an event rather than just a trade show.”

Parsons added that Gillies conducts up to 30 meetings over the duration of ICAST. “In any given year you will find five to ten Australian businesses either exhibiting or buying at the show and given that it’s a 24-hour trek to get to the East Coast from Australia, that’s a strong representation which is supported by the ASA and the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA).”

Gillies products – including the world famous Tassie Devil brand – are distributed in the US through PRADCO-Fishing. They have been on the market there for over 20 years and have shelf space with all major retailers in areas with great freshwater fishing.

Turning to domestic matters, Parsons added that despite regional obstacles including the weather, algae outbreaks and new fishing regulations coming into place, which were together expected to slow sales, Australians again showed their resilience and fishing performed above expectations in 2025.

“We are always optimistic and set ourselves up to grow and then adapt on the run. It can be a mad scramble between the end of ICAST and the start of our AFTA Show in Australia. However, this year we have a little breathing space.

“New product are always important and we try to find something new and innovative to bring back from ICAST and show at AFTA.”