Noticing the catfishing community
If you are not familiar with the ICAST acronym, it stands for International Convention of Allied Sportsfishing Trades. It is a gathering place for about 15,000 people from 80 different countries, all with something to do with fishing.
It is a trade show and NOT open to the public. Manufacturers show their products; retailers place orders for products: and media members report on what’s new in the many areas of fishing that are represented at the show.
The event kicks off on Tuesday, July 11 and runs through Friday, July 14, in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center. ICAST officials have enjoyed their association with Orlando and the event is expected to return annually to Orlando for several years to come.
Past ICAST’s have not had a lot of catfish specific products, but I expect this year to be different. It seems like more and more companies are noticing the catfishing community and the market that it represents. That recognition is causing them to branch out and offer more products aimed at the growing sport of catfishing. ICAST is an excellent place to introduce them.
Looking through the list of exhibitors I observed a few that already recognize the catfishing market and I am anxious to see who else I can find at the show.
Specific products that I see on the list that market catfish products include: B’n’M Rods, Rippin Lips Tackle, Daiichi Hooks, Whisker Seekers Tackle, and Vicious Fishing.
Of course, all the big electronics companies like Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance will be there along with major hook manufactures, trolling motor companies, and rod and reel manufacturers.
It will be very interesting to browse the floor and see what other catfish products will be discovered at the world’s largest fishing show. I am hoping there will be plenty.
I plan to make some reports from the show on catfish related items that I find. Stay tuned.
Fish with passion
