With the advent of social media, anglers around the globe now know about the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades – better known as ICAST – the world’s largest recreational fishing industry trade show. Even though it’s still an industry-only show, this month, anglers everywhere are invited to join in the excitement that defines ICAST and pick their favorite new product for the ICAST 2022 Anglers’ Choice Best of Show Award.
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), ICAST draws thousands of tackle buyers and media members each July to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It’s where hundreds of manufacturers debut tackle, gear, accessories and apparel, many of which are now found in the tackle boxes of professional and everyday anglers alike.
One of the most anticipated events each year is the New Product Showcase. The dedicated display area on the show floor showcases hundreds of the best of the best in new fishing product innovations, all competing against each other to take home one of 30 “Best of Category” trophies and the overall “Best of Show” award.
Over two days buyers and media vote for the 30 best new products to debut at ICAST from tackle to outerwear to accessories, as well as rods, reels, lures and more culminating with choosing the overall “Best of Show” award winner.
“This year, we decided to invite all anglers everywhere to choose their “best of the best” by introducing the Anglers’ Choice Best of Show Award,” said ASA Trade Show and Membership VP Blake Swango. “Voting is open to everyone to choose their personal favorite from the 30 ICAST 2022 “Best of Category” award winners to crown a new people’s champion.”
Trade Show Committee Chairman Travis Owens, VP, Pure Fishing & Fin Nor GM, emphasized, “ICAST and ASA will use all their social media channels to get the word out about this exciting new award. My company will do the same. I ask all ASA members to promote this exciting new ICAST event.”
Voting will be conducted through the ICAST website.
“There is one vote per email address," Swango said. "Voting opens on Sunday, Aug. 21, and closes on Saturday, Aug. 27, giving anglers ample time to both cast their votes and invite everyone they know to participate.”
The ICAST 2022 Best of Category and Best of Show award winners are available on the ICAST New Product Showcase page.
