Las Vegas Convention Center – July 15, 2011 – From exhibitors to buyers to outdoor media, 7,000 representatives from the global sportfishing community converged on the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., July 13 – 15, for the world's largest sportfishing trade show. The 54th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), represents the cornerstone of the sportfishing industry, driving sportfishing companies' product sales year round and is the showcase for the latest innovations in gear and accessories.
"There is nowhere like ICAST where the global sportfishing industry comes together to see the very latest in gear and accessories and network with colleagues and friends," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "In this economy, people know they need to be smart about where and how they do business. I'm gratified that attending ICAST was high on everyone's list."
ICAST 2011 featured 427 exhibitors filling 1,270 booths, with 2,100 buyers and 530 media representatives in attendance. International ICAST attendance continues to increase with 822 attendees from 53 countries represented at the show.
Nussman further said, "On behalf of ASA's Board of Directors and the ASA staff, I want to thank our member exhibitors, sponsors, buyers, media, manufacturers' representatives and everyone who participated in this year's show and helped make it such a success. I look forward to seeing everyone next year for ICAST 2012, July 11-13, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla."
Jeff Marble, ASA's Chairman of the Board, and CEO, Frabill, Inc., and Nussman, described the current state of our industry and how ASA and the industry is giving our nation's 60 million anglers a voice through KeepAmericaFishing during the Industry Breakfast. The industry remarks are available on www.ICASTfishing.org.
The New Product Showcase "Best of Show" Awards
Making up a special section of ICAST's 400,000-square-foot show floor, the New Product Showcase provides unique visibility for the latest innovations in sportfishing gear and accessories. The submitted products compete in the "Best of Show" competition where buyers and media members judge each new product. This year, the Showcase included 21 categories, including new fly fishing categories and an expanded boat category, as well as the overall "Best of Show" award.
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."
2011 ICAST New Product Showcase Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners listed below.
ICAST 2011 Overall Best of Show - Pure Fishing, Inc., Berkley Nanofil
Best of Show – Apparel - Frabill, Inc., Frabill Suit
Best of Show – Boat - Hobie Cat, Hobie Mirage Revolution 11
Best of Show - Boating Accessory - JL Marine Systems, Inc., 10 Ft Power-Pole Blade Edition
Best of Show – Combo - Daiwa Corporation, Daiwa D-Shock DSH-4Bi Combo
Best of Show – Electronics - Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Humminbird 1158c DI Combo
Best of Show - Eyewear – Costa, Costa Women's Collection
Best of Show - Fishing Accessory - G. Pucci & Sons, Inc., P-Line Sparrowhawk
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Accessory – VestPac, DriftPac
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Reel - Temple Fork Outfitters, BVK Fly Reel
Best of Show - Fly Fishing Rod - G. Loomis, Inc., Pro4x
Best of Show - Freshwater Reel - Pure Fishing, Inc., Abu Garcia Revo MGX
Best of Show - Freshwater Rod - G. Loomis, Inc., GL2
Best of Show – Giftware - 3D Picture Store, Inc., 3D "Exploring Smallmouth" Picture
Best of Show - Kids' Tackle - Pure Fishing, Inc., Casting Game & Sound Fishing Kit
Best of Show – Line - Pure Fishing, Inc., Berkley Nanofil
Best of Show - Hard Lure - Pure Fishing, Inc., Sebile D&S Crank
Best of Show - Soft Lure - Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation, LIVE TARGET Hollow Body Mouse
Best of Show - Saltwater Reel - Daiwa Corporation, Saltiga SATG5000H
Best of Show - Saltwater Rod - Shimano American Corporation, Terez Rail Rod
Best of Show - Tackle Management - Plano Molding Company, 4674 Hydro-Flo Tackle Bag
Terminal Tackle – VMC, Spinshot