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Sooch’s ICAST in 49 Shots

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Ah, the wonderful world of Disney, the heart of Orlando, Fla. This is no Mickey Mouse operation, but we are fixin’ to get a little Goofy. We’re here for ICAST, the biggest fishing tackle show in the world. Come on in.
Ah, the wonderful world of Disney, the heart of Orlando, Fla. This is no Mickey Mouse operation, but we are fixin’ to get a little Goofy. We’re here for ICAST, the biggest fishing tackle show in the world. Come on in.
It’s here in the Orange County Convention Center, which has 2.1-million square feet of exhibition space in its two buildings. ICAST is taking up about 650,000, its largest footprint to date.
It’s here in the Orange County Convention Center, which has 2.1-million square feet of exhibition space in its two buildings. ICAST is taking up about 650,000, its largest footprint to date.
First visit on the three-day tour of new fishing tackle is to a news conference announcing LIVETARGET’s latest lures. It’s a series of lifelike swimbaits that Dave Mercer is all ate up over.
First visit on the three-day tour of new fishing tackle is to a news conference announcing LIVETARGET’s latest lures. It’s a series of lifelike swimbaits that Dave Mercer is all ate up over.
Off to the New Product Showcase, among the focal points of ICAST. That’s where all the companies send their new products hoping media and buyers vote theirs Best of Show in one of 24 categories. You can see and meet folks like writer and TV/radio host Wade Bourne, who just received the Homer Circle Award.
Off to the New Product Showcase, among the focal points of ICAST. That’s where all the companies send their new products hoping media and buyers vote theirs Best of Show in one of 24 categories. You can see and meet folks like writer and TV/radio host Wade Bourne, who just received the Homer Circle Award.
Another luminary in bass fishing is nearby. Bill Dance checks out the Tauten LineWelder system that magically attaches lines with the touch of a button. Not sure if he has any business interest in it, but he sure seemed interested in it.
Another luminary in bass fishing is nearby. Bill Dance checks out the Tauten LineWelder system that magically attaches lines with the touch of a button. Not sure if he has any business interest in it, but he sure seemed interested in it.
While exhibitors had been setting up inside for days, the mob of attendees and media had to wait until 9 a.m. Wednesday for the doors to open. Then it was a mad rush to find the greatest new innovations in sport fishing.
While exhibitors had been setting up inside for days, the mob of attendees and media had to wait until 9 a.m. Wednesday for the doors to open. Then it was a mad rush to find the greatest new innovations in sport fishing.
There’s always plenty of action at Strike King’s booth, so it’s a great place to start. What, I missed KVD? Well other Strike King pros were there working, namely Keith Combs and James Niggemeyer. With a lot of products and a lot of pros, there’s a lot of filming going on here.
There’s always plenty of action at Strike King’s booth, so it’s a great place to start. What, I missed KVD? Well other Strike King pros were there working, namely Keith Combs and James Niggemeyer. With a lot of products and a lot of pros, there’s a lot of filming going on here.
Shaw Grigsby is just around the corner already busy signing a ton of autographs. Those are his cheaters. At 60, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Grigsby is always ready for ‘One More Cast.’ (See, that’s clever, because the name of his popular fishing show is One More Cast)
Shaw Grigsby is just around the corner already busy signing a ton of autographs. Those are his cheaters. At 60, he doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Grigsby is always ready for ‘One More Cast.’ (See, that’s clever, because the name of his popular fishing show is One More Cast)
Matt Lee isn’t just blowing smoke when he says Quantum’s low profile Smoke baitcast reels are a hot ticket item, as most can plainly see despite the haze from this dry ice display.
Matt Lee isn’t just blowing smoke when he says Quantum’s low profile Smoke baitcast reels are a hot ticket item, as most can plainly see despite the haze from this dry ice display.
Mark Zona takes time out from meetings at Shimano to do a public service announcement. Kind of amazing to watch as he concentrates on the copy for a few seconds before giving the nod to roll then delivering it all smooth-like.
Mark Zona takes time out from meetings at Shimano to do a public service announcement. Kind of amazing to watch as he concentrates on the copy for a few seconds before giving the nod to roll then delivering it all smooth-like.
On the far end of the huge hall, the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show was being held simultaneously. Here Daniel Langston, on a break from Sunsect insect repellant, practices his fly cast in one of two large pools.
On the far end of the huge hall, the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show was being held simultaneously. Here Daniel Langston, on a break from Sunsect insect repellant, practices his fly cast in one of two large pools.
Mike Iaconelli always accepts fan requests. He’s known for signing autographs until the line ends, but that might take all day here. ICAST is an industry only event, and approximately 15,000 attended this year. There were 552 exhibitors in 1,850 booths, many of whom are fans, and some even sponsors, of one pro or another. The general public is not allowed.
Mike Iaconelli always accepts fan requests. He’s known for signing autographs until the line ends, but that might take all day here. ICAST is an industry only event, and approximately 15,000 attended this year. There were 552 exhibitors in 1,850 booths, many of whom are fans, and some even sponsors, of one pro or another. The general public is not allowed.
While the fly fishing interests are generally grouped near those pools, most of the freshwater and saltwater booths intermingled. Here’s one booth with rustic appeal. It was set up by Seamule, which as the shirts says has the World’s Best Fishing Carts.
While the fly fishing interests are generally grouped near those pools, most of the freshwater and saltwater booths intermingled. Here’s one booth with rustic appeal. It was set up by Seamule, which as the shirts says has the World’s Best Fishing Carts.
How about slick-looking? Raymarine’s booth was apparently designed with its sleek electronic products in mind.
How about slick-looking? Raymarine’s booth was apparently designed with its sleek electronic products in mind.
Manufacturers like BayRat set up their baits to appear from a distance as if they’re floating. They looked rather striking in a lighted glass case, certainly enticing some closer looks.
Manufacturers like BayRat set up their baits to appear from a distance as if they’re floating. They looked rather striking in a lighted glass case, certainly enticing some closer looks.
Meetings are a major part of some ICAST attendees’ agendas, whether it being internal round tables or sales talks with potential or repeat customers. It brings to mind the song line, “No one knows what goes on behind closed doors.”
Meetings are a major part of some ICAST attendees’ agendas, whether it being internal round tables or sales talks with potential or repeat customers. It brings to mind the song line, “No one knows what goes on behind closed doors.”
But an open door at one of the Berkley meeting rooms shows that not all meetings are super serious, or have anything to do with that Charlie Rich classic.
But an open door at one of the Berkley meeting rooms shows that not all meetings are super serious, or have anything to do with that Charlie Rich classic.
And some are not all that private. Duck Dynasty’s Godwin (left) and Martin (right) and friends meet with a group of Berkley folks. Could this have something to do with the Fin Commander hats they’re wearing?
And some are not all that private. Duck Dynasty’s Godwin (left) and Martin (right) and friends meet with a group of Berkley folks. Could this have something to do with the Fin Commander hats they’re wearing?
There are a number of tactics to get your message out. An ice cream social with Haagen-Dazs is one way to draw in hungry crowds. Wow, six one-scoop servings. Be glad they were free. At convention center prices, that would have been $83.97.
There are a number of tactics to get your message out. An ice cream social with Haagen-Dazs is one way to draw in hungry crowds. Wow, six one-scoop servings. Be glad they were free. At convention center prices, that would have been $83.97.
Nice try, buddy, but that’s not a one-scoop cup. Conservation Corner, including wildlife departments from several states and federal entities, doled out the goods as well as info on their conservation efforts. Florida Wildlife (FWC) has the message of “I Do,” as in I do buy my fishing license every year. It’s important as every penny of those funds, including federal matching funds, many of which are being left on the table, go back into the resource.
Nice try, buddy, but that’s not a one-scoop cup. Conservation Corner, including wildlife departments from several states and federal entities, doled out the goods as well as info on their conservation efforts. Florida Wildlife (FWC) has the message of “I Do,” as in I do buy my fishing license every year. It’s important as every penny of those funds, including federal matching funds, many of which are being left on the table, go back into the resource.
Speaking of the FWC, it also was giving away a Phoenix boat with a 200-hp Mercury to help raise awareness for its Trophy Catch program. Anglers are asked to enter data on fish catches larger than 8 pounds to help in biologists’ research and efforts to restore some of Florida’s storied fisheries. These mounts are the past three yearly winners in the program, which has seen close to 5,000 entries.
Speaking of the FWC, it also was giving away a Phoenix boat with a 200-hp Mercury to help raise awareness for its Trophy Catch program. Anglers are asked to enter data on fish catches larger than 8 pounds to help in biologists’ research and efforts to restore some of Florida’s storied fisheries. These mounts are the past three yearly winners in the program, which has seen close to 5,000 entries.
Here’s an attention grabber. Ray Domingo working on a musky drawing gets folks to stop at LiveFree’s booth. The apparel company takes the works of artists and prints them on a variety of products, from clothing to floor mats to framed tiles.
Here’s an attention grabber. Ray Domingo working on a musky drawing gets folks to stop at LiveFree’s booth. The apparel company takes the works of artists and prints them on a variety of products, from clothing to floor mats to framed tiles.
Domingo, working on the shading before putting down some color, is from right down the road in Central Florida and has worked as an artist for decades. A piece like this might take him a couple of days.
Domingo, working on the shading before putting down some color, is from right down the road in Central Florida and has worked as an artist for decades. A piece like this might take him a couple of days.
Being in Florida, Live Free mainly focuses on saltwater species, but Domingo does a pretty mean bass.
Being in Florida, Live Free mainly focuses on saltwater species, but Domingo does a pretty mean bass.
Speaking of art, and an inviting modern look, the GoPro booth might have been the shiniest star on the showroom floor. Heroics went in to designing and building it because it really is pretty as a picture.
Speaking of art, and an inviting modern look, the GoPro booth might have been the shiniest star on the showroom floor. Heroics went in to designing and building it because it really is pretty as a picture.
A girl and her fish -- sounds like some weird movie. Leiza Fitzgerald carried this replica redfish all around the convention center to draw attention to the Coastal Conservation Association and its efforts to maintain coastal resources for generations to come.
A girl and her fish — sounds like some weird movie. Leiza Fitzgerald carried this replica redfish all around the convention center to draw attention to the Coastal Conservation Association and its efforts to maintain coastal resources for generations to come.
Playing to #KickPlastic, Costa sunglasses turned trash into art in its Let’s Talk Trash campaign. Artists made this shark from items recycled from the sea. To spread more good will, as well as get more trash picked up, Costa gives away gear for showing them you shared their message.
Playing to #KickPlastic, Costa sunglasses turned trash into art in its Let’s Talk Trash campaign. Artists made this shark from items recycled from the sea. To spread more good will, as well as get more trash picked up, Costa gives away gear for showing them you shared their message.
Dave Mercer gets Elite rookie Drew Benton’s take on having to face Kevin VanDam in the first round of the Classic Bracket event on the Niagara River, which starts Tuesday. Each of the eight anglers spoke at a news conference at the B.A.S.S. booth, saying they look forward to the head-to-head format. Every minute of the event will be on Bassmaster LIVE.
Dave Mercer gets Elite rookie Drew Benton’s take on having to face Kevin VanDam in the first round of the Classic Bracket event on the Niagara River, which starts Tuesday. Each of the eight anglers spoke at a news conference at the B.A.S.S. booth, saying they look forward to the head-to-head format. Every minute of the event will be on Bassmaster LIVE.
Dave Colley and Dan Johnston of St. Croix rods celebrate with their Best of Show awards at a reception held in an upstairs hall on Wednesday night. Companies packed the big ballroom hoping voters picked them. St. Croix has won two rod awards each of the past two ICASTs, this time in Freshwater and Fly Rod categories.
Dave Colley and Dan Johnston of St. Croix rods celebrate with their Best of Show awards at a reception held in an upstairs hall on Wednesday night. Companies packed the big ballroom hoping voters picked them. St. Croix has won two rod awards each of the past two ICASTs, this time in Freshwater and Fly Rod categories.
One of the best stories at ICAST was Larry Davidson, a successful tournament angler in the northeast who designed a better mousetrap. His Trapper hooks have right angles that help lock in bait as well as fish that bite, and they scored him and his team a Best of Show in Terminal Tackle.
One of the best stories at ICAST was Larry Davidson, a successful tournament angler in the northeast who designed a better mousetrap. His Trapper hooks have right angles that help lock in bait as well as fish that bite, and they scored him and his team a Best of Show in Terminal Tackle.
The sound of steel drums has come somewhat synonymous with ICAST. That’s Steve Hendrickson, who’s hired to ‘pan’ all over the place -- in the lobby, the food court, the second floor men’s bathroom, inside my head. He even let me try and it’s not as easy as it looks. They can be made to sound bad, trust me. Insert your own joke here.
The sound of steel drums has come somewhat synonymous with ICAST. That’s Steve Hendrickson, who’s hired to ‘pan’ all over the place — in the lobby, the food court, the second floor men’s bathroom, inside my head. He even let me try and it’s not as easy as it looks. They can be made to sound bad, trust me. Insert your own joke here.
Now what’s this? That is just plain ridiculous. It’s utterly unbelievable. I mean, I can’t believe it. Iron Man does not need a badge to get in anywhere. This one does look a little soft in the upper torso. It's really Zak Bagby helping out his friends at Line Cutterz, a ring that can cut line.
Now what’s this? That is just plain ridiculous. It’s utterly unbelievable. I mean, I can’t believe it. Iron Man does not need a badge to get in anywhere. This one does look a little soft in the upper torso. It’s really Zak Bagby helping out his friends at Line Cutterz, a ring that can cut line.
Sticking with the Marvel theme - what, Hello Kitty is not an Avenger? Can you imagine? She does have the super power to get kids -- and some adults -- to buy any product with her picture on it. That includes Kid Casters fishing rods and reels, among others.
Sticking with the Marvel theme – what, Hello Kitty is not an Avenger? Can you imagine? She does have the super power to get kids — and some adults — to buy any product with her picture on it. That includes Kid Casters fishing rods and reels, among others.
I’m certainly more partial to the Minions from Despicable Me (probably because I resemble Kevin). The funny little yellow dudes are new in the Lil Anglers lineup, which has Paw Patrol and them Teenage Turtles. These kids aren’t concerned about any of that -- see the one throwing pink? They said they liked the combos with the line inside the blank, and they just kept on casting to the backside of another booth. The No Tangler from Steinhauser won a Best of Show in Kid’s Tackle last year, and it won again in 2016 with its 48-inch Starter Rod Combo.
I’m certainly more partial to the Minions from Despicable Me (probably because I resemble Kevin). The funny little yellow dudes are new in the Lil Anglers lineup, which has Paw Patrol and them Teenage Turtles. These kids aren’t concerned about any of that — see the one throwing pink? They said they liked the combos with the line inside the blank, and they just kept on casting to the backside of another booth. The No Tangler from Steinhauser won a Best of Show in Kid’s Tackle last year, and it won again in 2016 with its 48-inch Starter Rod Combo.
The show is not just fishing gear and clothes. Bluworldusa brought items like this free-standing floor fountain that can be customized. Blu makes much larger fountains, pools and water sculptures, and was targeting businesses seeking water features.
The show is not just fishing gear and clothes. Bluworldusa brought items like this free-standing floor fountain that can be customized. Blu makes much larger fountains, pools and water sculptures, and was targeting businesses seeking water features.
Nic Wilson explains how the Anglr app works. A small Bluetooth device attached to the base of your rod relays tons of info to your smart device. You can track catches, drop pins, manage terminal tackle and even use the info to connect weather patterns and fishing success. Go to Anglr.tech
Nic Wilson explains how the Anglr app works. A small Bluetooth device attached to the base of your rod relays tons of info to your smart device. You can track catches, drop pins, manage terminal tackle and even use the info to connect weather patterns and fishing success. Go to Anglr.tech
The biggest bass at ICAST had to be this one floating above the Kistler rods, which just introduced its Argon line.
The biggest bass at ICAST had to be this one floating above the Kistler rods, which just introduced its Argon line.
Savage Gear won a Best of Show award in Hard Lure for its 3D Suicide Duck. Here someone is working it through the water, making the cupped feet in the back spin and create quite a fish-enticing disturbance.
Savage Gear won a Best of Show award in Hard Lure for its 3D Suicide Duck. Here someone is working it through the water, making the cupped feet in the back spin and create quite a fish-enticing disturbance.
Oh my gosh, it’s Steve Kennedy. (I knew that one picture ago because I could see him, but didn’t let on for the surprise). Kennedy first saw the duck at the New Product Showcase and made a B-line halfway across the showroom floor to see if he could get one. Years ago, Kennedy won a PAA event with a big bass that had a ‘duck a little bit bigger than this one’ stuck in its craw.
Oh my gosh, it’s Steve Kennedy. (I knew that one picture ago because I could see him, but didn’t let on for the surprise). Kennedy first saw the duck at the New Product Showcase and made a B-line halfway across the showroom floor to see if he could get one. Years ago, Kennedy won a PAA event with a big bass that had a ‘duck a little bit bigger than this one’ stuck in its craw.
Mike Bennett of Savage Gear said he was running low on the product he brought and didn’t have a case, but two fans nearby and this writer helped convince Bennett that if were to give any out, it should be to an Elite pro like Kennedy, who might just get that duck to quack all the bank for both of them.
Mike Bennett of Savage Gear said he was running low on the product he brought and didn’t have a case, but two fans nearby and this writer helped convince Bennett that if were to give any out, it should be to an Elite pro like Kennedy, who might just get that duck to quack all the bank for both of them.
The Minn Kota Ultrex is a game-changer, Elite pro Davy Hite said. So did a lot of other folks. It won Best of Show as a Boating Accessory and then the Overall. It’s no wonder, as this trolling motor does things to keep you concentrated on fishing, like holding you on your spot, or following a contour line, or retracing your path. What? How? Wow.
The Minn Kota Ultrex is a game-changer, Elite pro Davy Hite said. So did a lot of other folks. It won Best of Show as a Boating Accessory and then the Overall. It’s no wonder, as this trolling motor does things to keep you concentrated on fishing, like holding you on your spot, or following a contour line, or retracing your path. What? How? Wow.
Like father, like son. That's truly one of the great things about fishing, connecting a lot of families. That’s certainly the case in the Browning household. Elite pro Stephen Browning and his son, Beau, (a top youth tournament angler) made the rounds at ICAST, hanging out awhile at St. Croix to tell people about the new line of Legend Glass cranking sticks that won Best of Show in the Freshwater Rod category.
Like father, like son. That’s truly one of the great things about fishing, connecting a lot of families. That’s certainly the case in the Browning household. Elite pro Stephen Browning and his son, Beau, (a top youth tournament angler) made the rounds at ICAST, hanging out awhile at St. Croix to tell people about the new line of Legend Glass cranking sticks that won Best of Show in the Freshwater Rod category.
Something special had to be going on at the American Tackle Company booth as a huge crowd gathered. It was the Third Annual Wave Army Reception, with food and beverages and dozens of MicroWave Rods were given to ticket holders with the right numbers.
Something special had to be going on at the American Tackle Company booth as a huge crowd gathered. It was the Third Annual Wave Army Reception, with food and beverages and dozens of MicroWave Rods were given to ticket holders with the right numbers.
Then it was the Second Annual version of the Flipoff, a speed casting competition among a strong set of pros, including Terry Scroggins and John Cox here.
Then it was the Second Annual version of the Flipoff, a speed casting competition among a strong set of pros, including Terry Scroggins and John Cox here.
Here’s part of the crew from American Tackle Company that helped put on the event: Brad Hetzel, Don Morse, Brad Parker and Corey Moseley. They were a top nominee for Best of Show in the Team Beard category, if there were such a thing.
Here’s part of the crew from American Tackle Company that helped put on the event: Brad Hetzel, Don Morse, Brad Parker and Corey Moseley. They were a top nominee for Best of Show in the Team Beard category, if there were such a thing.
After a day of walking the aisles forever, or so it seemed, an ice bath in this Yeti 350 cooler (retail like $1,299) would have cooled off screaming leg muscles. Des Hunter of Yeti takes the plunge to show how a person, maybe two, could easily fit into its 82.4-gallon capacity. The smaller Hopper Flip 12 ($279.99) to the right won as top Fishing Accessory.
After a day of walking the aisles forever, or so it seemed, an ice bath in this Yeti 350 cooler (retail like $1,299) would have cooled off screaming leg muscles. Des Hunter of Yeti takes the plunge to show how a person, maybe two, could easily fit into its 82.4-gallon capacity. The smaller Hopper Flip 12 ($279.99) to the right won as top Fishing Accessory.
This caricature of Albert Einstein is among the select few, of the 100,000 sketched by Jack Rosen, to adorn Jack’s Place at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The famous steak house was site of the annual Strike King writers' dinner, a fabulous four-course affair enjoyed by some 100 media members, Strike King personnel and pro anglers. Lucas Oil, as well as other businesses big in bass fishing, also had a hand in thanking media.
This caricature of Albert Einstein is among the select few, of the 100,000 sketched by Jack Rosen, to adorn Jack’s Place at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The famous steak house was site of the annual Strike King writers’ dinner, a fabulous four-course affair enjoyed by some 100 media members, Strike King personnel and pro anglers. Lucas Oil, as well as other businesses big in bass fishing, also had a hand in thanking media.
Tommy Akin of Strike King spoke and joked that at the first such meeting a handful of writers were given a ‘three-beer maximum and four bags of chips.’ This was much more festive, and during the dinner Mark Zona was caught giving Sherry VanDam a birthday kiss. Say, was that KVD authorized?
Tommy Akin of Strike King spoke and joked that at the first such meeting a handful of writers were given a ‘three-beer maximum and four bags of chips.’ This was much more festive, and during the dinner Mark Zona was caught giving Sherry VanDam a birthday kiss. Say, was that KVD authorized?
Apparently, Kevin is OK with it. He dined with Strike King CEO John Barns (left) and Zona, a TV host for B.A.S.S. and friend. The VanDams and Zonas are rather close physically -- they live nearby -- and spiritually. Both families have the bond of raising twin boys. And KVD is the No. 1 angler and Zona the No. 1 bass analyst (Slow your roll, cowboy, Tommy's a host). KVD goes into this week’s Classic Bracket as the No. 1 seed, which he grabbed by winning his second event this season. After a five-year drought, KVD has reminded everyone he hasn’t gone anywhere, that he can win anywhere, that he is still the Strike King.
Apparently, Kevin is OK with it. He dined with Strike King CEO John Barns (left) and Zona, a TV host for B.A.S.S. and friend. The VanDams and Zonas are rather close physically — they live nearby — and spiritually. Both families have the bond of raising twin boys. And KVD is the No. 1 angler and Zona the No. 1 bass analyst (Slow your roll, cowboy, Tommy’s a host). KVD goes into this week’s Classic Bracket as the No. 1 seed, which he grabbed by winning his second event this season. After a five-year drought, KVD has reminded everyone he hasn’t gone anywhere, that he can win anywhere, that he is still the Strike King.

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