In this post, we are going to talk about the recently hot event – iCash Sportfishing Trade. Come with us to check out what is new in 2024 iCast, who won the best reward, and some alternative fishing expos that are open to the public.
What Is iCast Fishing Expo?
The iCast (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is the biggest trade show for sportfishing industry worldwide. This year, iCast is scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida on July 16-19, 2024.
The iCast will be held each year. For future schedules, you can check the following information:
Dates:
2025 – July 15-18
2026 – July 14-17
Location:
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Official Website: https://www.icastfishing.org/
The main purpose of the event is to display the newest fishing equipment, gear, and accessories from popular brands and industry experts like manufacturers, retailers, shop owners, and media.
Although it is not open to the general public, as a personal buyer or fishing lover, you can still find the latest products and trends featured at the event at local fishing expos and retail stores.
What Is New In 2024 iCast?
Each year, iCast will choose the best of the best products for different categories. We bet you are interested in what is newly released on 2024 iCast show. Here we will introduce some of the winning products. Take a look and decide if you want to upgrade your gear next season.
The Winner of Saltwater Reel
Price: $799.95 – $899.95
The PENN Fathom Electric Reels stood out by not only winning the Best in Category for Saltwater Reels but also the Best of Show award(highest honor). These reels feature cutting-edge technology, like an integrated lithium-ion battery for a hassle-free experience. It is the first and only electric reel that has a battery design.
But it’s not just about the battery. These reels boast impressive torque and power, making them ideal for deep drop and kite fishing adventures.
Additionally, they are equipped with convenient features such as a clear LED display, a helpful line counter, automatic stop capability, and customizable settings. This innovative reel may be a game changer to step up your fishing game.
The Winner of Saltwater Rod
Price: $750.00 – $1495.00
Dominion E-Rod™ Jigging & Bottom Rod has been picked as the winning saltwater rod at the show. This rod uses the newest technology in jigging and battery power to provide a complete fishing solution for micro electric reels.
The core of the E-Rod™features an advanced LifePO4 battery system, carefully matched with a specially crafted battery management system. This combination enables a remarkable 30,000 feet line retrieval capability on one charge, eliminating the need for external wires, batteries, or faulty plugs, and providing anglers with convenience.
This rod gives you the ability and command you need, letting you concentrate on catching the big fish. The price is a bit high but it is a high-quality fishing gear that is worth your money.
The Winner of Freshwater Rod
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod is the winner in this category. The GX2 is built around Ugly Stik’s renowned Ugly Tech design, known for being one of the strongest and most dependable rods available.
This new version takes things to the next level, offering a variety of creative features that cater to the different needs of fishermen, such as equipped with a special PVD finish to provide exceptional durability and rust prevention, and keeping your rod in top shape in tough conditions.
The EVA handle with a rubberized diamond pattern offers a firm and cozy grip, even in wet conditions. The most impressive part is the newly designed reel seat, which not only has a pleasing appearance but also improves your overall sense and sensitivity, enabling you to better engage with the fish and the movements on the line.
Ugly Stik has always been known for its high quality and dependability, and the GX2 is no different. This rod even comes with a 10-year warranty and a strong reputation.
The Winner of Freshwater Reel
Price: $249.99 – $259.99
Shimano Vanford FA Spinning Reel won the prize in this category. The core of this remarkable reel is the MGL Rotor that make it super easy to control and perfect for those finesse fishing techniques that need quick action and sensitivity to feel even the smallest fish movements.
They added in some fancy tech stuff like InfinityXross and Infinity Drive to make reeling in your catch smoother and more efficient.
The Vanford FA reel is all about durability and strength, with features like X-Protect water-resistant technology, Hagane Body, and MicroModule II Gear to keep you fishing without any problems.
All in all, it’s quiet, smooth, and super sensitive, making it a top choice for any fishing adventure.
The Winner of Freshwater Soft Lure
- ManShadtron™ LT (Line-Through) Swimbait – a realistic shad-shaped bait with a special line-through harness for versatile hook setups. This fishing lure has a tail that imitates the movement of a shad, effective at different speeds when reeling in.
- Its accuracy-balanced structure and resilient ElaZtech substance help it remain vertical in the water.
- Offered in sizes of 4.5” and 6″, with Slow and Fast Sink versions, and available in 8 lifelike shades, sickle hook included.
The Winner of Warm Weather Apparel for Men
Grundéns Tough Sun Masked Hoodie is the new and perfect sun shirt for anglers who are seeking durability and high performance.
The shirt is constructed with Tough Sun fabric technology that is highly durable and resistant to abrasions and snags. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection and features a built-in face mask with laser-perforated holes for added convenience.
This hoodie guarantees to keep you comfortable and protected with HeiQ Stain Away, HeiQ Smart Temp, and HeiQ Pure features, perfect for activities on land or sea.
And what’s even better? It includes a lifetime warranty! It would be a good investment in such an outfit.
There are a lot more to offer in the iCast show, for more detailed resources, you can visit here: iCast 2024 Winners.
Except for the iCast, there are some local fishing expos that everyone can join. In the next part, we have collected some popular ones that you can join and take advantage of them.
Popular Fishing Expos In 2025
Almost all of the fishing expos are happened at the first half year. If you miss them, here are some fishing shows you can attend in 2025.
Columbus Fishing Expo 2025
Dates: February 7 – 9, 2025
Location: Bricker Building 717 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio
Price: Free – $200
Official Website: https://www.nationalfishingexpos.com/
The Columbus Fishing Expo is one of the largest fishing shows in the Midwest, featuring the latest fishing gear, seminars, and demonstrations.
There are many things to enjoy at this event. You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and talk with experienced experts about various fishing subjects. And, you will be able to interact with 20 speakers at this event and gain knowledge and tactics from them in the fishing field.
Also, there will be hundreds of vendors who showcase their latest fishing gear, tackle, boats, and more. You can have the chance to receive them for free or buy them at a discount.
Knoxville Fishing Expo 2025
Dates: January 23 – 26, 2025
Location: Knoxville Convention Center, 5441 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, Tennessee
Official Website: https://easttnfishingshow.com/
The Knoxville Fishing Expo is a popular event in the Southeast. This extensive exhibition includes thousands of vendors displaying the newest and best fishing boats, equipment, and accessories within a vast 100,000 square foot area. By attending it, you will discover all the necessary resources to enhance your fishing skills.
This Knoxville fishing expo offers everything a fisherman could dream of, from professional angler presentations to thrilling competitions and impressive free rewards.
What’s more this fishing show is also an excellent event suitable for the whole family. It has specific places for kids to learn and have fun with fishing. So, it would be an ideal opportunity to introduce your entire family to the fun of fishing!
Richmond Fishing Expo 2025
Dates: January 17 – 19, 2025
Location: Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, Virginia
Price: free – $10
Official Website: https://www.richmondfishingexpo.com/
The Richmond Fishing Expo is a regional event that attracts anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic region, offering a wide variety of fishing gear, tackle, and educational content to all levels of anglers.
What to expect in Richmond fishing expo? This Fishing Expo is an event that any fishing enthusiast should not miss. There are more than 100 vendors that will display the newest fishing equipment and supplies at discounted prices. And you will also be able to attend different seminars, meet with top anglers and listen to their techniques.
However, there is more to offer in this exhibition. The exhibition is filled with rewards and free items, including an opportunity to win $10,000 at the Touch-A-Prize Kiosk! Make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing weekend filled with abundant fishing opportunities and resources!
Wisconsin Fishing Expo 2025
Dates: February 21 – 23, 2025
Location: Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin
Price: Free – $12
Official Website: https://wifishingexpo.com/
The opening dates for 2025 Wisconsin Fishing Expo is the same as last year. The show is a popular event for anglers in the Midwest, which has been held for decades.
It features the latest fishing products, seminars, opportunities to connect with the local fishing community and fun activities for children.
In this expo, it has more than 330 booths where you can try new products and buy fishing equipment with discounts. There are also many activities where kids can learn how to cast and catch their own fish. The Wisconsin Fishing Expo is a true destination for anglers of all ages and a good place for family fun.
Sandusky Fishing Expo 2024
Dates: October 4 – 5, 2024
Location: Cedar Point Sports Center, 2701 Cleveland Rd, Sandusky, Ohio
Price: Free – $10
Official Website: https://www.nationalfishingexpos.com/
The Sandusky National Fishing Expo is the top event of the year for fishing fans in the area. This exciting two-day event is filled with the newest fishing equipment and handmade fishing gear, instructors, and excellent Canadian suppliers.
In the expo, there will be several experienced professionals who will discuss a variety of fishing subjects. You won’t want to miss the unique chance to learn from top professionals in the industry by over 20 seminars in this show.
At this new expo, hundreds of top handcrafted lure creators from the fishing industry will gather to showcase a wider variety of high-quality boats, rods, reels, tackle, clothing, and other necessary items, all in one place.
After attending this knowledge-filled fishing expo, you will surely leave with valuable advice, resources, new gear and strategies that you can apply right away.
Conclusion
Overall, participating in fishing expos such as iCast can really help a lot both for experienced fishermen and beginners. They provide a unique chance for everyone to fully learn new fishing equipment developments, gain knowledge from professionals, and engage with other anglers.
If there is any chance, you can attend the shows and keep yourself informed about the latest trends and technologies in the fishing industry while also raising interest in the sport. They offer more than just entertainment, also valuable experiences that can improve your abilities out on the water.
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