In a completely unplanned turn of events, Keith jumps on stage before giving the OSG crew a private show, kicking off the set with a crowd favorite "Should've Been a Cowboy" before transitioning to "Red Solo Cup," which is when I nabbed this photo. He went on to play four more songs, even strumming an acoustic for a few. (Photo by Shelby Busenbark)
July 20, 2023
By Shelby Busenbark
The 66th year of ICAST is sure to go down as one to remember in many event-goers' books. From game-changing innovations to unexpected celebrity appearances, ICAST 2023 had a lot in store for attendees, exhibitors and media alike. Personally, this was my fifth ICAST and has certainly claimed the top spot as the best yet.
What is ICAST? ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing trade show that is exclusively for members of the fishing industry to attend. The general public is not permitted to attend the event. During the show, the biggest names in fishing, as well as up-and-comers, present the latest innovations, gear and garb for the media and attendees. Most of these new product drops won't be available to the masses for months to come, so we're here to share what we found the most exciting at the 2023 show.
Here are some of the highlights. See our full Editor's Choice article for the best gear drops and new inventions that caught my eye.
ICAST 2023 Highlights Dozens of new fishing products were tested out by ICAST attendees on "Super Tuesday" in Orlando. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
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A long line of fans waited to get a Bill Dance autograph Wednesday at ICAST 2023. (Photo by Scott Bernarde)
A lucky young fan got a face-to-face encounter with fishing legends Bill Dance (left) and Kevin VanDam (right) Wednesday at ICAST 2023 in Orlando. (Photo by Scott Bernarde)
Outdoor Sportsman Group and Major League Fishing hosted a well-attended retirement reception for Kevin VanDam Thursday at ICAST 2023. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
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Legendary professional bass angler Kevin VanDam addresses the attendees at his retirement reception Thursday at ICAST 2023 in Orlando. VanDam is retiring this season after 33 years of competitive fishing. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
KVD posed for dozens of photos Thursday at his retirement reception at ICAST 2023. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
With a nod to the future, high school and college fishing teams were sprinkled into the crowd of attendees at the ICAST 2023 trade show in Orlando. Here, the renowned Auburn Tigers fishing team looks at new products in the Humminbird and Minn Kota booth. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
With a renewed focus on fly fishing at this year’s ICAST fishing trade show, the new ICAST Fly Shop was a big hit for those in attendance. Here, Fly Shop volunteer Jeff Ward shows off his fly-tying skills. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
With more than 1,000 new products to choose from, media members selected Florida-based American Tackle Company’s G2 Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle as the “Best of Show” winner. In all, 37 category award winners were announced by the American Sportfishing Association, including six in the fly fishing sector. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
Country music star Toby Keith and TV personality Jimmy Houston pose for a picture at the Luck E Strike booth, a lure company Keith recently purchased to turn his love of fishing into a new business venture .
Country music band LOCASH hit the stage at Tin Roof during the Outdoor Sportsman Group and Outdoor America VIP party Thursday evening with some unexpected tricks up their sleeve... (Photo by Shelby Busenbark)
Meanwhile, Toby Keith chats up OSG Digital Director Darren Choate (pictured right) and Senior Digital Editor Lynn Burkhead in the crowd of the Tin Roof. (Photo by Lynn Burkhead)
It was so special to see Toby Keith performing in such an intimate setting. He was 100% in his element on stage and I was sure to let him know that when we ran into him later. "I was in my f****** element!" he chimed back and sighed, "Ahh, felt so good." We chatted for a few minutes before a passerby asked if we wanted a picture. Left to right: Annie Nagel, Toby Keith and Shelby Busenbark.
To see all the best gear we say at ICAST 2023, see our full ICAST 2023 Editor's Choice Roundup here .
