For the next three days, the center of the sportfishing universe will be here, in the exhibition halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, during the annual ICAST trade show produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).
Thousands of exhibitors, salesmen and executives began arriving early this week as they prepare to greet fishing tackle retailers and media representatives during the industry’s biggest show-and-tell experience.
“In this business environment, people have to be smart about where and how they do business,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “Our show registration numbers indicate that exhibitors and attendees believe that ICAST is a smart business choice.”
Despite a lingering, languishing economy, insiders see signs of revival in the tackle industry. Jeff Pontius, past chairman of the ASA Board and president of Zebco brands, said recently that registration is higher than it has been in the past several years.
As always, bass fishing products highlight the show, and this year several major companies, especially reel manufacturers, are planning to introduce product lines that are radically new and different.
Also as in the past, the editorial team at bassmaster.com will be scouring the show aisles in search of new products and trends of interest to bass anglers. Beginning today, the website’s innovative product photo gallery will highlight the editors’ choices of the most interesting new bass lures and gear available.
Tommy Sanders, cohost of The Bassmasters TV Show, will host live updates throughout the day, interviewing Elite Series anglers in attendance as well as designers and manufacturers of some of next year’s hottest new products. Expect other Bassmaster TV personalities, including Mark Zona and Dave Mercer, to make appearances as well.
Throughout the day, look for live interviews on the BassCam page as editors and photographers stream brief but insightful interviews with leaders in the world of sportfishing. Also, check out the Twitter feed on Bassmaster.com so you can read what B.A.S.S. editors as well as the rest of the world are saying about ICAST in real time.
