Each year towards the middle of July, the American Sportfishing Association holds its annual ICAST show.  ICAST, otherwise known as the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades is the world’s largest sportfishing exposition bringing together close to 800 companies with fishing related products, all for the purpose of showing what is new and exciting for the next year.

ICAST is a buyer’s show, with representatives from big sellers like Walmart, Bass Pro Shops and Cabella’s, internet tackle sites and smaller, “mom and pop” stores all converging on the convention center in Las Vegas to strike up deals and to try and stay ahead of current, consumer buying trends.

ICAST is a magical event.  On the floor at ICAST, good ideas become tomorrow’s tackle trends.  Some dreams are realized and others are crushed as ICAST is the market test in the fishing industry. 

Wouldn’t you love to make a living selling fishing products?  I mean think of it.  In order to test and develop your products you would, well, you know, you would have to go fishing.  This would bring a whole new meaning to research and development, think of it, all of your fishing expenses would be business expenses.  ICAST is where you would bring your product, and the market would let you know.

When you think of it, being the most important Exposition in the fishing industry, ICAST is largely responsible for our success in fishing.  Because the market demands invention and innovation, the same old products must continue to be improved on.  Lure manufacturers, wanting to hold or increase market share must reinvent themselves.  This means working with pro staff to make improvements, constantly pushing the standard higher and higher.  What can you do to a spinner bait or a plastic worm that hasn’t already been done?   I don’t know either, but some one will.  Some one will create an innovation that make those products better.  You know who benefits?  We do!  Without ICAST, lure manufactures would not have to stand next to each other enduring the market’s harsh examination.  It is this forced competition that causes quality to rise to the top. Old Mr. Bass Hates ICAST.

Many bass pros make sure to attend ICAST because it affords them the opportunity to mingle with industry decision makers.  Many sponsorships and other promotional deals are made at ICAST as it is rare to be able to get face to face with this many company representatives.  At ICAST it is not uncommon to walk down an isle and see Roland Martin or Bill Dance sitting in a booth or doing some promotional work for a company.  Last year in a conversation with Mike Iaconelli, he revealed that he was on good fish and had a special spot for the BassMaster Classic which would take place the next week.  Everyone now knows how that turned out.  There is always something going on at ICAST.

The public cannot attend ICAST as it is not a consumer show.

“On The Water with Keith Nighswonger” will serve as the link between consumer and seller at ICAST as we will be in attendance this week to do a live product showcase broadcast.  We will be spending time with companies such as Lucky Craft, Surelife Labratories, Ultimate Lure Saver, Bagley Lures and Okuma to find out what they have that is new and cool.  You can check out our broadcast by going to AdrenalineRadio.com and listening to the archived interviews.

In addition to the live broadcast, ProBassAnglers.com will be presenting its Catch Of the Year awards to new and innovative products.  COY’s as they are called, are awarded to companies whose products do the most to improve the total fishing experience.  Product categories include best lures (hard baits,) best lures (spinner baits/jigs) terminal tackle, clothing, electronics and several others.

A little bit like Christmas, a lot of new toys and as always, a lot of excitement.  ICAST 2004.  It should be interesting.

Be sure to check out the ICAST interview by coming to our website at www.probassanglers.com