Every July, the fishing industry converges in Orlando for the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) annual trade show, ICAST—the world’s largest sportfishing trade event. As the founder of Emerger Strategies and the creator of the ASA Sustainability Toolkit, I’ve been attending ICAST for years. But this year felt different.
For the first time, fishing brands are recognizing that sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a business necessity. Here’s a breakdown of my key takeaways from ICAST 2025 and why brands that embrace sustainability now will be better positioned to navigate market uncertainty, rising regulatory pressure, and growing retailer expectations.
1. Tariffs Are Creating Major Business Headaches—But Sustainability Can Help
Tariffs were a hot topic at ICAST. Many companies shared how uncertainty around tariff policies is making it harder to forecast, plan ahead, and manage costs. While sustainability might not seem like the obvious solution, it can actually help brands become more resilient.
Take Z-Man Fishing Products, for example—a long-time Emerger Strategies client. By installing solar at their headquarters and production facility in South Carolina, Z-Man dramatically reduced their annual electricity bill roughly $80,000 per year while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint, making them less vulnerable to external price shocks like energy spikes or tariffs.
Sustainability = Cost Savings + Resilience
Whether it’s reducing utility bills, minimizing waste, or optimizing logistics, sustainability initiatives can lead to long-term savings that help brands weather financial storms.
2. EPR for Packaging Is Here—And Sustainable Packaging Can Save You Money
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging are gaining momentum in the U.S., with states like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine leading the charge. At ICAST, I spoke with several brands who are worried about how these regulations will affect their bottom line.
Here’s the good news: switching to more sustainable, recyclable packaging can actually reduce the EPR fees your company will have to pay.
Sustainable packaging = Lower compliance costs
By proactively redesigning packaging to meet recyclability standards, fishing brands can stay ahead of legislation while cutting costs. At Emerger Strategies, we help brands assess their current packaging, identify cost-effective alternatives, and ensure compliance with evolving EPR regulations.
3. Retailers Now Expect Sustainability Performance—And Brands Must Keep Up
Walmart. Bass Pro Shops. West Marine.
These retailers—and many more—now have their own ambitious sustainability goals. That means they expect their suppliers (aka your brand) to measure and improve your environmental and social performance.
This shift was impossible to ignore at ICAST. Multiple brand leaders told me they’ve been asked to complete sustainability assessments or provide carbon footprint data for the first time this year.
Here’s the opportunity: by aligning your sustainability efforts with your retailers’ goals, you’re not just checking a box—you’re strengthening one of your most important business relationships.
Sustainability = Stronger retailer relationships
Whether it’s through greenhouse gas emissions tracking and responding to CDP, packaging improvements, or sustainability reporting, brands that can demonstrate progress will gain a competitive edge and become a preferred supplier.
How Emerger Strategies Can Help
At Emerger Strategies, we simplify sustainability for fishing and outdoor brands. We’ve worked with ASA, Z-Man Fishing Products, and many others in the industry to:
- Measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Create actionable Sustainability Plans
- Align with retailer sustainability requirements
- Prepare for EPR and other regulations
- Communicate authentic sustainability stories
We understand that most fishing brands are short on time, staff, and resources. That’s why we offer turn-key sustainability consulting services that deliver results without the need to hire a full-time team. Learn more about our Sustainability Consulting Services & Solutions.
Final Thoughts
ICAST 2025 confirmed what we’ve been saying for years: sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business.
Fishing brands that take action now will not only reduce costs and reputational and regulatory risk—they’ll also build stronger relationships with their biggest customers, meet regulatory requirements, and future-proof their business.
Ready to get started?
Contact us today to learn how Emerger Strategies can help your brand simplify sustainability and stay competitive in a changing world by filling out the form below: