Winning the ICAST Best of Category award is a significant achievement for any company in the fishing industry. Presented at the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, this award represents innovation, quality, and industry leadership. For a company, being recognized as "Best of Category" not only validates the hard work and vision that went into the product, but also sets a new benchmark for excellence within the category.
ICAST, organized by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), brings together manufacturers, retailers, media, and industry professionals from around the world. Each year, new products are submitted across multiple categories—from rods and reels to accessories and electronics—and judged by a panel of buyers and media representatives. These experts evaluate entries based on innovation, design, functionality, and potential impact on the market. Winning “Best of Category” means a product stood out among dozens of competitors in its field.
The Weight of The Award
For the winning company, the benefits can be both immediate and long-term. From a marketing perspective, the award provides instant credibility, often with customers or buyers who might not have known of the product or company. The “Best of Category” title is a powerful promotional tool that can be featured in advertising, packaging, and sales materials. It builds trust with customers by signaling that the product has been evaluated and endorsed by professionals. In a crowded marketplace, that kind of recognition can make the difference between a customer choosing your product over a competitor’s.
“It is an honor to bring home yet another product award to our Oviedo, Florida headquarters,” said Brook Oliva, Foundation Outdoor Group President and COO. “This is truly a team effort. From product development to marketing to fulfillment, every one of our team members plays a part in our success, and I am proud to share this honor with our entire organization.”
A Team Effort
Unless you have worked within a company that designs and develops their own products, it is hard to wrap you head around how many people touch a product before it is deemed ready for sale.
The team at Mud Hole spent countless hours getting choosing the right components. What blank, guides, handle type? Can anyone do this? They created the directions and how-to information so that someone who has never built a rod can be successful. Then testing and proofing on box design and how the products fit and layout within this box. Is it shelf ready and worthy to handle shipment? What does it look? It needs to be informative but attractive at the same time. This is just a fraction of what went on behind the scene to that lead to a prestigious industry award.
I think Foundation Outdoor Group Vice President, Hunter McKamey said it best in an interview with Fishing Tackle retailer, “The development of the All-In-One Kits required our team of rod building professionals and product designers to take a step back and simplify the craft for new builders. Everything from the selected components and supplies to the instructions, the free online rod building content, and even the box design, was carefully considered to help bring rod building to new enthusiasts.”
More Than Just a Trophy
Buyers attending ICAST are looking for standout products to add to their inventories, and a “Best of Category” winner often becomes a must-have item. The buzz generated by the win can lead to increased media coverage, product reviews, and social media attention, all of which drive brand awareness and consumer interest. So, to make a statement, Mud Hole has to design a great product as well as make sure it is easy to get to our new and existing customer base.
As Mud Hole approaches their 50th anniversary year they continue not only be leaders in the rod building industry but are making big waves in the fishing industry. An ICAST award shows that Mud Hole is not only keeping up with current trends but also pushing the boundaries of what's possible and the reach that rod building has gained.
A Kit with Everything, For Everything
If you remember back from our Mud Hole Journal entry in early spring, well late winter for our northern friends, we went over all the All-In-One-Kit options. Titled Choosing the Right All In One Kit.
Although it was the spinning version of the All-In-One-Kit that took home the hardware, the voters, buyers and ICAST attendees we excited that we did not just stop there. Sure, spinning rods are likely the most popular first time rod purchase for an aspiring angler at as well as for our rod building class, but you can learn to build any rod as your first.
Tackle shop owners from Minnesota lit up when they saw our All-In-One ice rod kit. With three builds included, it is an excellent way to get ready for ice fishing season or build additional rods for your arsenal while the snow piles up outside your workshop.
What about fly shop owners? If you have customers that tie flies, they can build a fly rod so we have the All-In-One Fly Rod Kit. One popular fly shop in North Carolina has been offering fly rod building classes for over a decade using components from us here at Mud Hole.
It does not matter where you live or what you fish for, we can get you or your customers into rod building with the All-In-One-Kits.
I will conclude with the number one question asked about our All-In-One-Kits, "Is there really everything in this one box that you need to build a rod?". Yes, everything is in this box. From blank to handle, components and even tools you can use to build future custom rods, its all here. You can put a bow on it and hand it to someone as a gift, or slap a shipping label on it and out the door it goes. Nothing else is needed to get started into rod building than these All-In-One-Kits.
Yes, even hook keepers.
If you don't get that joke, go back and enjoy some of the other Mud Hole Journal entires like The Dos and Don'ts of Building a Frog Rod.
