Fishing industry trade, from Guy Harvey to Strive rods, Daiichi hooks

Three generations sometimes together

I just attended the annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Orlando. My first observation is, may God help anyone driving in the Orlando area. It’s scary, crazy and crowded. The show was well attended, and most people I spoke with were happy with the traffic and purchases by attendees. This is the tackle industry stage for products and the opportunity for retailers to view items and purchase products for their stores.

Most of the big tackle industry names were there. It’s impressive how big this event is. Everyone is concerned about our specific future and how conventions and business will be altered with time. Tariffs are a concern but not a deal breaker.

Lots of younger social media personalities shot content and did interviews. It’s good to have youngsters involved and in attendance. Plenty of kids with dads all decked out in fishing attire enjoyed visiting with celebrities also.

Most attendees I spoke with enjoyed the chance to physically hold and check out products. It’s hard to purchase rods and reels if you can’t feel them. Most of us like to examine new lures and lines.

The immense expanse is mind boggling at first. The Orange County Convention Center is massive, and this event takes up two enormous sections. It is not open to the public, just exhibitors, buyers, and media. Many big names and conservation organizations exhibit. Our Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission was well represented with a sea of blue T-shirts, many of them mingling with industry attendees. Celebrities were everywhere. Guy Harvey put in serious energy and signed thousands of T-shirts and items. TV hosts and professional celebs were there promoting gear and linking up sponsorships. Steve Harvey was showing love and appreciation, along with Bill Dance. Everyone was friendly and glad to visit as time allowed.

I was impressed by the atmosphere and optimism everyone shared. We are fishermen and optimism is required for us to fish. Everyone was excited to try out new purchases and see how well they’ll produce. I’m excited to fish with my new Quantum Benchmark and Strive rods and reels. Strong and smooth with powerful drags. Even the reps and buyers fish whenever they can. Many make time before or after the show to visit guides on both coasts to sample our fishing and test their gear.

Long-term relationships are created and developed at events like this. It’s beneficial to share time demonstrating products and building lasting relations. TTI Industries hosted a media dinner, and many attendees have shared stories together for 20 and 30 years. I love my Daiichi Bleeding Bait hooks, as the red finish attracts bites and the extra sharp point sticks and holds fish.

Networking is a key benefit, as it brings industry players and consumers face to face with products. Many folks I deal with enjoy long-time relationships, some multi-generational. I talked with exhibitors with three generations working together. I’ve worked with fathers and now deal with their sons.

I’m much better connected to the fishing industry because of the time invested developing lasting relationships with industry leaders. The tackle industry is growing and is more invested in monitoring its development. They track the growth and decline of anglers and businesses.

Tomorrow looks brighter because of these experiences and relationships.