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The ICAST50 Bill Dance, Ray Scott, Jim Zumbo interviews

Posted on: July 17, 2007

Las Vegas, Nevada – Dave Langston

This was an amazing event. With all the perks of Las Vegas and the evening shows, the ICAST50 which is the largest fishing manufacture show in the United States put on a show all unto itself. With two acrobats suspended above the Shakespeare booth, hula dancers from Hawaii, Bill Dance, Ray Scott, Jim Zumbo, Babe Winkleman and others walking the floor this event had it all for the media and buyers.

The purpose of the ICAST is to give the small manufactures the chance to show case their item so the larger manufactures, stars and buyers could preview them before 2008. “This is a party for me and the larger manufactures. I have been going to this event for 41 years starting at the Chicago boat show,” says Bill Dance of Bill Dance Outdoors. “It started in Chicago then Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas, New Orleans, Kansas City and finally here. We do go to Orlando Florida also,” he adds.

Becky Ponkow and Mike Ponkow of the Idaho Examiner were working the cameras and helping setup the interviews and as a team we worked the manufacturer booths adding interview after interview. We covered close to 30 isles of products looking for the one which stood out and caught our eye as we passed by.

Rosemary Harris of Outdoor Adventure Kids www.outdooradventurekids.com won best of show for the Kids Tackle “Miss Fisherman” rod and reel combo. She was one of the interviews we covered prior to her win. OAK introduced their new girls’ line and fishing rod combos with a variety of colors. Completely lead free and with smaller handle grips, it has rod lengths of 3.5-feat and 4.5-feet. Easier casting action with 4BB in reels offers kids a chance to fish like adults. Girls can fish in style! Colors: pink or purple.

We interviewed Yakima baits, AFW lines, Bass Assassin, X Cap, Emmrod, Kick’n Bass, Lip Ripperz, Bait Bud, U.S. Reel, Rad Lures, Cocoon and many more. All have wonderful products but only a few could win best of show. The competition was extremely tough as buyers as far away as Japan were looking for products for distribution.

We did stumble into a much unexpected interview with Jim Zumbo which many of you may know from his blog in Outdoor Life pertaining to a certain firearm in question. “I really do not want to discuss the blog, but as I move forward with my career I have a lot of great things in the works. My outdoor show is up and running and I will still be holding seminars,” says Zumbo. Jim was a great interview but still a bit shy of the camera and for good reason. Good luck in the future Jim.

As we wandered the many isles of products and soaked in the Vegas atmosphere Ray Scott founder of B.A.S.S. stood before us at the table of Dexter Russell Cutlery www.dexter-russell.com “I know you Dave, you’re the internet guy the fishing and hunting guy,” said Scott. “Yes sir I am,” I proudly grinned. Knowing that a legend and one of the top 10 most influential people in the fishing industry actually knew me made my day.

We setup for what turned into the best interview that I have personally ever conducted. “Ray, from the bottom of my heart and every sportsman in America I would like to thank you for everything you have done for us including the introduction of catch and release.” I looked at Ray as he had a smile on his face and he replied, “Dave thank you. B.A.S.S. and I have been practicing catch and release for 41 years. We stand firmly on this idea,” he says. The interview lasted at least 5 minutes and Ray was a wonderful personality full of life.

I would like to thank all of the ICAST members, stars and manufacturers. We will be going back next year and also the Shot Show in Vegas is on our agenda.


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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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