Waypoint TV at ICAST 2023
By Jack Orloff, Waypoint TV Social Media Coordinator
It’s rare to have a single event where sportfishing community members and industry leaders can all meet in one place every year. The ICAST Show, organized by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), is where anglers from all over the world have the opportunity to connect with one another in an environment that is truly one of a kind. ICAST 2023, like every show prior, did not disappoint. The show's massive floor can be overwhelming at first, but it’s always exciting and fun to see the fishing community come together and be unified at this event and in common missions.
Waypoint TV was a Gold sponsor of ICAST this year, and we also had the chance to sit down with some of our producers and partners to talk about their shows and initiatives, what they looked forward to at this year's ICAST, and how they access and watch Waypoint TV.
“The fishing nerd in me is going bananas right now,” said Captian Jonathan Moss of The Captain’s Log. “Day one, there are a ton of people and tons of excitement out there. It's awesome, and I really love coming to ICAST.”
Blair Wiggins has attended ICAST for decades but says it always feels new and exciting.
“This is the 28th ICAST I have been to,” said Blair Wiggins of Blair Wiggins Outdoors. “So many new products that I’ve seen out there that are so awesome, and every year they are more exciting. I’m always thinking, what else can they invent?”
When we asked Blair about new products that stood out to him, one product outweighed the rest.
“The new product showcase is awesome, especially getting to see the Abyss Lithium Batteries coming out,” said Wiggins. “They are a game changer for us and this industry, and I can't wait to use them.”
Abyss Lithium Batteries also sponsors Waypoint TV’s prime-time programming blocks, Mornings on the Flats and Offshore Obsession.
We also got a minute with Saltwater Experience host, Tom Rowland, who was excited to see sponsors and check out their new products like Power-Pole’s new trolling motor. Tom is also the host of the popular Tom Rowland Podcast on the Waypoint Podcast Network.
We asked our producers what their favorite shows are on Waypoint TV and how they access and watch them.
“I have the Waypoint TV app downloaded on my phone and Ipad,” said Chasten Whitfield of Their Life My Lens. “I was actually in the airport last week watching Into The Blue and Saltwater Experience, and those are my favorite shows right now.”
“Years ago, I dumped cable and got a Fire Stick so I can watch Waypoint TV on Pluto TV,” said Wiggins. “I can also punch it up on the app 24/7,” said Blair Wiggins.
When we asked legend Babe Winkelman what he's most excited about being on Waypoint TV, he said Waypoint brings out the best in each show. We recently launched Babe Winkelman’s Good Fishing on the Waypoint TV Channel and VOD platforms.
“I think that Waypoint TV as a television network brings out the very best of the shows that they air, and that’s why I sought out Waypoint TV.”
After speaking with our producers, partners, and viewers, we couldn't help but feel excited and encouraged to continue growing a brand that is pushing the needle in the outdoor entertainment space. And with the consistent rise of cord-cutters every year (43M in 2022, 47M projected in 2023), Waypoint TV’s free platform continues to be widely accepted among outdoor entertainment viewers.
With a focus on conservation, education, and a passion for the outdoors, Waypoint TV continues to lead the charge in the outdoor experience that so many of us share a love. Check out our recap reel below.