Gear

Take a tour of AFTCO

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AFTCO headquarters is located in Santa Ana, California. Starting in 1958 in a small building in Newport Beach California. AFTCO is now a leading manufacturer in fishing tackle and fishing clothing.
AFTCO headquarters is located in Santa Ana, California. Starting in 1958 in a small building in Newport Beach California. AFTCO is now a leading manufacturer in fishing tackle and fishing clothing.
Walking into the front office, you see a reminder of AFTCO’s pledge to protect and conserve with their 10% pledge — a pledge to donate 10% of yearly profits to sportfishing conservation organizations. Since 2018, this has included AFTCO X B.A.S.S. conservation grants working closely with B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland.
Walking into the front office, you see a reminder of AFTCO’s pledge to protect and conserve with their 10% pledge — a pledge to donate 10% of yearly profits to sportfishing conservation organizations. Since 2018, this has included AFTCO X B.A.S.S. conservation grants working closely with B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland.
Welcoming visitors to the office is this photo of Milt Shedd and his wife, Peggie. The Shedds purchased AFTCO in 1973 to continue the tackle business with no idea what the future held for AFTCO.
Welcoming visitors to the office is this photo of Milt Shedd and his wife, Peggie. The Shedds purchased AFTCO in 1973 to continue the tackle business with no idea what the future held for AFTCO.
Bill Shedd, the son of Milt and Peggie, started working at AFTCO in 1974. He was president of AFTCO until 2019 when his son Casey Shedd took over. Although technically retired, Bill is still CEO and spends a ton of time in the office continuing to be involved with the business and the conservation efforts he is so passionate about.
Bill Shedd, the son of Milt and Peggie, started working at AFTCO in 1974. He was president of AFTCO until 2019 when his son Casey Shedd took over. Although technically retired, Bill is still CEO and spends a ton of time in the office continuing to be involved with the business and the conservation efforts he is so passionate about.
Upstairs, the showroom displays a surprising amount of in-style and future clothing items.
Upstairs, the showroom displays a surprising amount of in-style and future clothing items.
The showroom boasts AFTCO’s many ICAST awards. Since ICAST started apparel awards four years ago, AFTCO has been competitive every year winning at least one Best of Show award.
The showroom boasts AFTCO’s many ICAST awards. Since ICAST started apparel awards four years ago, AFTCO has been competitive every year winning at least one Best of Show award.
The Bassmaster Elite Series trophy for the St. Johns River sits on top of the ICAST display. AFTCO was the title sponsor for the Elite event on the fishery in 2020 and 2021, and that will continue in 2022.
The Bassmaster Elite Series trophy for the St. Johns River sits on top of the ICAST display. AFTCO was the title sponsor for the Elite event on the fishery in 2020 and 2021, and that will continue in 2022.
With such a vast selection of clothing items, you can’t forget AFTCO’s straw hats for optimal coverage and relaxing vibes.
With such a vast selection of clothing items, you can’t forget AFTCO’s straw hats for optimal coverage and relaxing vibes.
AFTCO’s tackle items are displayed on their own wall. Although predominately saltwater, items like the Saiko Fluorocarbon leader starts at 12-pound and goes up to 300-pound test.
AFTCO’s tackle items are displayed on their own wall. Although predominately saltwater, items like the Saiko Fluorocarbon leader starts at 12-pound and goes up to 300-pound test.
AFTCO Marketing Director Matt Florentino holds one of the ICAST 2021 Best of Show items — the AFTCO Adapt Phase Change Fishing shirt. This versatile shirt helps anglers stay warm when the temperatures are cooler, and stay cooler when the temperatures are warmer.
AFTCO Marketing Director Matt Florentino holds one of the ICAST 2021 Best of Show items — the AFTCO Adapt Phase Change Fishing shirt. This versatile shirt helps anglers stay warm when the temperatures are cooler, and stay cooler when the temperatures are warmer.
This is partially due to a lining that provides more surface area for warm or cool air to be trapped.
This is partially due to a lining that provides more surface area for warm or cool air to be trapped.
Another Fall 2021 release AFTCO is proud of is the Barricade Rain Suit. The jacket pictured here features a three-layer polyester shell that boasts 20K waterproof and 15 breathability ratings. You can see water beading on the jacket because AFTCO is always testing their products to make sure they meet expectations.
Another Fall 2021 release AFTCO is proud of is the Barricade Rain Suit. The jacket pictured here features a three-layer polyester shell that boasts 20K waterproof and 15 breathability ratings. You can see water beading on the jacket because AFTCO is always testing their products to make sure they meet expectations.
When Milt Shedd started the 10% pledge in 1973, it sprung from a sense of responsibility Milt felt after he and other colleagues founded SeaWorld. This responsibility is to look for any way possible to do good things for the ocean. It has now expanded to cover freshwater conservation as well.
When Milt Shedd started the 10% pledge in 1973, it sprung from a sense of responsibility Milt felt after he and other colleagues founded SeaWorld. This responsibility is to look for any way possible to do good things for the ocean. It has now expanded to cover freshwater conservation as well.
Bill Shedd, a prolific storyteller, describes very early tagging trips he was involved in with his father. These tagging trips helped scientists learn much about the ocean in the early years of marine conservation and were usually on Milt’s boat.
Bill Shedd, a prolific storyteller, describes very early tagging trips he was involved in with his father. These tagging trips helped scientists learn much about the ocean in the early years of marine conservation and were usually on Milt’s boat.
History lines the walls at AFTCO. Early images of AFTCO are shown here with J.C. Axelson in the right-hand photos. Before the Shedds officially changed the name to the American Fishing Tackle Company, it was once the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company.
History lines the walls at AFTCO. Early images of AFTCO are shown here with J.C. Axelson in the right-hand photos. Before the Shedds officially changed the name to the American Fishing Tackle Company, it was once the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company.
With many saltwater sportfishing photos on the wall, a hint of freshwater still peeks in over the years. Shown here, an early big swimbait fish nabbed from one of Southern California’s many trout-stocked lakes.
With many saltwater sportfishing photos on the wall, a hint of freshwater still peeks in over the years. Shown here, an early big swimbait fish nabbed from one of Southern California’s many trout-stocked lakes.
From tagging trips to trips of a lifetime, there’s so many stories that can be told from every single one of these images.
From tagging trips to trips of a lifetime, there’s so many stories that can be told from every single one of these images.
Being in business since 1958 means a lot of tackle has been made using AFTCO components. A small selection of antique tackle — many with AFTCO rod components — fills the office any place there is room.
Being in business since 1958 means a lot of tackle has been made using AFTCO components. A small selection of antique tackle — many with AFTCO rod components — fills the office any place there is room.
Many bass anglers have probably never seen a reel this large before. Although it is in great condition, it gets substituted for the many new options that fill the market today.
Many bass anglers have probably never seen a reel this large before. Although it is in great condition, it gets substituted for the many new options that fill the market today.
AFTCO fulfills all orders here in the U.S. from their combined office and warehouse. AFTCO has 80 employees.
AFTCO fulfills all orders here in the U.S. from their combined office and warehouse. AFTCO has 80 employees.
As you look down the rows, the realization of how many items AFTCO has rings out. Everything from face buffs to full rainsuits are housed in this warehouse.
As you look down the rows, the realization of how many items AFTCO has rings out. Everything from face buffs to full rainsuits are housed in this warehouse.
The warehouse is packed to the gills with fish mounts and AFTCO signs. What do you think the story is with this 1,000-pound Mako Shark?
The warehouse is packed to the gills with fish mounts and AFTCO signs. What do you think the story is with this 1,000-pound Mako Shark?
Moving to the tackle section, you will see the same design on the AFTCO roller guide as the day it was made in the small building in Newport Beach.
Moving to the tackle section, you will see the same design on the AFTCO roller guide as the day it was made in the small building in Newport Beach.
Roller guides are very specific to big game fishing in saltwater, and AFTCO continues to make them because they are still a top-selling item for big-game fishing stores around the country.
Roller guides are very specific to big game fishing in saltwater, and AFTCO continues to make them because they are still a top-selling item for big-game fishing stores around the country.
The AFTCO gold aluminum gaff is built entirely in the AFTCO warehouse so you know the quality you get when you order a gaff.
The AFTCO gold aluminum gaff is built entirely in the AFTCO warehouse so you know the quality you get when you order a gaff.
This is the gaff building process.
This is the gaff building process.
The tools AFTCO uses to create gaffs, guides and other tackle items are, at times, the same items used for the last 40 years.
The tools AFTCO uses to create gaffs, guides and other tackle items are, at times, the same items used for the last 40 years.
Although many tools might be “outdated” the quality result from the hand crank helps create the perfect gaff time after time under experienced hands.
Although many tools might be “outdated” the quality result from the hand crank helps create the perfect gaff time after time under experienced hands.
Each gaff starts with a straight point and is hand-cranked into the decided size hook.
Each gaff starts with a straight point and is hand-cranked into the decided size hook.
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Once the hook is bent and a glance over to confirm perfection, the gaff is done.
Once the hook is bent and a glance over to confirm perfection, the gaff is done.
Time to gaff a fish. Not a bass of course.
Time to gaff a fish. Not a bass of course.
Just like an assembly line, AFTCO builds their roller guides one step at a time, with one person becoming incredibly proficient at one task.
Just like an assembly line, AFTCO builds their roller guides one step at a time, with one person becoming incredibly proficient at one task.
One thing holds true. The tackle at AFTCO has always been assembled by hand in the U.S. and always will.
One thing holds true. The tackle at AFTCO has always been assembled by hand in the U.S. and always will.
In 1975, AFTCO introduced the aluminum rod butt. To this day, AFTCO rod butts are still sold, and the aluminum is still bought from the same factory here in the states.
In 1975, AFTCO introduced the aluminum rod butt. To this day, AFTCO rod butts are still sold, and the aluminum is still bought from the same factory here in the states.
Here are the tools that get the job done.
Here are the tools that get the job done.
Bill and Casey Shedd in front of some of the original AFTCO machinery.
Bill and Casey Shedd in front of some of the original AFTCO machinery.
Once roller guide tips are assembled and stamped, they are ready for the last polish.
Once roller guide tips are assembled and stamped, they are ready for the last polish.
The polishing machine is incredibly loud but quite a spectacle to watch.
The polishing machine is incredibly loud but quite a spectacle to watch.
The finished product, a perfectly polished guide tip, is ready for packaging.
The finished product, a perfectly polished guide tip, is ready for packaging.
Corrosion resistance is incredibly important when fishing offshore big game, and making sure their tackle can withstand the salt is critical. Cue the very “modern” way of testing corrosion. Can you spot some tests with a start date in 2016?
Corrosion resistance is incredibly important when fishing offshore big game, and making sure their tackle can withstand the salt is critical. Cue the very “modern” way of testing corrosion. Can you spot some tests with a start date in 2016?
It’s all laughter in the product development room with Jillian, AFTCO’s design manager. She’s reminiscing about the Barricade Rain Suit and how happy she is with the result.
It’s all laughter in the product development room with Jillian, AFTCO’s design manager. She’s reminiscing about the Barricade Rain Suit and how happy she is with the result.
Product development meetings are always fun with the AFTCO team. You’ve got to love your job, they say. As Jillian and Matt talk, the walls come alive with AFTCO’s past, present and future CADs.
Product development meetings are always fun with the AFTCO team. You’ve got to love your job, they say. As Jillian and Matt talk, the walls come alive with AFTCO’s past, present and future CADs.
Jose Garcia Diaz shows off one of his most recent designs for the freshwater market as he designs all of AFTCO’s T-shirts and hats.
Jose Garcia Diaz shows off one of his most recent designs for the freshwater market as he designs all of AFTCO’s T-shirts and hats.
AFTCO sponsors some of the best pros in bass fishing. Jason Christie was an early adopter of AFTCO’s freshwater clothing, and AFTCO is stoked about his recent win.
AFTCO sponsors some of the best pros in bass fishing. Jason Christie was an early adopter of AFTCO’s freshwater clothing, and AFTCO is stoked about his recent win.
Maybe not as veteran as Christie, AFTCO also signed pro Bryan New mere weeks before he won the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite stop at the St. John’s River.
Maybe not as veteran as Christie, AFTCO also signed pro Bryan New mere weeks before he won the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite stop at the St. John’s River.
Casey and Bill spend some time in the warehouse telling stories and talking business.
Casey and Bill spend some time in the warehouse telling stories and talking business.
One of many magazines spreads the Shedds and AFTCO have received over the course of the last 40 years.
One of many magazines spreads the Shedds and AFTCO have received over the course of the last 40 years.
Conservation and Content Coordinator Seth Meyer is planning future content pieces for the AFTCO website. He also handles the AFTCO X B.A.S.S. Conservation Grants that AFTCO awards to B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. Peep the Bryan Kerchal Fish Whistle on his wall.
Conservation and Content Coordinator Seth Meyer is planning future content pieces for the AFTCO website. He also handles the AFTCO X B.A.S.S. Conservation Grants that AFTCO awards to B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. Peep the Bryan Kerchal Fish Whistle on his wall.
All of the studio images from the AFTCO website are done in-house.
All of the studio images from the AFTCO website are done in-house.
Seth shows some of the new Mossy Oak styles perfect for fishing and hunting.
Seth shows some of the new Mossy Oak styles perfect for fishing and hunting.
Robby Gant, the tackle product manager, shows the new AFTCO Urban Angler Bag. This bag will be perfect for bank fishing, surf fishing or anything where a compact bag is needed.
Robby Gant, the tackle product manager, shows the new AFTCO Urban Angler Bag. This bag will be perfect for bank fishing, surf fishing or anything where a compact bag is needed.
The bag comes with worm binders and has room for two tackle trays. The bag also has a water bladder in the back and a rod holder on the side. Keep an eye out for it — coming soon.
The bag comes with worm binders and has room for two tackle trays. The bag also has a water bladder in the back and a rod holder on the side. Keep an eye out for it — coming soon.
Matt sporting the Tactical Reaper Zip Up jacket. They arrived recently and can be found on the company’s website and at local retailers.
Matt sporting the Tactical Reaper Zip Up jacket. They arrived recently and can be found on the company’s website and at local retailers.
Tactical Reaper is a new colorway on the original AFTCO Reaper Sweatshirt.
Tactical Reaper is a new colorway on the original AFTCO Reaper Sweatshirt.
With some items getting discontinued and sold for Black Friday, the AFTCO Ripcord is here to replace some of the zip-up options. Also equipped with water-resistant coatings, this jacket will be perfect for cold mornings on the lake.
With some items getting discontinued and sold for Black Friday, the AFTCO Ripcord is here to replace some of the zip-up options. Also equipped with water-resistant coatings, this jacket will be perfect for cold mornings on the lake.
With Mike Iaconelli’s return to the Bassmaster Elite Series, AFTCO is stoked to release an Ike-approved line of clothing. Ike played a major part in the design of these items, and both he and AFTCO are excited for everyone to get their hands on these options. Better yet, a portion of the profit from these items goes to the Ike Foundation to help get more kids into fishing. You can find them on Tackle Warehouse and the AFTCO website.
With Mike Iaconelli’s return to the Bassmaster Elite Series, AFTCO is stoked to release an Ike-approved line of clothing. Ike played a major part in the design of these items, and both he and AFTCO are excited for everyone to get their hands on these options. Better yet, a portion of the profit from these items goes to the Ike Foundation to help get more kids into fishing. You can find them on Tackle Warehouse and the AFTCO website.
Matt and Seth are so excited for the Rescue line of clothing. There are two shirts, two shorts and two hats that will all be available in Spring of 2022.
Matt and Seth are so excited for the Rescue line of clothing. There are two shirts, two shorts and two hats that will all be available in Spring of 2022.
The items are made using Econyl fabrics. These fabrics are created with reclaimed nylons which include old fishing nets from the ocean. They play full circle into AFTCO’s sustainability plans of putting Fisheries First.
The items are made using Econyl fabrics. These fabrics are created with reclaimed nylons which include old fishing nets from the ocean. They play full circle into AFTCO’s sustainability plans of putting Fisheries First.
A close-up of the new AFTCO hang tag that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled waste. Another part of AFTCO’s Fisheries First Pledge is to lessen their impact on the environment.
A close-up of the new AFTCO hang tag that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled waste. Another part of AFTCO’s Fisheries First Pledge is to lessen their impact on the environment.
The Jason Christie signature hoodie is a favorite of many bass anglers. Christie himself gave key features he wanted to see, and the result is a perfect sun protection shirt for all times.
The Jason Christie signature hoodie is a favorite of many bass anglers. Christie himself gave key features he wanted to see, and the result is a perfect sun protection shirt for all times.
For anyone who doesn’t want a full face mask, the Christie hoodie has a zipper that reaches the nose still providing coverage from the sun. But it’s not in the way if an angler doesn’t want the coverage at any moment.
For anyone who doesn’t want a full face mask, the Christie hoodie has a zipper that reaches the nose still providing coverage from the sun. But it’s not in the way if an angler doesn’t want the coverage at any moment.
Rows and rows of AFTCO T-shirts await your next AFTCO order.
Rows and rows of AFTCO T-shirts await your next AFTCO order.
AFTCO’s new effort to promote Any Fish Any Water led their design team to get creative. After bass, there must be other popular fish such as the redfish seen here.
AFTCO’s new effort to promote Any Fish Any Water led their design team to get creative. After bass, there must be other popular fish such as the redfish seen here.
The wall many bass anglers should get to know. This wall holds some of AFTCO’s Original Fishing Shorts selections.
The wall many bass anglers should get to know. This wall holds some of AFTCO’s Original Fishing Shorts selections.
Seth Meyer tells the story of the Original Fishing Shorts. “In 1989, Bill Shedd decided to look into clothing. He received three fabric swatches to choose from to make shorts. He promptly left for a long-range fishing trip with his father, Milt. When they returned they needed to fillet all their fish, so Bill tested the fabrics by filleting all their fish on top of the scraps of fabric. What he then did is put the fabrics on the roof of the warehouse and left them there. After a few days, he returned to pick them up. He brought them home and washed them in his washing machine — to his wife’s dismay. Only one fabric scrap completely washed out the blood and guts. It was the military-grade nylon that the shorts are still made out of to this day.”
Seth Meyer tells the story of the Original Fishing Shorts. “In 1989, Bill Shedd decided to look into clothing. He received three fabric swatches to choose from to make shorts. He promptly left for a long-range fishing trip with his father, Milt. When they returned they needed to fillet all their fish, so Bill tested the fabrics by filleting all their fish on top of the scraps of fabric. What he then did is put the fabrics on the roof of the warehouse and left them there. After a few days, he returned to pick them up. He brought them home and washed them in his washing machine — to his wife’s dismay. Only one fabric scrap completely washed out the blood and guts. It was the military-grade nylon that the shorts are still made out of to this day.”
The shipping department of AFTCO is a well-oiled machine. They take pride in how fast they can get orders out to customers.
The shipping department of AFTCO is a well-oiled machine. They take pride in how fast they can get orders out to customers.
This is what a pallet looks like on its way to one of the many AFTCO dealers and tackle shops around the country.
This is what a pallet looks like on its way to one of the many AFTCO dealers and tackle shops around the country.
you see your order? These orders will be shipped today to lucky customers.
you see your order? These orders will be shipped today to lucky customers.
A hard day done for the shipping team. These boxes will be picked up by a truck first thing tomorrow.
A hard day done for the shipping team. These boxes will be picked up by a truck first thing tomorrow.
CEO Bill Shedd and President Casey Shedd want to thank everyone for stopping by AFTCO headquarters and for all the support in the last three years that AFTCO has been involved in the bass fishing market.
CEO Bill Shedd and President Casey Shedd want to thank everyone for stopping by AFTCO headquarters and for all the support in the last three years that AFTCO has been involved in the bass fishing market.
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