Nearly 200 companies entered more than 600 tackle products and accessories into the 2006 ICAST Showcase. Industry leader call the showcase the “flagship feature” of the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), the sportfishing industry’s premier trade event, which is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The 49th annual show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, July 19-21, sold out the show floor months before the event. Industry veterans say that the high level of participation and enthusiasm shows that the recreational fishing industry is innovating and enjoying considerable growth.

Pure Fishing with its Berkley Fireline Crystal was voted by buyers and media as having the most innovative product in the ICAST 2006 New Product Showcase in both the Line category and the overall Best of Show.

Two first-time exhibitors won in the 2006 New Product Showcase. C.A.G.I. Outdoor Products, Cheyenne, Wyoming, with their Fish Call, won Best of Category in Terminal Tackle; and Outdoor Adventure Kids, St. Thomas, Ontario, won Best of Category in Kids Tackle with their Jr. Fisherman Rod Combo.

“The New Product Showcase is a remarkable display of innovation in sportfishing gear and accessories unlike any other,” said Mike Nussman, ASA’s president and CEO. “I congratulate all of the winners and thank those who participated in the New Product Showcase, from the companies who displayed their products to the buyers and media who served as judges.”