LAS VEGAS — The global sportfishing industry has converged on the Las Vegas Convention Center for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.
Produced by the American Sportfishing Association(ASA), the industry’s trade association, ICAST is the catalyst that drives the recreational fishing industry year-round. There are 6,900 representatives from the sportfishing industry in Las Vegas to see the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel.
“Recreational fishing has a heritage and tradition that is part of its ongoing allure and mystique,” ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. “However, the other side of the sport is the incredible time and effort that established companies and entrepreneurs alike devote to improving the angling experience which is exemplified in the New Product Showcase.
“My congratulations go to the winners and to all the companies who worked hard to develop these innovations and the buyers and outdoor journalists who served as judges.”
The single most important feature for ICAST exhibitors and attendees alike is the New Product Showcase. Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, the New Product Showcase embodies the sportfishing industry’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and rewards that ingenuity through the “Best of Show” new product awards competition.
The ICAST 2011 “Best of Show” awards were presented on Tuesday, July 13, during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Frabill, Inc., at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In addition, Sport Fishing Magazine Editor-in-Chief Doug Olander presented the magazine’s “Making a Difference” awards to five individuals from across the U.S. who have made significant contributions to recreational fishing and fisheries.
This year the Berkley NanoFil fishing line by Pure Fishing, Inc. was voted by buyers and outdoor journalists as the most innovative product in the ICAST 2011 New Product Showcase in both the Line category and the overall “Best of Show.”
This year’s New Product Showcase winner’s also included first-time ICAST exhibitors VestPac in the Fly Fishing Accessory category and 3D Picture Store, Inc. in the Giftware category.
2011 ICAST New Product Showcase Best of Show Award Winners
Overall – Pure Fishing, Inc., Berkley NanoFil
Apparel – Frabill, Inc., Frabill Suit
Boat – Hobie Cat, Hobie Mirage Revolution II
Boating Accessory – JL Marine Systems, Inc., 10 Ft Power-Pole Blade Edition
Combo – Daiwa Corporation, Daiwa D-Shock DSH-4Bi Combo
Electronics – Johnson Outdoor Marine Electronics, Humminbird 1158c DI Combo
Eyewear – Costa, Costa Women’s Collection
Fishing Accessory – G. Pucci & Sons, Inc., P-Line Sparrowhawk
Fly Fishing Accessory – VestPac, DriftPac
Fly Fishing Reel – Temple Fork Outfitters, BVK Fly Reel
Fly Fishing Rod – G. Loomis, Inc., Pro4x
Freshwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc., Abu Garcia Revo MGX
Freshwater Rod – G. Loomis, Inc., GL2
Giftware – 3D Picture Store, Inc., 3D “Exploring Smallmouth” Picture
Kids’ Tackle – Pure Fishing, Inc., Casting Game & Sound Fishing Kit
Line – Pure Fishing, Inc., Berkley Nanofil
Hard Lure – Pure Fishing, Inc., Sebile D&S Crank
Soft Lure – Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation, LIVE TARGET Hollow Body Mouse
Saltwater Reel – Daiwa Corporation, Saltiga SATG5000H
Saltwater Rod – Shimano American Corporation, Terez Rail Rod
Tackle Management – Plano Molding Company, 4674 Hydro-Flo Tackle Bag
Terminal Tackle – VMC, Spinshot
Making up a special section of ICAST’s 400,000-square-foot show floor, the New Product Showcase provides special visibility for the industry’s latest innovations in gear and accessories.
ICAST 2012 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., July 11-13, 2012.