ICAST means different things to different people, but to me, it symbolizes teamwork — specifically, the interaction between manufacturers and their pro staff. This week’s show in Orlando, Fla., will showcase an impressive array of new products resulting from many months of creativity and collaboration.
Considering all the time that a pro angler spends on the water, we kind of get a sneak preview of trends and upcoming developments in gear and tackle. So we are the eyes and ears for our sponsors for the trends that arise.
It’s hard to say for certain which trends will last, but after doing this for 26 years, I can usually tell which ones have some degree of longevity. That’s why it’s important for me, as a pro angler, to keep track of my observations and inspirations.
If something pops into my mind and I feel it might be helpful to one of my sponsors, I’ll use my iPhone and jot it down in notes. I’ve found that if I have a thought and I do not record at least the general points, it will be very difficult to come back a few days later and try to remember the specifics. That’s why capturing that original inspiration is key.
Originality is good, but it’s not only the fresh ideas that help. You may come up with an idea for a way to improve an existing product to optimize its performance. These are things that can only come through time on the water, so I try to share anything that I think is relevant.
I also try to keep track of bad ideas. Today, everyone’s pushing to think outside the box, but sometimes, that’s just not the answer. On the other hand, sometimes the craziest ideas — the ones you think may never come to fruition — end up being the ones that actually work.
I think the point here is that this development process between manufacturers and their pro staff depends on an open-minded approach. Not ever idea will work, but no idea should be discarded without consideration.
Now, when we look at the bottom-line objective of new product development, we see that in many cases, it’s a matter of problem solving. We pros tend to be in a better position to spot new product opportunities by facing situations with repetitive disappointments.
When we find ourselves in a situation that doesn’t work over and over again, the common thought is: “If I had a different bait…” That may lead to extensive development efforts where the goal is to make a product in which the consumer doesn’t even have to be aware that we fixed a problem.
Five years ago, the average consumer may not have even been aware that they needed some of the modern developments in bait technology. But somebody noticed something that was lacking and worked to develop it.
I liken this to our modern smartphones. Five years ago, we had no way of knowing about the various apps we have today. But could you imagine living without them?
When it comes to the development process, communication is essential. The important thing for an angler is to have a working relationship with a sponsor so you’re comfortable calling and discussing ideas.
One of my major sponsors is PRADCO, the parent company for brands like YUM and Booyah. At least once a month, we talk and have a verbal storyboard type conversation about new ideas and those that are in the works.
They may ask my input on a particular project, or I may call and offer thoughts on various concepts that are important to me. I’m not a lure designer, but I want my ideas heard.
PRADCO is very good about coming to us for input before and during the design and development process. They’re also good about not releasing a product to the public before they have our stamp of approval.
I’m fortunate, in this regard, because you don’t want to get a bait after its retail release. Once a product is “on the shelves,” your opportunity to correct any shortcomings is gone.
That’s what I like about the folks at PRADCO; they have patience, forethought and belief in the process. I don’t want my name associated with products that are not performing, and I never have to worry about that with my sponsors.
After ICAST, consumers will be reading and hearing about many new products that reflect the teamwork between pro staff and their sponsors. The release of a new product is the easy part, but it’s the dedication to a process that made it all possible.