ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show was held July 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This was the 56th International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, a show produced by the American Sportfishing Association. Exhibitors, buyers and media congregated at the Center, where the latest innovations in gear, accessories and apparel were showcased.

Approximately 9,500 representatives from the international fishing industry were present including thousands of buyers who came to check out the apparel, new gear and accessories that were on display. There were also more than 700 media representatives covering the show.

“The energy and excitement generated during this year’s show was felt by everyone,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “ICAST is our industry trade show. It’s very important to us that we create the show that the industry wants.

The decision by the boards of directors of ASA and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association to co-locate ICAST and the International Fly Tackle Dealer show (IFTD) is a reflection of that. Our commitment to our member exhibitors, media and all show attendees is to listen and improve the trade show in any and every way we can.”

This year’s event showcased some amazing new products, many based on advances in digital technology that are finding applications in the outdoors. This year’s Best of Show went to JL Marine Systems, Inc. maker of the incredibly successful Power- Pole.

Their new product, the Micro Anchor, is suitable for small boats and kayaks and employs a system that lets the angler remotely activate a small vertical anchoring spike with a wireless remote. There’s even an App for the IPhone to operate the system. To see this small wonder in action go to; http://www.power-pole.com/jlmarine/power-pole/micro.aspx.

Johnson Outdoors Watercraft, Inc. was once again a multi Best Of Show winner, garnering first place in the boats division with their Predator 13 kayak, a watercraft packed with new innovations that make stand up fishing easy and provides comfortable seating and places to conveniently mount the growing number of accessories available for kayaks.

Johnson Outdoors also won for electronics with its Hummingbird Bow Mount 360 Imaging system. When mounted on their bow trolling motor, it gives an angler a 360-degree underwater view. A unit mounted on the shaft of the trolling motor captures images gathered by the Bow 360 extend for 150 feet in all directions. To see the system in action go to http://www.humminbird.com/360imaging/

G. Loomis, Inc. took top honors in the fly rod division with its PRO4x fly rods. These rods mimic the action of their top of the line NRX Series and are noted for their line control and feel. They come in sizes from #3 to #10.

Beam Outdoors won the fly fishing reel category with the Elite 21 Reel. The reel designed originally for ice fishing was soon in high demand among fly fisherman. Check out this unusual story at http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/beam-outdoors-wins-best-in-show-at-icast.aspx#ixzz2aMbzNcg4.

Other winners included: Fishing Accessory, American Tackle Company Product – Tidal Wave-Micro Wave System; Line, PowerPro, Product – PowerPro Zero-Impact; Saltwater Reel, Shimano American Corporation – Product Stella SW 30000; Saltwater Rod, St. Croix Rods, Product – Legend Xtreme Inshore; and Tackle Management, Plano Molding Company, Product -– 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag.

“In 2014 we’re taking the trade show to Orlando where we will once again co-locate with IFTD,” said ASA board of directors Chairman Gregg Wollner, executive vice president of Rapala. “We expect to see continued growth in attendance, particularly in the international and marine markets. Business-wise – it’s a good investment for us.”

For a complete list of the winners and links to web sites and products go to http://www.icastfishing.org/