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For first-timers, ICAST seems impossible to believe. An entire village of tackle manufacturers, conservation organisations and industry leaders spread out over a blue carpet spanning 44,000sqm.
In one corner, countless brand new products – most never seen publicly – await in the New Product Showcase. In another, a full programme of daily seminars dispatch c-suite level knowledge for all.
Aisle upon aisle is lined with fishing lures, marine electronics, apparel and boating accessories. And around every turn, handshakes and warm welcomes create an atmosphere unlike any other in fishing.
Hosted annually by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST has been the pinnacle event for sportfishing industry professionals for decades. Last year, more than 13,000 attendees from 75 countries made the trip to Orlando, Florida to participate. And for good reason – ICAST is much more than a show floor full of exhibit space. These days, product information can be found online. But products themselves can only be felt, heard and tested at ICAST. Visitors know that only ICAST offers tackle dealers and wholesalers the chance to fish, golf, parlay and play directly with thousands of tackle manufacturers in one place.
At ICAST, tackle dealers are face-to-face with the people who call the shots. Cups of coffee are shared with CEOs, designers and sales directors. New connections provide a direct line to information and, often, pricing that can’t be found anywhere else. From July 14th to 17th, ICAST once again takes centre stage in Orlando as the sportfishing industry descends on one of the best travel destinations in the world for a week full of introductions and camaraderie.
“I’ve been impressed with the market and the people we meet,” says Chris Panwitz from ePropulsion. “We go to about 45 shows a year, but the quality of the conversations we have at ICAST really makes this show special.
Following on the heels of a successful ICAST 2025, this year’s show is set to expand its added value for attendees. A new retailer-focused lounge will offer a reprieve from the bustling showfloor. Meanwhile, an all-new series of daily educational seminars will tackle tough topics head-on.
In this ever-changing business climate, experts on stage will share strategies for dealing with tariffs, market transitions and new technologies impacting the world of sportfishing.
Orlando may be famous as the home of Disney World and Universal Studios, but the Magic City is also one of the easiest cities to access from international destinations. Thanks in part to its famous theme parks, Orlando International Airport (MCO) enjoys non-stop flights from Tokyo, London, Madrid, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, making travel from Europe and Asia a breeze.
Meanwhile, a host of direct routes from Latin America facilitate easy travel to Orlando from the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Americas. Orlando’s new high speed rail connection to Miami International Airport (MIA), the Brightline, adds a further access to another 200 itineraries.
Early registration for ICAST 2026 offers exhibitors and attendees the best opportunities for deals on exhibit space, optimal pricing on hotels and first-choice on extra-curricular excursions.
Some of the best fishing in the United States for both salt and freshwater species is located within easy reach of ICAST. Anglers booking an extended stay in the area can enjoy day trips to a host of campfire-worthy fisheries. Largemouth bass in Central Florida, tarpon and snook along the coasts and even offshore big game are all only a short drive from the Orange County Convention Center. And each destination can deliver the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime.
At ICAST, the business of sportfishing collides with the largest community of fishing fanatics on the planet. For first time attendees and industry veterans alike, it’s a can’t miss occasion.
To learn more about ICAST or register to attend ICAST 2026, visit ICASTFishing.org
