News

Plans have been unveiled to significantly enhance the fly fishing sector at ICAST 2023, the largest tackle trade show in the world.

As the overall recreational fishing industry continues to evolve domestically and internationally, organising body the American Sportfishing Association, sees this as the perfect opportunity for companies related to fly fishing to expand their reach in the general market.

TTW is aware of discussions around the future of the International Fly Tackle Dealers’ (IFTD) Show, which only returned earlier this year, in Salt Lake city, USA.

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association, which runs the IFTD event, had no comment to make on the announcement.

Meanwhile, Blake Swango, ASA’s vice-president of trade show and membership, explained: “Our goal is to represent the entire recreational fishing community and fly fishing plays a key role in reaching a specific audience of anglers. Most issues related to access, clean water and abundant fisheries overlap both conventional and fly fishing with ASA providing a powerful voice that is heard and respected by the administration, on Capitol Hill and around the country. 

“Introducing fly fishing as a main category at ICAST 2023, specifically in the New Product Showcase, is yet another benefit ASA is providing to support the enhancement and expansion of the sale of all types of recreational fishing products.”

New Product Showcase categories will now include fly rods, reels, waders and boots, lines, leaders, tippets and accessories, packs and luggage along with technical apparel and accessories, with the winners announced during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception.

ICAST Fly Fishing will be located on prime exhibit space on the main 20ft aisle reserved for fly fishing specific exhibitors. In addition, the traditional ICASTing Pond will be side-by-side with the FLYCASTing Pond, next to the New Product Showcase.

Also new for 2023 will be the addition of both non-motorised and motorised boating accessories to the showcase category list and an expansion of the technical apparel categories to include women and men providing more choices for these well populated fields.

Blake added: “As a trade association, ASA offers a suite of benefits for its members that will help any fishing business be more successful and prepared to handle the turbulent years ahead. Our intelligent and connected Government Affairs team has a direct impact on fishing access and conservation issues. No other organisation has had as great an impact on recreational fishing than the American Sportfishing Association.”

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