My First ICAST

There's something special about attending an event for the very first time. You can read about it, watch videos, and hear stories from people who have been going for years, but until you walk through the doors yourself, you really don't know what to expect.

This year, I headed to my first ICAST, the largest sportfishing trade show in the world, and prior to departure I was equally excited and curious. As someone who loves discovering new innovations, meeting the people behind the brands, and sharing everything I learn with fellow anglers, this felt like the perfect opportunity to see where the future of fishing is headed.

I looked forward to seeing the newest rods, reels, electronics, tackle, apparel, and accessoies before they hit store shelves. But even more than the gear, I was excited to meet the people who make this industry so unique—from professional anglers and content creators to the companies constantly pushing fishing forward.

For me, this trip was about more than seeing the latest products. It was also about building relationships. Many of the people I met already knew Pete through Half Past First Cast or from his years of writing, but they've never had the chance to meet me. Behind every trip we plan, every blog we publish, every social media post we share, and every adventure we take, Half Past First Cast is a team effort. It's important to me that people get to put a face with the name, get to know who I am, and realize that I'm just as passionate about helping anglers create unforgettable fishing and travel experiences.

Stepping out from behind the scenes was both exciting and a little intimidating, but it's also an important step in growing Half Past First Cast. I hoped to leave ICAST not only with new ideas and new partnerships, but with new friendships and connections that will help us continue bringing our readers the best fishing destinations, products, and experiences.

My plan was to explore the show floor, ask questions, film interviews with Pete, and search for products and stories worth sharing with the Half Past First Cast community.

I also wanted to see if ICAST is everything everyone says it is.

We have been back about a week and I can honestly say ICAST exceeded every expectation I had.

The biggest surprise wasn't the incredible products on display or the massive show floor—it was the people. Everyone was there to connect. Whether it was a company representative, a professional angler, a product designer, or another content creator, people genuinely wanted to have conversations. That made it incredibly easy to ask questions, learn about new products, hear the stories behind different brands, and gather content that we'll be sharing with all of you over the coming posts.

And trust me, we gathered a lot of content.

Our cameras were constantly rolling as we recorded new products and gear. We had conversations with many vendors about their products and what and how Half Past First Cast could help get their products worn and reviewed around the world. We can't wait to start sharing everything we learned.

One of the best parts of the week was reconnecting with people we've met over the years. Fishing is a surprisingly small community, and ICAST brought everyone together in one place. Rather than exchanging a quick "hello" as we passed each other, we had the opportunity to sit down, catch up, talk about our recent adventures, share stories from the water, and discuss where the industry is headed. Those conversations reminded us that the relationships we've built over the years are just as valuable as any new product we discovered.

Of course, every great event is also about meeting new people, and ICAST certainly delivered. We introduced ourselves to countless companies, content creators, and industry professionals who were generous with their time and eager to learn about Half Past First Cast. Many of those introductions have already turned into exciting opportunities. We're thrilled to be collaborating with several new companies whose products and services fit perfectly with our mission of helping anglers plan unforgettable fishing and travel experiences. We can't wait to introduce you to these partnerships and show you why we're excited to work together.

Another unexpected highlight was being invited to so many industry gatherings and after-hours events. Those invitations weren't just about attending a party, they were opportunities to continue conversations in a more relaxed setting, strengthen relationships, and meet even more people who share the same passion for fishing. Some of the best networking happened long after the show floor closed each evening.

But if I had to choose one moment that meant the most to me personally, it happened over and over throughout the week.

People walked up to us.

Some recognized our logo before they recognized us. Others introduced themselves by saying, "I follow Half Past First Cast."

Those simple words meant more than they'll probably ever know.

I shared that one of my goals was to step out from behind the scenes and become more visible within the fishing industry. I wanted people to know that Half Past First Cast is a team effort and that I'm proud to be part of building it alongside Pete.

Hearing complete strangers recognize our brand, follow our adventures, and take the time to introduce themselves reminded me that the work we're doing is making an impact. It validated the countless hours spent writing blogs, filming videos, editing content, traveling to destinations, and sharing honest experiences with fellow anglers.

This also motivated us even more.

ICAST wasn't just a trade show. It was a week of learning, growing, reconnecting with old friends, building new friendships, and opening doors to opportunities we never expected. We left with new partnerships, fresh ideas, hours of content to share, and a renewed excitement for where Half Past First Cast is headed.

This was my first ICAST and I can honestly say it won't be my last. The fishing industry welcomed us with open arms, and we're already looking forward to returning next year.

To everyone who stopped us in the aisles, watched our videos, read our blogs, introduced themselves, or simply said, "I follow Half Past First Cast"—thank you. You made my first ICAST an experience I'll never forget, and you're a big reason we're so excited to continue what we do and about what's next.