I consider myself a pretty well-rounded guy, but there are still some classic outdoors experiences I missed while growing up. The biggest one is fishing.
But I haven’t completely avoided fishing. I’ve joined friends on fishing trips, helped launch boats before sunrise, slept on the deck while others chased the next big catch, and even tried ice fishing once. Still, if you asked me to explain the difference between bass fishing, fly fishing, offshore trolling, inshore fishing, or any of the many techniques and species, I’d probably just smile and nod. Fishing is a huge world, and for someone new, it can feel intimidating.
My kids absolutely love fishing. Seeing how excited they get whenever we’re near water made me realize it was time to stop sitting on the sidelines and actually learn. In true SKILLSET style, I didn’t just dip my toe in. I dove in headfirst and went to Orlando, Florida, for ICAST 2026.
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ICAST is a Whopper!
If you haven’t heard of it, ICAST is the main event for the fishing industry. Manufacturers, retailers, media, guides, and anglers from all over the world come together to show off the latest in rods, reels, electronics, tackle, apparel, boats, and just about every kind of gear you can think of. Whether you fish on weekends, compete in tournaments, or run a tackle shop, ICAST is where you’ll see the products and trends shaping the future of fishing.
Like any great trade show, there’s a lot of excitement about new product launches, but what stood out most to me wasn’t the gear. It was the people. The fishing community welcomed me, a newcomer, with open arms and was eager to share advice, stories, and plenty of laughs. Everywhere I went, someone was happy to explain a new technique, suggest a favorite lure, or tell the story of the one that almost got away.
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Go for the amazing gear. Stay for the new ideas. Most importantly, take time to meet the people behind the brands and listen to their fish stories. Trust me, there are plenty of whoppers, and after a week at ICAST, I finally get that’s half the fun.
