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For nearly seven decades, ICAST, along with its predecessors, has been the largest annual event in the sportfishing industry.
Imagine six football stadiums full of fishing tackle and multiple city blocks bristling with anglers for nearly a week. Last year, attendees from 75 nations totaling almost 13,000 individuals gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the industry’s most important buying event.
And while nearly 70 years of tradition has cemented ICAST as the premier destination to build connections, make deals and see new products in person, show organisers at the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) are not resting on their laurels. This year, a reimagined ICAST is placing more emphasis on retailers than any other in the modern era. While favourite events like the Lunkers & Bunkers golf scramble, On the Water Day and Major League Fishing’s ICAST Cup return, a series of brand-new events made just for tackle dealers are taking the spotlight this year.
Here’s how to make the most of new features at ICAST 2026:
An all-new event called Meet the Market will join the packed Super Tuesday line-up on July 14th. Following ICAST On the Water and Major League Fishing’s pro-am bass tournament, the ICAST Cup, tackle buyers are invited to Meet the Market. This four-hour event, held within the Orange County Convention Center, will function as a unique speed dating experience for both buyers and manufacturers. For first-time attendees, it is an event not to be missed. Before entering, each participant will receive a personalised itinerary of one-on-one meetings tailored to maximise opportunities to discover new products and establish business connections throughout the rest of the week. In essence, by the time the show doors open the following day, every Meet the Market attendee should have a head start on finding potential business partners who align with their specific needs. The event also leads directly into the New Product Showcase Preview Reception, where voting for the coveted ICAST Best of Category awards takes place.
ICAST has long been the home of the ASA’s State of the Industry Breakfast, a bird’s-eye overview of the entire sportfishing industry. This year, ICAST will also host a second pre-show event – the Retailer Leadership Breakfast. On Thursday morning, July 16th, a panel of seasoned executives will share their real-world experiences, strategies, candid insights and new opportunities shaping the marketplace this year. Topics will cover navigating economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviour, as well as identifying growth opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not working and learn how to plan for the future.
In addition to the Retailer Leadership Breakfast, retailers will have access to a brand-new Retailer Lounge throughout the nearly week-long event. Traditionally, lounges have been located within exhibitor booths. This year, retailers get their own spot to slow down as well. The new centralised, on-floor area is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for recharging, networking and conducting business. Located beside the New Product Showcase, it offers a variety of amenities, including phone charging stations, comfortable seating and light refreshments. It’s the perfect place to take a break, engage in casual meetings and build relationships with peers.
While products are undoubtedly the focal point of ICAST for tackle buyers and gear junkies alike, service providers are also making significant business moves. In a new, dedicated service provider area, exhibitors offering business solutions converge. The Service Provider Pavilion features a curated group of exhibitors providing services that help businesses perform at their best. These brands offer a range of services, including e-commerce solutions, marketing support, data and analytics, consulting and emerging technologies designed for both independent and large-scale business operations around the globe.
ICASTLive!, a reimagined version of the show’s popular Lunch & Learn seminars, is the most noticeable new addition to ICAST 2026. This ‘high-energy hub’ will feature business seminars, product launches, press announcements, special guests, daily kick-off events and a constant stream of activity updates on the ICAST smartphone app. ICASTLive! will expand the show’s reach beyond its original space, which became so popular that it outgrew its confines.
ICAST 2026 is scheduled for July 14th to 17th at the Orlando County Convention Center. Orlando, a city that regularly welcomes over 70 million travelers annually and boasts a vibrant International Drive area surrounding ICAST. This area is conveniently located near hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, all within walking distance or a short Uber ride from the trade show floor. Non-stop flights connect Orlando to major hubs in the Americas, while transit to Asia, Africa and Oceania usually requires just one connection. Registration for ICAST 2026 is currently ongoing at ICASTFishing.org.
This year, ICAST doors open on Wednesday, July 15th, but the party gets going on Monday, July 13th, with the ICAST Lunkers & Bunkers charity golf scramble before ICAST On the Water and the ICAST Cup presented by Major League Fishing on July 14th.
