ICAST Trade Show Draws Thousands of Sportfishing Industry Professionals

Annual event brings together tackle dealers, manufacturers, and conservation leaders from around the world

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), the world's largest sportfishing trade show, will return to Orlando, Florida from July 13-17, 2026. The event attracts over 13,000 attendees from 75 countries, including Beau Williams from Costa Rica's Crocodile Bay Resort, who has attended the show for nearly 20 years. ICAST provides an unparalleled opportunity for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and make deals on the show floor.

Why it matters

ICAST is a critical annual event for the sportfishing industry, allowing businesses and organizations to network, showcase new products, and secure deals that drive the industry forward. The show's ability to bring together such a diverse array of high-quality professionals in one place is a major draw for attendees like Beau Williams and Billy Parsons of Australia-based Gillies.

The details

ICAST takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, covering an area larger than six football fields. The show features thousands of new products, daily seminars, product demonstrations, a professional bass fishing tournament, and opportunities for attendees to test new gear on the water. Exhibitors offer a range of deals and incentives, from discounts and order upgrades to cash prizes and fishing trips.

  • ICAST 2026 will be held from July 13-17, 2026.
  • Beau Williams has attended ICAST for nearly 20 years, making the trip from Costa Rica.

The players

Beau Williams

Owner of Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica, a popular destination for anglers. Williams has attended ICAST for nearly 20 years, making the trip from Costa Rica to the United States each year.

Billy Parsons

General Manager of Gillies, an Australia-based sportfishing company. Parsons has found shelf space with major U.S. retailers through partnerships forged at ICAST over the years.

American Sportfishing Association (ASA)

The organization that hosts the annual ICAST trade show, with the goal of delivering increasing value for attendees, particularly tackle dealers.

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What they’re saying

“I'm kind of old school. I believe conversations held face-to-face – when you can look into somebody's eyes and shake their hand – are far more productive than phone calls and web meetings.”

— Beau Williams, Owner, Crocodile Bay Resort (angling-international.com)

“Many deals over the years have been done at ICAST. There has never been a show where some type of unexpected deal has not presented itself.”

— Billy Parsons, General Manager, Gillies (angling-international.com)

What’s next

Registration for ICAST 2026 is ongoing at ICASTFishing.org. The show will feature a new, retailer-specific lounge, a full slate of revamped daily seminars, and more break-out events to facilitate networking and deal-making.

The takeaway

ICAST remains a must-attend event for the global sportfishing industry, providing an unparalleled opportunity for businesses and organizations to connect, discover new products, and secure deals that drive the industry forward. The show's ability to bring together thousands of high-quality professionals from around the world in one place is a major draw for attendees.