What I've Learned from 20 ICAST Shows - feat. Carl Carson (ICAST 2026 ep 4 of 4)

What I've Learned from 20 ICAST Shows - feat. Carl Carson (ICAST 2026 ep 4 of 4)

What does a fishing industry sales rep actually do at ICAST? In this episode of our Best On Tour ICAST series, we sit down with industry veteran Carl Carson to break down the side of ICAST most people never see. From months of preparation and booth setup to nonstop meetings and relationship-building, Carl shares what it really takes to represent brands and drive business at the biggest trade show in fishing. We also dive into how ICAST has evolved over the years from catalog sales and surprise product launches to today’s fast-moving world of social media, influencers, and early releases. In this episode: • What a sales rep actually does at ICAST • The insane prep before the show even opens • How brands sell products months (or years) in advance • Why some reps never even see the show floor • Where real business and deals actually happen • How social media changed product launches forever • The biggest trends shaping the fishing industry This is just 1 of our interviews for our ICAST 2026 series. We’re talking to some of the most influential people in fishing to bring you real insight from inside ICAST. 👉 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss the next episode! Sign up for our FREE newsletter 👉 https://bestontour.net [https://bestontour.net] Follow Best on Tour: https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass [https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass] https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders] https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass [https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass] https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass [https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass]

The TRUTH About ICAST from a Bait Company Owner - feat. John Crews (ICAST 2026 ep 3 of 4)

What does it actually take to succeed at ICAST as a fishing brand? In this episode of our Best On Tour ICAST series, we sit down with Missile Baits owner and Elite Series pro John Crews to break down the real business behind one of the biggest trade shows in the fishing industry. From year-round preparation to last-minute chaos, John shares what it takes to launch new products, build relationships, and turn ICAST into real sales, not just exposure! We also dive into how fishing brands succeed (or fail) at ICAST, what some companies get wrong, and how the game has evolved with influencers, content, and modern marketing. If you’ve ever wondered how baits actually go from concept to sell-out success… this is an inside look! In this episode: • How much planning really goes into ICAST • The stress of launching new products • Why some companies fail at trade shows • How Missile Baits approaches sales vs marketing • The evolution of product launches in the fishing industry • Building long-term relationships in the business • Advice for anglers trying to break into the industry This is just 1 of our interviews for our ICAST 2026 series. We’re talking to some of the most influential people in fishing to bring you real insight from inside ICAST. 👉 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss the next episode! Sign up for our FREE newsletter 👉 https://bestontour.net [https://bestontour.net] Follow Best on Tour: https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass [https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass] https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders] https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass [https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass] https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass [https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass]

Everyone Thinks ICAST Is Fun… Here’s the Truth - feat. Josh Bertrand (ICAST 2026 ep 2 of 4)

Everyone sees ICAST… but not everyone understands what it’s really like. In this episode of our Best On Tour ICAST series, we sit down with MLF pro Josh Bertrand to break down the reality of ICAST from an angler’s perspective. From long days in the booth to nonstop media, sponsor obligations, and after-hours networking, Josh shares what actually goes into being a professional angler at one of the biggest events in the fishing industry. We also dive into how ICAST has changed over the years, the truth about sponsorship opportunities, and what anglers should (and shouldn’t) expect when they attend. If you’ve ever thought ICAST was just fun and free gear… this one might surprise you. In this episode: • What pro anglers actually do at ICAST • The reality behind sponsor obligations • Why ICAST is more work than most people think • How anglers balance multiple brands • The truth about getting sponsors at the show • Why the third day of ICAST matters more than you think • How social media has changed everything This is just 1 of our interviews for our ICAST 2026 series. We’re talking to some of the most influential people in fishing to bring you real insight from inside ICAST. 👉 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss the next episode! Sign up for our FREE newsletter 👉 https://bestontour.net [https://bestontour.net] Follow Best on Tour: https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass [https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass] https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders] https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass [https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass] https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass [https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass]

What It’s Like Being a Fishing Influencer at ICAST - feat. Hilary Martin (ICAST 2026 ep 1 of 4)

What is ICAST really like behind the scenes? In this episode of our Best On Tour ICAST series, we sit down with Hilary Martin to break down what it’s actually like working one of the biggest events in the fishing industry as an influencer. From balancing sponsor obligations to meeting fans, creating content, and navigating the chaos of the show floor, Hilary shares a real, inside look at ICAST. We also dive into her journey from attending her first ICAST at just 14 years old to becoming a recognized name in the space, plus how she manages brand relationships, content creation, and everything in between. In this episode: • How Hilary Martin prepares for ICAST • What brands expect from influencers at the show • Behind-the-scenes of sponsor relationships • Balancing content creation vs obligations • Growing up in the fishing industry • The rise of female anglers in the sport • What makes ICAST such a big opportunity This is just 1 of our interviews for our ICAST 2026 series. We’re talking to some of the most influential people in fishing to bring you real insight from inside ICAST. 👉 Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss the next episode! Sign up for our FREE newsletter 👉 https://bestontour.net [https://bestontour.net] Follow Best on Tour: https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass [https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass] https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders] https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass [https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass] https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass [https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass]

This Could Save Your Life (+5B's) | Best on Tour Breakdown Ep 18

👇 Links & Timestamps👇 0:30 Buzz - The Leash 👉 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/The_Leash_Outboard_Motor_Tether/descpage-PSRTL.html?from=BOT [https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/The_Leash_Outboard_Motor_Tether/descpage-PSRTL.html?from=BOT] 4:40 Banter - Michael Neal's #1 Tip For Success Full video 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvHMtKhuZl4 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvHMtKhuZl4] Facebook post shown 👉 https://www.facebook.com/reel/935596059522591 [https://www.facebook.com/reel/935596059522591] 10:16 Baits - Missile Baits Buzz Wagon Get some 👉 https://www.missilebaits.store/products/buzz-wagon?bg_ref=MUYPk8OMKF&tid1=bot_youtube [https://www.missilebaits.store/products/buzz-wagon?bg_ref=MUYPk8OMKF&tid1=bot_youtube] 16:20 Business - Behind the scenes of ICAST 24:29 Bonus - 2012 Bassmaster Classic, Red River, Gerald Swindle cuts off stuffed giraffe's foot!! Sign up for our FREE newsletter 👉 https://bestontour.net [https://bestontour.net] Follow Best on Tour: https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass [https://www.facebook.com/BestOnTourBass] https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/botinsiders] https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass [https://www.instagram.com/bestontourbass] https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass [https://www.tiktok.com/@bestontourbass] The Best on Tour Breakdown is the behind the scenes briefing on the buzz, banter, baits, and business of bass fishing.