Precision-Built
High Performance
Big Game
Fishing Tackle
Committed To
Preserving Our
Marine Resources•High Performance Big Game Fishing Tackle• A Tradition Of Excellence• A Spirit Of Innovation• A Commitment To Marine Conservation
THE AFTCO STORYAFTCO founder J. C. Axelson was an avid fisherman(above left), but he was even more passionate about his
work in developing now legendary AFTCO roller guides.

AFTCO roller guides receive national attention at thecompany’s first tackle trade show some 50 years ago.

Milt Shedd (far right) and his fishing friends were the firstanglers in California to use live bait to catch marlin.

It all originated with J. C. Axelson, an avid angler with a state of
the art machine shop in the basement of his double-lot, bay-front
home on Lido Island in Newport Beach, California. In 1958,
having not found a roller guide and top on the market that met
his standards for quality and manufacturing excellence, J. C.
established the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company. In his
endeavor, he spared no expense in developing legendary AFTCO®
roller guides and tops in that now famous basement.
Over time, Axelson’s company became known simply as
AFTCO® and ourlogo became widely recognizedaround the big-game fishing world. Increasingly, people began
to assume that AFTCO® meant the “American Fishing Tackle
Company”, so rather than fight that belief, the company
officially dropped the “Axelson” name and adopted American
Fishing Tackle Company® as the official meaning of AFTCO®.
In 1973 Milt and Peggie Shedd purchased AFTCO® and a
new company evolved with a concern for both the fishingcustomer and marine resources. Milt was not only a successful
businessman and legendary Southern California angler andcaptain, but also a noted marine conservationist. In 1974 sonBill joined the company, and under the leadership of the Shedds
and Milt’s brother-in law Laurence Paul, the AFTCO® brand andthe company’s conservation leadership role began to take shape.
Not only has the AFTCO® name become a symbol of quality,
so have the products we manufacture. For years serious big gamefishermen have known the shapes of our products, such as
AFTCO® roller guides and tops, to be distinctive, and that thoseshapes represented AFTCO®. This fact is also recognized by theUnited States Patent and Trademark office, which has granted
AFTCO® the exclusive trademark rights to the AFTCO® roller
guide and top shapes. What this means for saltwater anglers is thatthey can have the confidence that a roller guide or top that looks
like an AFTCO® will be an AFTCO® and not a copy.
The 50-plus year history of AFTCO® reflects more thanfishing tackle, however. Ours has also been a role of leadershipconcerning marine resource efforts because we understand that,
if we don’t have a healthy fishery resource, we ultimately will
have no business. Marine conservation involvement is such a
big part of AFTCO® and our company culture that we haveshared the details and successes of some of our efforts withresource issues on the inside pages of this catalog.

Milt Shedd poses between the striped marlin andswordfish he caught on the same day, a feat rarely
accomplished by a southern California angler.

2

Milt Shedd gets an affectionate greeting from Shamu at
Sea World. Co-founder and Board Chairman of Sea
World, Inc., and founder of the Hubbs-Sea World
Research Institute, Milt was a pioneer with his passion
and commitment to numerous marine resource projects.

Much of Milt Shedd’s ocean research was conductedaboard his boat Sea World, where he spent the majorityof his more than 3,500 glorious days at sea.

Milt Shedd (right), who passed in 2002, is pictured with
grandson Casey and son Bill — President and CEO of
AFTCO — proudly displaying Casey’s first bluefin tuna.

American Fishing Tackle Company®

•Quality Casual Sportswear•

Concern For Marine Resources

Precision-Built, High Performance
Quality Offshore Fishing Tackle
The world’s leading saltwater fishermen have long relied on
AFTCO® fishing tackle components and fishing accessories fortheir consistently dependable, flawless performance. To preserve
such a valued endorsement, we maintain a rigorous program ofquality control over the creation of each and every productbearing the “AFTCO®” name.
Beginning with carefully selected materials, we utilize highly
specialized machining, finishing and testing processes to ensurethat extra margin of excellence fishermen everywhere have cometo expect from AFTCO®. Quite simply, we produce high quality,
precision-built fishing tackle components and accessories thatare second to none.
The AFTCO® product line equally reflects our long-timecommitment to an ambitious policy of research and innovation.
Over the years, it has led to the introduction of such imaginative
concepts for rod-builders as Big Foot® and “Lightweight” roller
guides (with AFLON™ lubricated bearings), swaged aluminum
Unibutt® rod butts, AFTCOTE™ rod-wrapping finish, and mostrecently, our high-tech, pressure-sensitive RDT reel seats withdigital display. For saltwater fishermen, our ever-expanding lineof fishing accessories — including tapered aluminum and fiberglass
gaffs and tag sticks, Roller Troller® and Goldfinger™ outrigger anddownrigger clips, waterproof fishing kites, AFTCO® Bluefever™
fishing gloves, tackle bags, and our growing line of fish-fighting
belts and harnesses — exemplifies a continued commitment
to innovative product development.
Each of these advances was perfected by exhaustive testingat sea, with the direct, “hands on” involvement of dedicated
AFTCO® personnel, experts whose concerns and judgment
reflect lifetimes of active big game fishing. Such intensive
testing is the cornerstone of AFTCO® reliability. We areproud to offer our full-line of precision-built, high performance
AFTCO® fishing tackle components on the following pages.

AFTCO® Bluewater™, originator of the popular AFTCO® fishingshort, consists of separate and unique product labels that, whencombined, comprise a sportswear line for the fisherman andoutdoor enthusiast that is second to none. Included is our own
AFTCO® Bluewater™ label, plus licenses from Guy Harvey —widely recognized as the world’s finest marine fish artist — andfrom Al Agnew, the world’s best freshwater fish and wildlife artist.
All three labels feature an ever-expanding line of T-Shirts, each ofwhich is complemented by a complete selection of casual wear
accessories for those who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Look forunique AFTCO® Bluewater™ men’s, ladies’ and youth sportswear
items at the finest fishing tackle, resort and marine specialty stores.
To request our AFTCO Bluewater catalog, visit our website atwww.aftcobluewater.com
or call our toll free number: 1.800.452.3726
Also visit www.guyharveysportswear.com
and www.alagnewsportswear.com

www.AFTCO.com

3

Richard Gibson Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops

AFTCO ROLLER GUIDES and TIP-TOPS are recognized not only for the AFTCO name, but also by the “shapes” of AFTCO Roller Guides and Tops. The shapesof AFTCO Roller Guides and Tops have become so well-recognized that they have been issued trademark registrations by the US Patent and Trademark
Office. Available in models that match up perfectly with saltwater rods in all line classes, AFTCO Roller Guides and Tops complement a wide
spectrum of rod colors and designs with multiple color choices of plated finishes. All rollers and screws are 316 stainless steel.

The configuration of all AFTCO
Big Foot® guides aretrademarked under
Registration #1,615,844.

#SHDGUIDE52GLD
Stripper Guide#SHDGUIDE42GLD#SHDGUIDE32GLDBIG FOOT® SUPER HEAVY DUTY ROLLER GUIDES
For 80-lb. To Unlimited Line Class Trolling Rods
AFTCO's superb line of Big Foot® Super Heavy Duty
(SHD) roller guides feature rugged, roomy frames withunequalled knot clearance. Rollers and bearings are
extra large and extra tough to endure the special
punishment of this heaviest line class. AFLON™, an
exclusive *Teflon® formulation, is bonded to all bearings
to provide lasting lubrication and protection. The
oversized feet are precisely formed to match thecontours of leading rods in this class, and they grip therod with exceptional strength. The edges are“feathered” to allow winding thread to “climb” over thefeet easily. A complete set of five includes the doubleroller stripper guide and two each of the two superheavy duty single-roller guides, graduated in size. Our
Big Foot® Super Heavy Duty (SHD) roller tip-tops (seenext page) are a perfect match for these guides.

CATALOG NUMBER

DESCRIPTION#32 SHDGuide
SHDGUIDE32#42 SHDGuide
SHDGUIDE42#52 SHDGuide
SHDGUIDE52*Complete Set of 5
SHDSET76*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #32's, 2 #42's, 1 #52)
When ordering, add COLOR CODE
to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

“GOLD” Finishes
Please note that all GOLD guides and tops are offered on a semi-custom basis, which means that lead times may belonger than with standard products. Additionally, the “gold” titanium nitride process on our nickel silver frames does
result in some color variance, so you may need to match gold color shades within a given set of guides.
The configuration of all AFTCO
Wind-On guides aretrademarked under
Registration #1,615,844.

WIND-ON ROLLER GUIDES
For 30-lb. To Unlimited Line Class Wind-On Leaders#WOGUIDE47B
Stripper Guide#SHDGUIDE32B

Photo byRichard Gibson#WOGUIDE22B

AFTCO’s Wind-On guide set is specifically designed toaccommodate the knots and connections of wind-on
leaders, which have become increasingly popular for
big game fishing. The guides will handle lines from30-lb. to unlimited line class, and they have the sameknot clearance as our Big Foot® guides, but in a morecompact frame. They will easily handle bulky wind-on
leaders up to 700-lb. test, and they are also available
with ball bearing assemblies for the ultimate in line
protection and performance. Wind-On guides can beused on 30, 50 and 80-lb. class I.G.F.A. rods and on
extra-heavy stand-up rods. The guide feet are
perfectly formed to fit blanks with tip sizes down to
12/64ths I.D. Our Big Foot® Super Heavy Duty (SHD)
roller tip-tops (see next page) are top performers withthese guides for unparalleled knot clearance.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#22 Wind-On Guide
WOGUIDE22#32 SHD Guide
SHDGUIDE32#47 Wind-On Stripper Guide
WOGUIDE47*Complete Set of 5
WOSET66*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #22's, 2 #32's, 1 #47)
When ordering, add COLOR CODE
to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

SPARE PARTSALL AFTCO GUIDEAND TIP-TOP PARTS
ARE EASILY REPLACEABLE.
AFTCO guides and tip-tops aredesigned and built to provide consistently flawless performance over a
lifetime of fishing. The bearings, pins,
rollers, screws, etc. we produce today,
while continually undergoing improvement in features and materials, arealways designed to fit perfectly into
their proper AFTCO guide or tip-top,
regardless of its age.

4

Pin

(For Big Foot® and Wind-On Roller Guides)

Bearing

FOR GUIDES:ROLLER

BEARING

PIN

SCREW

GUIDE ROLLER ASSEMBLY#32, #42 SHD#52 SHD
Wind-On Guides

GROLLER2GROLLER3GROLLER2

GBEARING2SS
GBEARING3SS
GBEARING2SS

GPIN2
GPIN3
GPIN2

SCREW3SCREW3SCREW3

GROLLERA2GROLLERA3GROLLERA2When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available forroller, pin, screw and assembly: (SS) Stainless Steel, (GLD) Gold.
Roller

You may order all replacement parts individually, but since the difference in size between like parts issmall, they can easily be mistakenly interchanged. To avoid this, we suggest that you order complete assemblies, which include the roller, pin, bearing (with AFLON™ lifetime lubricant) and screw, already assembled.

Screw*Reg. Trademark of DUPONT

www.AFTCO.com

Richard Gibson Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops
BIG FOOT® Super Heavy Duty/Wind-On ROLLER GUIDES with Ball Bearings#BBSHDGUIDE52GLD
Stripper Guide

The Finest Made For The Ultimate In Roller Guide Performance
AFTCO's Big Foot® Super Heavy Duty (BBSHD) and Wind-On (BBWO) Ball Bearing roller guides offer the highest standards for performanceand durability, and virtually eliminate maintenance concerns! These are the “Rolls Royce” of roller guides — costly perhaps, but simply
the finest ever made. The ball bearings are satellite quality, and precision-built to the tolerances only AFTCO guides offer. AFTCO ballbearing roller guides, with the same unequalled knot clearance of other Big Foot® guides, are available ONLY with the rollers, pins
and screws in a Gold titanium nitride finish, but with frames in your choice of Gold, Black Chrome oxide, or our traditional
Chrome-plate finish. This is a precision built product, and the only maintenance required is a wash-off with fresh water.
Big Foot® SHD Ball Bearing roller tip-tops (see below) are the match for these guides.
#BBSHDGUIDE42GLD

The configuration of all AFTCO
Big Foot® and Wind-On guides
are trademarked under
Registration #1,615,844.
#BBSHDGUIDE32GLD

AFTCO BALL BEARING
TRIPLE SEAL “SYSTEM”
Each AFTCO ball bearing roller guideis protected from saltwater damage bya triple-seal “system”: The bearing is
guarded by an inner seal of *Teflon®,
packed in a thick layer of waterproof
lubricant, and then an additional sealis press-fit into the roller to trap the
lubricant in place and keep out
moisture. This “system” concept
provides ideal lubrication and virtuallyeliminates all maintenance.
DO NOT TAKE THESE GUIDES APART!
*Reg. Trademark of DUPONTDESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#32 SHD Ball Bearing Guide#42 SHD Ball Bearing Guide#52 SHD Ball Bearing Stripper Guide*Complete Set of 5*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #32's, 2 #42's, 1 #52)

BBSHDGUIDE32
BBSHDGUIDE42
BBSHDGUIDE52
BBSHDSET76#22 Wind-On Ball Bearing Guide#32 SHD Ball Bearing Guide#47 Wind-On Ball Bearing Stripper Guide*Complete Set of 5*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #22's, 2 #32's, 1 #47)

BBWOGUIDE22BBSHDGUIDE32
BBWOGUIDE47
BBWOSET66
Photo byBill Boyce

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (BG) Black/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

SPARE PARTSDESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#32 and #42SHD; #22 and #47 Wind-On Ball Bearing Roller Assembly#52 SHD Ball Bearing Roller Assembly

BBEARINGA2GLDBBEARINGA3GLD

BIG-FOOT® Super Heavy Duty
ROLLER TIP-TOPSBIG-FOOT® Super Heavy Duty
ROLLER TIP-TOPS with Ball Bearings

For The Heaviest Lines And The Biggest Fish

For The Ultimate In Performance

Designed to match our Big Foot Super Heavy Duty and Wind-On roller
guides, these oversized tip-tops are extra large and extra tough. Now
equipped with our modified rollers (see page 6), they are virtually foulproof, and offer unequalled knot clearance. The bearings are treatedwith AFLON™ for superior performance and lasting lubrication.

A match for our Big Foot® Super Heavy Duty Ball Bearing roller guides,
these are the finest tip-tops made. Equipped with our modified rollers(see page 6), they are virtually foul-proof, offer unequalled knot clearance,
and feature the same triple-seal moisture protection “system.”®

DESCRIPTION

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG NUMBER#312 SHD Tip-Top#314 SHD Tip-Top#316 SHD Tip-Top#318 SHD Tip-Top#320 SHD Tip-Top#322 SHD Tip-Top#324 SHD Tip-Top#326 SHD Tip-Top#328 SHD Tip-Top#330 SHD Tip-Top#332 SHD Tip-Top#334 SHD Tip-Top#336 SHD Tip-Top

12/64"
14/64"
16/64"
18/64"
20/64"
22/64"
24/64"
26/64"
28/64"
30/64"
32/64"
34/64"
36/64"SHDTOP312
SHDTOP314
SHDTOP316
SHDTOP318
SHDTOP320
SHDTOP322
SHDTOP324
SHDTOP326
SHDTOP328
SHDTOP330
SHDTOP332
SHDTOP334
SHDTOP336

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black, (BG) Black/Gold,(SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

Photo byBill Boyce

SPARE PARTS
FITS TIP-TOPS:All SHD Models

DESCRIPTION

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG NUMBER#312 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#314 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#316 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#318 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#320 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#322 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#324 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#326 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#328 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#330 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#332 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#334 Ball Bearing Tip-Top#336 Ball Bearing Tip-Top

12/64"
14/64"
16/64"
18/64"
20/64"
22/64"
24/64"
26/64"
28/64"
30/64"
32/64"
34/64"
36/64"BBSHDTOP312BBSHDTOP314
BBSHDTOP316
BBSHDTOP318
BBSHDTOP320
BBSHDTOP322
BBSHDTOP324
BBSHDTOP326
BBSHDTOP328
BBSHDTOP330
BBSHDTOP332
BBSHDTOP334
BBSHDTOP336

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (BG) Black/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

SPARE PARTSROLLER

BEARING

PIN

SCREW

TROLLER5

TBEARING5SS

TPIN5SCREW3

TOP ROLLER ASSEMBLY
TROLLERA5

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available forroller, pin, screw and assembly: (SS) Stainless Steel, (GLD) Gold.

FOR BALL BEARING TIP-TOPS:CATALOG NUMBER#312 to #336 Top Roller Assembly

BBEARINGA5GLD

The configuration of all AFTCO “Big Foot” Super Heavy Duty Roller Tops
are trademarked under Registration #1,643,711.

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

5Richard Gibson Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops

WHY AFTCO ROLLER GUIDES ARE
SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERSAFTCO ROLLER TOPS Now Feature

MODIFIED ROLLERS

LINE WEAR IS AFTCO’S BUSINESS.

For Improved Performance When Fishing
With BRAIDED Super Lines Or Wire Lines

Accurate information about all aspects of line wear is vital to the design of AFTCO
components. We continually test virtually all types of lines and guides under conditions
that closely simulate rigorous fishing action. Testing proves that monofilament line will
last up to 30 times longer when used with AFTCO guides in place of chrome-plated
stainless steel guides. Aluminum oxide guides wear out monofilament up to 90 times
faster than do AFTCO guides! With AFTCO, you save on line costs and fish more
successfully because your line stays at its rated strength many times longer, and is
far less likely to snap at those moments of greatest stress when fighting a fish.

Rollers for all AFTCO Roller Tops have been modified byexpanding their width and extending the deep-V groove
out to the roller’s edge. This tightens
the tolerance at both edges, which
elimintes binding when fishing withbraided super lines and wire. No
matter the rod angle or random tip
action, fine lines cannot slip between
the top’s roller and its frame. The
design change also increases the offset at the topof the frame to further improve knot clearance.

Why AFTCO Rollers turn so freely, year after year...

Hub

Oil Groove“Ball-sizing” is a special hand operation carefully performed on
all AFTCO guides and tip-tops. A precisely sized carbide ballis driven through the center hole of the roller to size thehole precisely and to ensure a perfect fit with the bearing.
This also smooths and polishes the surface to reduce
friction. An “Oil Groove” lubricates the bearing andcollects salt and other particles that may workinside the roller. The raised hub helps to keep
particles and contamination from working into
the bearing surfaces. In addition, all bearings
are treated with AFLON™, the exclusive*Teflon® dry film lubricant that is™
bonded to the metal for life.
AFLON Bearing

AT THE HEART OF AFTCO GUIDES & TIP-TOPS, the magic of*Teflon® ensures superior performance & lasting lubrication.
AFLON™ is an exclusive *Teflon® formulation thatis bonded to our bearings for life. It has the lowest
coefficient of friction of any solid known to man.
Moreover, this dry film lubricant on the bearing“transfers” to the mating surface on the roller
to produce a virtually frictionless contact thatis also highly resistant to corrosion, saltwaterand abrasion.

When It comes To
Efficiency And Wear,
The Wheel Is Better
Than The Sled.
The illustration above is simple, but so is the principle of roller guide performance —it is easier to roll an object than to drag it. When you reel in line or work a fish using
conventional guides, your line is being dragged over stationary surfaces — usually underpressure, and often with friction severe enough to generate harmful heat. The magnified
photographs shown below furnish clear evidence of the destructive effects of this action.
AFTCO roller guides, on the other hand, turn with the line, minimizing friction anddramatically reducing abrasive line wear, which is also illustrated in the photos.
12-lb. monofilament after 200 “trips” over aluminum oxide guides. Abrasion has frayed
and weakened the line, substantially reducing its original rated strength.

Same 12-lb. monofilament after 200 “trips” over AFTCO guides.
The line shows no evidence of wear or weakening.

*Reg. Trademark of DUPONTAFTCO SCREWS STAY TIGHT!

12-lb. monofilament after 387 “trips” over aluminum oxide guides. The line has been
twisted to show how it has actually been worn “flat” and is ready to snap.

A special Nylon Locking Element, is applied to allscrews on AFTCO guides and tip-tops. This tough,resilient nylon patch provides a vibration and shockproof lock which will not work loose, yet permits theeasy removal of the screws for cleaning or inspection.

Same 12-lb. monofilament after 387 “trips” over AFTCO roller Guides. No wear
is evident and the line is still close to full rated strength.

Maintenance Is Simple...

CLEANING AND LUBRICATING

With AFLON™ bearings, the need for roller guide maintenance is greatly
reduced. This special *Teflon® dry film lubricant is permanently bonded
to the bearings and will not wash off. To keep your rollers turning freely,always flush the entire guide (and tip-top) with fresh water each time you
return to the dock. This will wash away the saltwater residue that canbuild up between the roller and frame, and is all the short-term maintenance required to assure that your roller guides will perform perfectly.

AFTCO recommends that every year or two your roller guides
and tops should be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated.
After removing the pins and screws (using a #2 standard
screwdriver on each side of the guide or top), all parts,
including the inside of the frame, should be wiped clean withpaper towels using a mild solvent or thinner. Then, lubricate
the outside of the bearing (black) with a small amount ofwaterproof grease (not oil) before pushing it back into theroller. Finally, center the pins and screws and thoroughly
tighten with the screwdriver. Any roller that only rolls whenscrews are loose should be checked for damage or epoxy
rod finish build-up inside the guide frame.

Caution: Do not attempt to lubricate AFTCO roller guides with spray lubri-

cants, as these chemical solvents will actually gum up the rollers
and ultimately hinder their performance. Instead, we recommend
a waterproof grease — such as Penn’s® Blue International Lube
— to be applied sparingly to the outsides of the bearings.

6

www.AFTCO.com

#HDGUIDE51CRM
Stripper GuideHEAVY DUTY ROLLER GUIDES

Photo byRichard Gibson

For 20 To 80-lb. Trolling And Stand-Up Tuna Rods
AFTCO’s Heavy Duty (HD) roller guides, with ample
room for heavy lines and large knots, are ideal for
big game trolling and deep water rods rated for
20 to 80-lb. lines, and for stand-up style tuna rods
up to a 130-lb. test rating. Each features AFLON™
high performance bearings. Standard roller
tip-tops (see below) are the perfect match forthis guide series.

#HDGUIDE41CRM

Bill Boyce Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops

The configuration of all AFTCO Heavy Duty roller guides
are trademarked under Registration #1,615,844.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#31 HDGuideHDGUIDE31#41 HDGuideHDGUIDE41#51 HDStripper GuideHDGUIDE51*Complete Set of 5
HDSET56*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #31's, 2 #41's, 1 #51)
When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

#HDGUIDE31CRM

REGULAR ROLLER GUIDES#RGUIDE5BG
Stripper Guide

For 16 To 50-lb. Trolling And Deep Water Rods
AFTCO’s Regular (R) roller guides are ideal for lightline bluewater trolling, and for deep water live-bait
or jigging rods rated for 16 to 50-lb. lines. Eachfeatures AFLON™ high performance bearings.
Standard roller tip-tops (see below) also match
up with these guides.

#RGUIDE4BG
The configuration of the AFTCO #R5 Regular roller guide istrademarked under Registration #1,616,853.
The configuration of AFTCO Regular roller guides #R2, #R3,
#R4 are trademarked under Registration #1,615,845.

#RGUIDE3BG

SPARE PARTSDESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#2 RGuide
RGUIDE2#3 RGuide
RGUIDE3#4 RGuide
RGUIDE4#5 RStripper Guide
RGUIDE5*Complete Set of 5
RSET16*(Complete Set of 5 includes 2 #2's, 1 ea. #3, #4, #5)
When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

(Fit Both Heavy Duty and Regular Roller Guides)#RGUIDE2BG

FOR GUIDES:ROLLER

BEARING

PIN

SCREW

GUIDE ROLLER ASSEMBLY

All HD and R Guides

GROLLER1

GBEARING1SSGPIN1SCREW2

GROLLERA1When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available forroller, pin, screw and assembly: (SS) Stainless Steel, (GLD) Gold.

STANDARD ROLLER TIP-TOPSDESCRIPTION

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG #DESCRIPTION

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG #The Most Widely Used Roller Tip-Tops In The World#105 Standard Top#106 Standard Top#107 Standard Top#108S Standard Top-Small#108L Standard Top-Large#109S Standard Top-Small#109L Standard Top-Large#110S Standard Top-Small#110L Standard Top-Large#112 Standard Top#112L Standard Top-Large

5/64"
6/64"
7/64"
8/64"
8/64"
9/64"
9/64"
10/64"
10/64"
12/64"
12/64"

RTOP105
RTOP106
RTOP107
RTOPS108
RTOPL108
RTOPS109
RTOPL109
RTOPS110
RTOPL110
RTOP112RTOPL112#114 Standard Top#114L Standard Top-Large#116 Standard Top#116L Standard Top-Large#118 Standard Top#120 Standard Top#122 Standard Top#124 Standard Top#126 Standard Top#128 Standard Top#130 Standard Top#132 Standard Top

14/64"
14/64"
16/64"
16/64"
18/64"
20/64"
22/64"
24/64"
26/64"
28/64"
30/64"
32/64"

RTOP114
RTOPL114
RTOP116
RTOPL116
RTOP118
RTOP120
RTOP122
RTOP124
RTOP126
RTOP128
RTOP130
RTOP132

With universal applications for all types and standard sizes of saltwater
trolling and deep water rods, our Standard roller tip-tops are now equippedwith our modified rollers (see opposite page) and feature AFLON™ bearings.
Designed to match up with both our Heavy Duty and Regular roller guidesets, they are available in both large head (L) and small head (S) versions inmany sizes. The “L” models offer extra knot clearance, as with the 112L,
114L and 116L, our most popular models for stand-up style tuna rods.
The configuration of all
AFTCO Standard Roller
Tops are trademarked
under Registration#1,643,711.

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black, (BG) Black/Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (GLD) Gold.

SPARE PARTS

Photo byRichard Gibson

FITS TIP-TOPS:ROLLER

BEARING

PIN

SCREW

TOP ROLLERASSEMBLY

Standard #105 thru #110S
Standard #108L thru #114
Standard #116 thru #120
Standard #122 thru #132, #112L, #114L, #116L

TROLLER1
TROLLER2
TROLLER3
TROLLER4

TBEARING1SS
TBEARING2SS
TBEARING3SS
GBEARING1SS

TPIN1
TPIN2
GPIN1
TPIN4

SCREW1SCREW2SCREW2SCREW2

TROLLERA1
TROLLERA2
TROLLERA3
TROLLERA4When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available forroller, pin, screw and assembly: (SS) Stainless Steel, (GLD) Gold.

Aftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resources

7

Bill Boyce Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops

LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLER GUIDESLIGHTWEIGHT ROLLER GUIDES

Setting New Standards For Guide Performance#1 Lightweight Guide#2 Lightweight Guide#2.5 Lightweight Guide#3 Lightweight Guide#4 Lightweight Guide#5 Lightweight Guide#6 Lightweight Stripper Guide

#1

#2

#2.5

#3

DESCRIPTION#4#5

CATALOG NUMBERLWGUIDE1LWGUIDE2LWGUIDE2.5
LWGUIDE3LWGUIDE4LWGUIDE5LWGUIDE6

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

#6

The configuration of all AFTCO Lightweight Roller Guides aretrademarked under Registration #1,615,844.

SPARE PARTS

Versatile AFTCO Lightweight Roller Guides bring new standards of guide performance to a wide range of FRESH AND
SALTWATER rods designed for 2 to 30-lb. test monofilament line. They are LIGHTER than most “ring” guides, yet TWICE AS
TOUGH! With rugged graphite composition frames and pure titanium guards and rollers, Lightweight Guides are virtuallyunbreakable, and their single-foot design and ultra-light weight in no way inhibit the action of lighter graphite and fiberglassblanks. In fact, Lightweight Guides CAST EVERY BIT AS FAR AND AS ACCURATELY AS “RING” GUIDES, while at the same time,offering the ultimate in line-wear protection with their “roller guide” design. Lightweight Guides require virtually no maintenance, and are available in Black Frames, with your choice of Titanium, Black or Gold Guards. A typical set would include
one #6 (stripper guide), one #5, two #4's, two #3's, one #2.5 and one #2, but the make-up of the set will vary with the blankand its particular taper. The rollers and bearings of the #6 to #2 guides and LT-Series tip-tops are INTERCHANGEABLE.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#1 Small Lightweight Guide Guard#1 Small Lightweight Guide Roller#1 Small Lightweight Guide Bearing#2 to 5 Lightweight Guide Guard#6 “Stripper” Lightweight Guide Guard#2 to 6 Lightweight Guide Roller#2 to 6 Lightweight Guide Bearing

SLWGGUARDS1SLWGROLLERS1TISLWGBEARINGS1B
LWGUARD1LWGUARD6LWGROLLER1TILWGBEARING1B

Guard colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

Lightweight Guides and Tip-Top Patents #5,276,991, #5,383,300 and #5,417,007.

LIGHTWEIGHTROLLER TIP-TOPS

LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLER TIP-TOPS
#6

#9

#12

For Light Tackle Roller-Top Action!

AFTCO Lightweight Roller Tip-Tops can be affixed to the blank with a good epoxy or "hot melt" top glue, providing yourglue's melting point does not exceed 300 degrees F. A small propane or gas torch may be used to heat the tube before
fitting it into the blank, but be careful — over-heating can melt the tube. With a little practice, the proper amount of heatcan be applied with no damage to the tip-top tube. Lightweight Tip-Tops require virtually no maintenance, and areavailable in Black Frames, with your choice of Titanium, Black or Gold Guards.

AFTCO “Small Series” Lightweight Roller Tip-Tops are designed to fit lighter rods with smaller diameter tips. They feature
the same size roller and bearing as the #1 Lightweight Guides and match up perfectly in size with these smaller profile
guides. Like their larger counterparts, Small Series Lightweight Tip-Tops are available inBlack Frames, with your choice of Titanium, Black or Gold Guards.
Guard
Frame

Tackle Tip

RollerNO SCREWS,NO PINS DESIGN!
The relative simplicity of the Lightweight
Guide design creates exceptional strengthwith minimum weight. The composite
bearings are easy to lubricate and maintainwithout disassembly, but our totally uniqueno-pin, no-screw design makes disassembly fast and simple. A small screwdriver oralmost any similar tool will serve to pry
the guard from the frame, and this action
frees the bearing and roller, as well. For
re-assembly, just squeeze the guards
together and snap them back into place!
To maintain, use a simple freshwater rinse;
no spray lubricant.

8

CATALOG NUMBER#5 LT Tip-Top#6 LT Tip-Top#7 LT Tip-Top#8 LT Tip-Top#9 LT Tip-Top#10 LT Tip-Top#12 LT Tip-Top#14 LT Tip-Top

5/64"
6/64"
7/64"
8/64"
9/64"
10/64"
12/64"
14/64"LWTOP5LWTOP6LWTOP7LWTOP8LWTOP9LWTOP10LWTOP12LWTOP14SPARE PARTSDESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#5LT to 12LT Lightweight Tip-Top Guard#14LT Lightweight Tip-Top Guard#5LT to 14LT Lightweight Tip-Top Roller#5LT to 14LT Lightweight Tip-Top Bearing

LWTGUARDS1LWGUARD1
LWGROLLER1TILWGBEARING1B

Guard colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

Bearing

Photo byBill BoyceI.D.
of TubeWhen ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

Small Series LIGHTWEIGHT TIP-TOPS

AFTCO lightweight rollers also work great with the new braided “super-lines”
because the roller turns with the line, eliminating running friction. Due to theirrelatively small diameter, braided lines up to 80-lb test may be used with thelightweight rollers in situations where fish smaller than the line test are beingcaught, or when targeting bottomfish, halibut, and other slow-moving species.

DESCRIPTION

www.AFTCO.com

Small Series LIGHTWEIGHT TIP-TOPS(Only to be used on rods using #1 Lightweight Guides)
I.D.
DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER
of Tube#4.5 LTS Tip-Top#5 LTS Tip-Top#6 LTS Tip-Top#7 LTS Tip-Top

4.5/64"
5/64"
6/64"
7/64"

SLWTOP4.5
SLWTOPS5SLWTOPS6SLWTOPS7

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

SPARE PARTSDESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER#4.5LTS to 7LTS Small LW Tip-Top Guard#4.5LTS to 7LTS Small LW Tip-Top Roller#4.5LTS to 7LTS Small LW Tip-Top Bearing

SLWGUARDS1SLWGROLLERS1TISLWGBS1B

Guard colors available: (TI) Titanium, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold.

Bill Boyce Photo

Roller Guides & Tip-Tops
SHD SWIVEL TOPS For Wire Line Fishing

STANDARD SWIVEL TOPS For Lighter Wire Line

Keeps line in the center of the roller — so it touches only the roller and theFuji® Ring in the bail — eliminating wear on the sides of the frame.
Modified roller (page 6) is stainless steel, with oversized diameter tominimize stress on the wire. Fitted with AFLON™ bearings.

Specially designed for “lighter”wire line fishing, the articulated bail, with its Fuji® SIC
ring, keeps lighter wire running on the center of the stainless roller, and keeps the wirefrom touching the frame. The modified #3 roller (page 6) is oversized
to minimize stress on the light wire, and all of theOversized roller
small swivel tops are fitted with AFLON™ bearings.

DESCRIPTION

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG ##620 SHD Swivel Top#622 SHD Swivel Top#624 SHD Swivel Top#626 SHD Swivel Top#628 SHD Swivel Top#630 SHD Swivel Top#632 SHD Swivel Top

20/64"
22/64"
24/64"
26/64"
28/64"
30/64"
32/64"STOP620
STOP622
STOP624
STOP626
STOP628
STOP630
STOP632

Head swivels
approximately 120°on the sleeve
Stop Pin in bailprevents ”flop-over”

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black.

Super-hard Fuji® Ring

SPARE PARTS
FITS:
All SHD Swivel Tops

#109 Standard Swivel Top#110 Standard Swivel Top#112 Standard Swivel Top#114 Standard Swivel Top#116 Standard Swivel Top#118 Standard Swivel Top

FITS:

TROLLER5SS TBEARING5SS GPIN3SS SCREW3SS STOPA1CRM
ST BAIL colors available in (CRM) Chrome and (B) Black.

STBAIL2

All Standard Swivel Tops

PIN

SCREW

9/64"
10/64"
12/64"
14/64"
16/64"
18/64"SSTOP109
SSTOP110SSTOP112
SSTOP114
SSTOP116
SSTOP118ROLLER

Special large
diameter ringattached to AFTCO
Regular Guides
and Tip-Tops

Head swivels
approximately
120° on the sleeve

Stop Pin in bail prevents“flop-over”
Super-hard Fuji® Ring

BEARING

PIN

SCREW

BAIL

TROLLER3SS TBEARING3SS SSTPIN3SS STSCREW2SS
BAIL colors available in (CRM) Chrome and (B) Black.

RINGED ROLLER GUIDES and TIP-TOPS
Ringed Roller
Tip Topminimizes stresson light wire

SPARE PARTS

ST BAIL &2 BEARINGSBEARINGCATALOG #When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (CRM) Chrome, (B) Black.

ROLLERASSEMBLYROLLER

I.D.
of TubeDESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONAFTCO’s special Ringed Roller Guides and
Tip-Tops are designed to allow large knots,
leaders and swivels — characteristic of
big-game live-bait leader rigs — to easily
pass through the guides when casting andretrieving. The “special” large-diameterring has been added to both our Regular
Roller Guides and Regular Tip-Tops (nowwith modified rollers), primarily for those
who custom-build West Coast style “marlin”
casting rods, used for throwing live baits
rigged to heavy leaders tied with large knots.

#R2 Ringed Guide#R3 Ringed Guide#R4 Ringed Guide#108 Ringed Top#109 Ringed Top#110 Ringed Top#112 Ringed Top#114 Ringed Top#116 Ringed Top#118 Ringed Top#120 Ringed Top

SSTBAIL1

I.D.
of TubeCATALOG #

8/64"
9/64"
10/64"
12/64"
14/64"
16/64"
18/64"
20/64"RGUIDER2SSCRM
RGUIDER3SSCRM
RGUIDER4SSCRM
RTOPR108CRM
RTOPR109CRM
RTOPR110CRM
RTOPR112CRM
RTOPR114CRM
RTOPR116CRM
RTOPR118CRM
RTOPR120CRM

SPARE PARTS
FITS:
Photo by Bill Boyce

Ringed Roller Guide

ROD-WRAPPINGFINISHSuperior, Professional Custom-Formula

ROLLERAll Ringed Guides
Ringed Top #108 thru #114
Ringed Top #116 thru #120

BEARINGPINGROLLER1SS GBEARING1SS GPIN1SS
TROLLER2SS TBEARING2SS TPIN2SS
TROLLER3SS TBEARING3SS TPIN3SS

SCREW

ROLLER ASSEMBLYSCREW2SS
SCREW2SS
SCREW2SS

GROLLERA1SS
TROLLERA2SS
TROLLERA3SS

Available In FIVE KIT SIZES!
SUPER CLEAR • DURABLE • FLEXIBLEAFTCOTE, the world’s finest rod wrap finish, is a special two-part urethanemodified, custom mixed epoxy, with superior qualities developed for specificuse on fishing rods. UV-resistant, AFTCOTE resists yellowing and is extremely
durable, yet flexible to resist cracking and checking. It won’t absorb water,
so it doesn’t turn milky, and its urethane base has superior working qualities— water white clarity, self-leveling, longer working time, and easy bubble
release. AFTCOTE cures with a super high-gloss sheen, and it has a longer
shelf life than other rod finishes. Available in case packs only!

Rod Finishing Tip
Before measuring and mixing, Aftcote finish should always be gently warmedby placing the bottles in a pan of hot water. After warming, bottles should bethoroughly shaken. Equally measure A and B components in mixing containerand stir until completely clear and fully mixed before applying to the rod.

One Gallon Kit
Half Pint Kit

Quart Kit

Two Gallon Kit
One Pint Kit

DESCRIPTION

PACKAGING

KITS PER CASE

CATALOG NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

PACKAGING KITS PER CASE

CATALOG NUMBER

Half Pint Kit (Two 4-oz. bottles)
One Pint Kit (Two 8-oz. bottles)
Quart Kit (Two 16-oz. bottles)

Clam Shell
Clam Shell
Shrink Wrap

12
12
6

AFTCOTE.5PTCLRAFTCOTE1PTCLRAFTCOTE1QTCLROne Gallon Kit (Two 64-oz. bottles)
Two Gallon Kit (Two 128-oz. bottles)

Boxed Bottles
Boxed Bottles

AFTCOTE1GALCLRAFTCOTE2GALCLR

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

2
2

9

A Commitment To Marine Conservation

With a legacy of leadership in marine conservation efforts —inspired by former company Chairman Milt Shedd’s passion
for the sea — AFTCO takes great pride in its tradition of
unwavering commitment to help protect our ocean resources.

DEFEATING THE LONGLINESSportfishermen and conservation groups continue to battle the destructive
affects of the established longline commercial fishing industry on the East Coast,
Gulf Coast and in Hawaii. While those longline battles are never over, no similar
battle is being fought on the West Coast because there is no established longline
industry. The main reason for that fact is that, some 20 years ago, AFTCO was
successful in preventing the longliners from practicing their trade in California.
In 1988, AFTCO President Bill Shedd received a confidential phone call frominside the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) that said the state’s
established “experimental” shark longline fishery was about to be sanctioned as afull-fledged fishery with the blessing of the CDFG. If that happened, the caller
warned that the mako shark nursery off southern California would be in serious
jeopardy. The caller also said CDFG insiders did not know where else to turn —United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) was not yet established — andthey hoped that the Shedds and AFTCO could be of help to counter the
momentum already underway.
On the same day as that phone call, Bill Shedd decided AFTCO would takeon the “elimination of the shark longline experiment” as an AFTCO company
project. Bill was already deeply involved in the gillnet issue on behalf of AFTCO,
so AFTCO Sales Manager Greg Stotesbury was assigned the task to lead thecompany effort. Greg was perfect for the job because he had fished mako sharks

different group of commercial
fishermen, led by attorney Augie
Felando, initiated a move to create
a longline fishery for swordfish,
sharks and tuna.
AFTCO attorney Mike Duffy
was recruited by Bill Shedd to leadFound hooked andthis new effort against longlines,
struggling on a highseas longline, thisand he chaired a committee that
helpless sea turtle
consisted of Greg Stotesbury, Billwas cut free by thephotographer
Shedd, Rich Holland and Balboa
Bill Boyce.
Angling Club President Jock
Albright. While the work in this effort was conducted under the banner of and in
partnership with UASC, the organization was still very young at the time, so mostof the heavy lifting was done from the AFTCO offices at AFTCO expense.
The strategy and various presentations at the Commission hearing weredeveloped and written primarily by AFTCO attorney Mike Duffy and AFTCO
President Bill Shedd. In total, over a five-month period, AFTCO personnel spent
more than 1,000 hours working to defeat this longline push. The time and effort
was well worth the reward when on October 2, 1992, a unanimous vote by the
Fish and Game Commission denied the request for a longline fishery in
California waters.
From 2001 to 2005, UASC (with the help of AFTCO production manager,
Dave Elm, then a board member and now chairman of UASC) — along withThe Billfish Foundation (TBF), National Coalition for Marine Conservation(NCMC), and others — led a successful effort before the Pacific Fisheries
Management Council to once again prevent the establishment of longlines on theWest Coast. While AFTCO was not involved in as significant a way, our work
long ago to remove and keep longlines out of California waters played a big rolein the recent success. If AFTCO had not invested over 2,500 hours of time some
15 to 20 years ago and the longline industry had established itself in California
waters, this most recent battle would have been much more difficult. Without
AFTCO’s early efforts, those of us in southern California possibly would now findourselves in the same difficult situation facing the East Coast, Gulf Coast and in
Hawaii, where they are still trying to remove the established longline fisheries.

REMOVING THE GILLNETS
Photo by Bill Boycefor nine years, understood the fishery and the damage that had already been done
from the experimental longlines and the existing drift gillnet fishery.
For the next four years, Greg and other AFTCO employees contributed morethan 1,500 hours toward eliminating the longline fishery. Finally, in 1992,
AFTCO and a group of conservation-minded shark fishermen aligned themselveswith the newly formed UASC, and in May of of that year, AFTCO chartered abus to transport concerned shark anglers to the Fish and Game hearing in
Bakersfield, CA. Greg and Bill presented the case and both the CDFG and theFish and Game Commission unanimously agreed to eliminate the shark longlines.
With their failure at the Commission level, the shark longliners then took theircase to the California legislature, where they convinced assemblyman Dan Hauser
to carry legislation (AB2924) to create a permanent shark longline fishery. The
bill was stopped by Greg and John Beuttler of United Anglers (UAC), who went
to Sacramento to meet with Hauser. When they explained why the fishery had
been rejected by the CDFG and the Fish and Game Commission, Hauser
withdrew his bill.
Just when we thought the longline issue was behind us and that AFTCO
personnel could now focus solely on running the fishing tackle business, a

10

For over 25 years, the southern California sportfishing community watched thewhite seabass and halibut resource continue to decline, knowing the cause was
gillnets. Nearshore monofilament “set” gillnets were wreaking havoc on local
marine resources. Sportfishing interests were unable to get the California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) or the state legislature to take theproblem seriously, so in 1990, sportfishermen took the gillnet issue to the people.
Led by state assemblywoman Doris
Allen, the required 600,000 signatures
were gathered to put proposition 132 on
the 1990 November ballot, and Californians passed this “gillnet initiative” thatremoved set gillnets from state waters insouthern California. Not only did thiseffort bring about the recovery of
halibut, white seabass and other species,
but it also helped set a precedent that
led to subsequent net bans in Florida
and other states.
AFTCO played an important role bysupporting Doris Allen in this effort.
AFTCO President Bill Shedd worked

Aftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resourcesEnhancing Marine Fisheries And Habitatwith Bill Ray to form United Anglers of Southern California (UASC), a
sportfishing conservation group initially created to support the gillnet ban.
Shedd served on Allen’s management committee, coordinating the economic
arguments supporting the gillnet ban, and organizing AFTCO employees andothers in the signature gathering effort.
Unlike nearshore set gillnets, “drift” gillnets are used in the open ocean, where
they cause their own indescriminate destruction of marine life, fish, birds, turtles
and mammals alike. In the mid-1990’s, a commercial fisherman contacted Milt
Shedd to say that, after many years of watching such destruction as a California
drift gillnetter, he had developed a conscience. He now wanted the world to knowwhat he knew about gillnets, and he had taken video during his last year of fishingin northern Mexican waters that showed by-kill of marlin, whales, turtles, sharks
and more. He said that if he could remain anonymous and AFTCO would agree
to not use the tape for a least a year, he would turn it over to AFTCO, who
could thereafter expose the footage to the world.
After a year had passed, Milt and Bill teamed up with others to arrange apress conference televised in Los Angeles, New York and London. Millions ofviewers saw the destruction on their local TV stations. In one instance, thegillnetter caught and threw back over 100 dead marlin in a single set. He moved
80 to 100 miles away in an effort to avoid the billfish, but with the next set
inadvertently caught 50 more marlin, graphic proof of the lack of control thecommercial fisherman has with destructive gear like gillnets.

Removing “set “gillnets
from southern California waters
has been instrumental in therecovery of nearshore
species like thewhite seabass .

Photo by Bill BoyceRIGS TO REEFS
The Gulf of Mexico has a thriving Rigs-To-Reef (RTR) program that is a great
benefit to both the resource and fishermen. With that valuable program, portionsof the underwater offshore oil structures are left in place to provide importantmarine habitat long after the oil production operation is removed.
Oil rigs have proven to
be valuable habitat, notonly for invertebrates,
but also for fish life as
pictured to the right.

California has no such program. Currently when offshore oil rigs are decommissioned in California, all of the underwater materials and habitat are removed.
Not only are hundreds of thousands of fish and other sea creatures killed in theprocess, but so are the home sites for future generations of similar life.
Milt Shedd found this situation ridiculous. In 1995 he joined with UASC
board member Dan Frumkes to encourage the state to examine the wisdom of
removing thousands of tons of marine habitat without understanding the damageof doing so. Shortly after, son Bill Shedd and AFTCO attorney Mike Duffy werebrought onto the team. In partnership with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and United Anglers of Southern California (UASC), the group formed
the UASC-ASA Conservation Coordinating Committee, and the process to take arational look at RTR was underway. In 1998 Milt encouraged UCLA to host an
RTR conference. State senator Dede Alpert’s legislation to create an RTR program in California passed by a wide margin, only to be vetoed by then Governor
Gray Davis, who was looking to the environmental community for support in his
failed attempt to retain the governorship.
As of the printing of this catalog, legislation is moving forward in California.
We are getting closer to a RTR program as new studies continue to validate theimportant habitat value from the underwater structures of offshore oil platforms.

THE FIGHT AGAINST EXTREME FISHING CLOSURES
Misguided environmental groups are increasingly calling for recreational fishermen to be denied access to the marine resource. At AFTCO we are not against sciencebased closures. What we are against is restricting angler access without a significant proven fishery benefit to overcome the angler’s personal loss and the loss to theresource and the economy. We are against closures put in place without proper data to support them and without considering the socio-economic consequences.
At AFTCO, we have in the past and will continue in the future to provide both funding and leadership to prevent such misguided closures.
In the name of protecting the marine environment, environmental groups often lump anglers and their single hook and line gear into the same category as
commercial fishermen and their destructive types of gear, like gillnets, bottom trawls, longlines, fish traps and more. The truth is that sportfishermen use little of
the resource and yet provide not only healthy family-oriented recreational activity for the public, but significant job creation and economic activity, as well. The 13
million saltwater anglers in the U.S. generate 533,000 jobs and contribute $82.2 billion to the nation’s economy. Most importantly for the marine fishery resource,
this economic benefit is generated by taking only 3% of the U.S. harvest, while the commercial sector takes the other 97% and at the same time provides fewer jobs.
Those wanting to ban recreational fishing fail to point out that saltwater anglers have been and continue to be the true marine conservationists. We provide thebackbone of funding for fishery resource management efforts in the states. In 2009 we contributed over $604 million for fishing license fees and an additional $700
million-plus in excise taxes on fishing tackle and motor boat fuels. Over the last half century, anglers have contributed over $30 billion
to resource management. In addition, it was conservation-minded anglers who led the effort to restore redfish in the Gulf andSoutheast, white seabass and halibut in California, and striped bass in the Northeast.
The ocean is a public resource and the fishing public deserves to receive the highest priority for its future use. AFTCO
will continue to work toward that end and we encourage you to support and get involved with KeepAmericaFishing.org.
This entity was launched on July 14, 2010 by the American Sportfising Association (ASA). For more information,
go to www.keepamericafishing.org.
Bill Shedd, AFTCO President

www.AFTCO.com

11

Bill Boyce Photo

Unibutts
The configuration of AFTCO Unibutts istrademarked under Registration #2,082,683.

UNIBUTTS®

The Combination Handle-Reel Seat
That Revolutionized The Trolling Rod!
Formed from the finest marine alloy using AFTCO's unique “swaging” process(see details at bottom of page), the ONE-PIECE Unibutt® aluminum butt and reelseat is “unitized” for maximum strength and minimum weight. The aligning
pin-plug, gimbal and fixed hood are locked in permanent alignment so that gimbal,
reel and rod guides always line up perfectly. The ferrules are precision-machined
to ensure complete interchangeability of rod tip sections, and an “O” Ring on theferrule prevents corrosion between ferrule and reel seat. A *Teflon® ring inside
the collet nut assures a snug fit, prevents galling, and allows easy removal of thenut. Stronger, lighter and simpler, AFTCO Unibutts® are available in Silver, Black,
Black/Gold, Black/Silver, Silver/Gold, Black/Shimano® Gold anodized finishes.

Unibutt Tips
AFTCO Unibutts are easily sized by measuring their inside diameters. All Unibutts andStorabutts have the same inside diameters (without ferrule) with regard to any given
size. For example, all #1’s measure .838", all #2’s measure .970", all #4’s measure
1.133" and all #6’s measure 1.336". Length indicated on charts is measured from tipof threads to end of gimbal.
Note: If being ordered as replacements for existing rods, all Unibutts and Storabutts
are available without ferrule and collett nuts provided.

Stronger!
Lighter!
Simpler!
DESCRIPTIONCLASSWEIGHT

WEIGHTLENGTH

I.D.

O.D.

O.D.

CATALOG #There’s More Than One Reason To Choose AFTCO Unibutts®
PERFECT ALIGNMENT OF GIMBAL,REEL and GUIDES is built
into every UNIBUTT®.

HOW SWAGING CREATESITS HIGH STRENGTHTO-WEIGHT RATIO...

Precision-machined ferrule
assures perfect interchangeabilityof tip sections. “O” Ring seal
keeps out moisture,
prevents corrosion.

Walls are formed to
special thickness under
the reel seat for maximum
strength in thiscritical area.

“Shoulder” on eachlocking nut lets you
tighten eachseparately; allows
easy release.

CLASS

I.D.

STRAIGHT MODELS#UB1 Short
4-lb. to 30-lb.
14 oz.
17.16" .750".838"
UNIBUTTS1#UB1
4-lb. to 30-lb.
15.5 oz. 19.16" .750".838"
UNIBUTT1#UB2* Short
30-lb. to 50-lb.
16 oz.
17.76" .875".970"
UNIBUTTS2#UB2*30-lb. to 50-lb.
18 oz.
19.76" .875".970"
UNIBUTT2#UB480-lb.
25 oz.
22.82" 1.000"
1.133" UNIBUTT4#UB6130-lb. to Unlimited. 32 oz.
23.45" 1.188"
1.336" UNIBUTT6*All #2 Unibutts and Storabutts feature hoods that will accommodate most size “80” reels.
When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available: (SLV) Silver, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (BS) Black/Silver, (SG) Silver/Gold, (BSHG) Black/Shimano® Gold.

Curved Design
Maximizes
Leverage!

DESCRIPTIONLENGTH

Collet nut with
*Teflon® “O” Ring
insert tightens
snugly but won’t
gall; also keeps
water out ofassembly.

CATALOG #CURVED MODELS#UB2SC* Short
30-lb. to 80-lb.
18 oz.
19.76" .875".970"
UNIBUTTSC2#UB2C*
30-lb. to 50-lb.
25 oz.
26.76" .875".970"
UNIBUTTC2#UB4C
80-lb.
30 oz.
27.83" 1.000"
1.133" UNIBUTTC4#UB4SC80-lb.
25 oz.
22.82" 1.000"
1.133" UNIBUTTSC4#UB6C
130-lb. to Unlimited 37 oz.
28.44" 1.188"
1.336" UNIBUTTC6*All #2 Unibutts and Storabutts feature hoods that will accommodate most size “80” reels.

Speciallymachined ROUNDED
threads arestronger andwork smoother.

Rugged anodized
hoods hold heaviest
reels securely. Fixedhood is locked to ensure
perfect alignment of reelwith gimbal and guides.
Both the aligning pin/plug and gimbal arepress-fit and epoxied into permanentalignment with the fixed hood.

Conventional butts havea sharp 90° corner here,
which concentrates stressat this vulnerable point. AFTCO
swaging creates a gentle
radius to produce a curve,
not a corner. This design
disseminates stress andsubstantially improves
the butt’s strength.
Where handle diameteris larger, wall thickness
can be diminshed to saveweight with no loss ofoverall strength.
Since the gimbal area mustendure special punishment,
we build up the walls here.

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available: (SLV) Silver, (B) Black,(BG) Black/Gold, (BS) Black/Silver, (SG) Silver/Gold, (BSHG) Black/Shimano® Gold.

WITH THE INCREASED LEVERAGE
OF “CURVED” UNIBUTTS®,YOU STAY STRONGER LONGER
WHEN FIGHTING BIG FISH.
Experienced big game fishermen know that the greater
length and improved leverage of all curved butts give youa substantial edge when fighting big game fish. The rod
is held farther from the chair, at a more comfortable angle,
with your arms extended. You use your entire body —shoulders, back and legs — to put more power into every
pump. You’ll stay fresh longer and tire your fish faster. Witha curved butt, the rod tip is lower, with more strain applied
to the fish, and less on you. Actual testing proves that withthe same pulling force exerted on a straight butt, A CURVED
BUTT PRODUCES 30% OR MORE PULL ON THE LINE!
Photo byRichard Gibson

12*Reg. Trademark of DUPONT

www.AFTCO.com

STRAIGHT BUTTSAPPLY “X” LBS. OF
PULL HERE . . .

YOU GET“Y” LBS.
OF PULLHERE

CURVED BUTTSAPPLY “X” LBS. OF
PULL HERE . . .

YOU GET AT LEAST“Y”+30%
LBS. OFPULL HERE!

Richard Gibson Photo

Rod Butts
COLLET NUTSSTORABUTTS®

Collet nuts are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum
and anodized. A dry film *Teflon® lubricant on
threads facilitates easy removal.
CATALOG #FIT UNIBUTTS & STORABUTTS

Removable Curved Butt For Easy Storage

All #1 Models
All #2 Models
All #4 Models
All #6 Models

CNUT1
CNUT2
CNUT4
CNUT6

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
(SLV) Silver, (B) Black, (GLD) Gold, (SHG) Shimano® Gold.
Teflon O- Ring assures snug
fit, prevents galling.

Precision-machined
FerruleO-Ring seal keeps out moisture,
prevents corrosion
Notch fits pin-plug in butt toassure perfect alignment

FERRULES
Precision machined ferrules (and nuts) are “O” Ring
sealed to keep moisture out and prevent corrosion.
FIT UNIBUTTS
CATALOG #& STORABUTTS
I.D.
O.D.
All #1 Models
All #2 Models
All #4 Models
All #6 Models

.750"
.875"
1.000"
1.188".838".970"
1.133"
1.336"FERRULE1FERRULE2FERRULE4FERRULE6

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (SLV) Silver, (B) Black.

Butts Tip
For maximum strength, Unibutt and Storabutt
ferrules must be glued to rod blanks withhigh-strength, 24-hour rod builder’s epoxy.

The AFTCO Storabutt® is a handle-and-reel seat combination designed
especially for big game anglers who use curved butts. The reel seat is
ferruled at both ends to permit removal of the butt section of your rod
without having to also remove your reel, thereby disturbing your terminal
tackle. This makes it easier to store curved butts, especially on boats
where storage is a problem. The Storabutt® is available in either curved
or straight models for 50-lb. to 130-lb. class rods.
DESCRIPTION#SB2 50-lb. Straight#SB2 50-lb. Curved#SB2 50-lb. Straight, Short#SB2 50-lb. Curved, Short#SB4 80-lb. Straight#SB4 80-lb. Curved#SB4 80-lb. Curved, Short#SB6 130-lb. Straight#SB6 130-lb. Curved#SB2 Seat Only
#SB2 Butt Only
#SB2 Curved Butt Only
#SB2 Short, Butt Only
#SB2 Short, Curved Butt Only
#SB4 Seat Only
#SB4 Butt Only
#SB4 Curved Butt Only
#SB4 Short, Curved Butt Only
#SB6 Seat Only
#SB6 Butt Only
#SB6 Curved Butt Only

I.D.

O.D.

CATALOG #

.875"
.875"
.875"
.875"
1.000"
1.000"
1.000"
1.188"
1.188"

.970"
.970"
.970"
.970"
1.133"
1.133"
1.133"
1.336"
1.336"

STORABUTT2
SBC2
SBS2
SBSC2
STORABUTT4
SBC4
SBSC4
STORABUTT6SBC6SBSEAT2
SBUTT2
SBUTTC2
SBUTTS2
SBUTTSC2SBSEAT4
SBUTT4
SBUTTC4SBUTTSC4SBSEAT6
SBUTT6
SBUTTC6

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available: (SLV) Silver,(B) Black, (BG) Black/Gold, (BS) Black/Silver, (SG) Silver/Gold, (BSHG) Black/Shimano® Gold.

80-lb. Curved,
Short Butt Model
Now Available, And
In Three Different
Finishes!

Rod ferrulewith collet nut
and "O" Ring

Photo byRichard Gibson

Pin-plugs in reelsection fit slots inboth the rod ferruleand butt section for
precise alignment
every time.

EXTEND-A-BUTTS®
Converts Your Stand-Up Rod To A Fighting Chair
Rod, Even While You Are Fighting Your Fish!

Photo byRichard Gibson

Stand-up fishing has its pluses, but when battling big game fish with astandard trolling rod in a fighting chair, you can pull harder with far less effort!
Until AFTCO’s Extend-A-Butt® was developed, a stand-up angler with access to achair was deprived of this advantage. Typically, when seated in the chair with ashorter stand-up rod, the line does not properly clear the boat rail, but using the
Extend-A-Butt® solves this problem! Simply slip the Extend-A-Butt® over the endof a #1 or #2 AFTCO Unibutt® (straight or curved model) and it locks instantly.
Then fit your newly added butt extension snugly into the chair gimbal and you
have the rod length you need to clear the gunwale. Even if you challenge a big
fish stand-up style but tire during a long battle, the quick and easy addition of
an Extend-A-Butt® allows you to slide right into the chair, where you can beat
the fish faster with far less effort and increase your odds of bringing him in.
Machined from the finest marine aluminum, Extend-A-Butts® are available
in two sizes and in your choice of a Silver or Black anodized finish.
DESCRIPTIONAll AFTCO Butts Are Available With A Ball Gimbal.
All AFTCO butts can be special ordered with a “ball gimbal.”Precision machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, AFTCO ball
gimbals make it more comfortable when planting a rod
butt in your stomach while stand-up fishing without afighting belt. A round design helps prevent deck scarring,and extra heavy, tapered feet make for a snug fit to gimbal
pins. To special order, write “BG” after the Catalog Number.
*Reg. Trademark of DUPONTCATALOG ##XB1—Fits UB1 Short Unibutts#XB2—Fits UB2 Short and UB2 Short, Curved Unibutts

EXTENDABUT1
EXTENDABUT2

Extend-A-Butt® Patent #4,887,375.

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (SLV) Silver, (B) Black.
A NOTE OF CAUTION:
With the addition of a longer butt section coupled withthe mechanical advantage of a chair, some lighter blanks
may be unable to cope with the added stress.

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

13

Bill Boyce Photo

Rod Building Components

SLV

BG

B

GY

GR

IB

GLD

R

PU

Photo byRichard Gibson

SLIP-OVER REEL SEATSDESCRIPTION

Rugged, Lightweight And Machined From The
Finest Marine Aluminum
For maximum strength-to-weight ratio, AFTCO Slip-Over reel seats are machined, notstamped or rolled, from the finest marine aluminum. Where the fixed hood is fitted to thebarrel, mating surfaces are knurled, then epoxied together for extra strength in an area
where ordinary reel seats frequently fail. Finer, rounder threads produce a silky-smoothlocking action, and the husky locking rings offer a heavier knurled surface for easier turning.
Available in Silver, Hard-Coat Black and Black/Gold anodized finishes, plus anodized designercolor finishes — Gold, Shimano® Gold, Black/Shimano® Gold, Silver/Gold, Green, Ice Blue,
Purple, Red and Gray — to match popular colors of metallic rod-winding threads.

#1M Slip-Over Reel Seat
#2M Slip-Over Reel Seat
#3M Slip-Over Reel Seat*#4M Slip-Over Reel Seat

B

GY

GR

IB

PU

R

CATALOG NUMBER

13/16"
29/32"
1"
1-3/16"

5-1/4"
5-1/4"
5-3/4"
6-1/2"

ASEAT1ASEAT2ASEAT3
ASEAT4

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number. Colors available: (SLV) Silver,(B) Black, (BG) Black/Gold, (GLD) Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold, (SHG) Shimano® Gold,(BSHG) Black/Shimano® Gold, (GR) Green, (IB) Ice Blue, (PU) Purple, (R) Red, (GY) Gray.
Models #1M and #4M are only available in (SLV) Silver, (B) Black, (BG) Black/Gold,(BSHG) Black/Shimano® Gold, (SG) Silver/Gold and (SHG) Shimano® Gold.

GIMBALS
Lightweight, Durable And
Precision Machined

GLD

LENGTH*All 3M and 4M reel seats will accommodate most size “80” reels.
Note: Rod blank MUST go all the way through the reel seat.

NOT for use with conventional aluminum butts.

SLV

I.D.

Machined from solid stock marine aluminum, extremely
durable AFTCO Gimbals, measuring 2-1/4 inches, weighabout half as much as similar brass parts. All exposededges are polished to prevent deck scarring and tominimize wear on fighting belts. Featured are extra heavy
feet, tapered for a snug fit to gimbal pins. The new“radiused” gimbal models feature a full radius machinedon the “vertical” slot for greater stability when stand-up
fishing with vertical-pin gimbal fighting belts. Available inSilver and Hard-Coat Black anodized finishes, plus
anodized designer color finishes — Gold, Shimano® Gold,
Green, Ice Blue, Purple, Red and Gray — to match
popular colors of metallic rod-winding threads.

DESCRIPTION

I.D.

CATALOG NUMBER#G1 Gimbal#G2 Gimbal#G2R Gimbal, radiused#G3 Gimbal#G3R Gimbal, radiused

7/8"
1"
1"
1-1/8"
1-1/8"GIMBAL1
GIMBAL2
GIMBAL2R
GIMBAL3
GIMBAL3R

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (SLV) Silver, (SHG) Shimano® Gold,(B) Black, (GLD) Gold, (GR) Green, (IB) Ice Blue,(PU) Purple, (R) Red, (GY) Gray.
Models #G1 is only available in (SLV) Silver, (B) Black,(GLD) Gold, and (SHG) Shimano® Gold.

SLIP-OVER REEL SEAT SLEEVES

Hard-Coat
Black Anodized

Support For Larger Reels

Photo byBill Boyce

14

Machined from the finest marine aluminum,
AFTCO Slip-Over Reel Seat Sleeves aredesigned to support the forward reel braces
found on many of the larger big game reels.
Measuring 2 inches in length, they are available
in three sizes and two finishes — Silver
anodized or Hard-Coat Black anodized.

DESCRIPTION#1M Reel Seat Sleeve#2M Reel Seat Sleeve#3M Reel Seat Sleeve

I.D.

CATALOG #13/16"
29/32"1"SLEEVE1SLEEVE2SLEEVE3

When ordering, add COLOR CODE to Catalog Number.
Colors available: (SLV) Silver and (B) Black.

www.AFTCO.com

SilverAnodizedReplenishing The Sea
At the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute hatchery in Carlsbad, CA, (pictured
above), the process of rearing white seabass for release into the wild begins withthe facility’s carefully managed broodstock, fish ranging up to 30 pounds each.

WHITE SEABASS PROGRAM
The white seabass replenishment program and it’s state-of-the-art
saltwater hatchery in Carlsbad hold great promise for the future ofsportfishing in California. AFTCO and the Shedd family have playeda major role in this unique and valuable program since it’s inception.
The idea to raise seabass in captivity and turn them back into thewild to help Mother Nature recover this once abundant resource camefrom Milt Shedd. The initial funding came from Milt and Peggie in
1978. The program was started by Milt and Don Kent, president of the
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute(HSWRI). Now named the Ocean
Resources Enhancement Hatchery
Program (OREHP), it is a partnershipwith the state of California, as sportfishing license revenue provides most of its
funding. From day one, HSWRI has
been the driving force behind and has
run and operated the program.
The sportfishing community
continues to be the primary beneficiary
Spearheading the development of the
HSWRI Hatchery Program was Milt Sheddin this effort to restore white seabass(right) and HSWRI President Don Kent(center), pictured here with AFTCO President
populations. The Shedd family,
Bill Shedd, who devised and implemented
the hatchery’s “grow out” concept.
AFTCO, United Anglers of Southern
California (UASC), the Sportfishing
Association of California (SAC), and other sportfishing entities continue to support HSWRI and the state with the white seabass hatchery
program. When money was needed to build the Carlsbad hatchery, Milt
and AFTCO President Bill Shedd, along with HSWRI, led that effort tosecure the needed $4,000,000 through mitigation funds.
One of the most unique aspects of the program are the 14 grow-out
facilities, where fish are raised by sportfishing volunteers (in their homeharbors) from a size of three
to four inches to a release sizeof around 10 inches, which
increases seabass survivability.
Over 20,000 hours arecontributed by sportfishermen
each year in this effort. This
“grow-out” concept wasconceived and implemented
by Bill Shedd, who as
co-founder of UASC, waslooking for a meaningfulprogram in which to involve
During a special ceremony celebrating thehatchery’s release of one million white seabass
into ocean waters, Peggie Shedd does thehonors, with son Bill and HSWRI President
Don Kent looking on.

Three months after hatching, this 2-1/2" long whiteseabass is ready to leave the hatchery for one of
14 coastal grow-out facilities. Prior to transfer,hatchery technicians (at right) fit each and every
juvenile seabass with a small wire-coded tag.

the young organization. UASC member Jim Donlon had demonstrated
that seabass could successfully be raised in net pens, so Bill took Jim’s
prototype and devised a plan to spread the concept to all the harbors
along the southern California coast. In order to implement his plan, in
1992 Bill created the UASC White Seabass Committee, of which hestill serves as president. Bill continues to assist the program withleadership on funding, program direction and other issues.
Since every seabass istagged with a small wire
coded tag before release,hatchery-reared fish can bereadily identified when they
are later caught. While it isstill too early to know theextent that the program is
assisting Mother Nature, tag
returns grow in number eachyear and the health of thefishery continues to improve.
Volunteers gather around one of the 14 “grow out”
pens located in the bays and harbors along thesouthern California coast. Here, juvenile whiteseabass are reared in mesh enclosures (below)
until deemed large enough to survive in the wild.

Photos courtesy of
Hubbs-SeaWorld
Research InstituteAftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resources

15

Richard Gibson Photo

Taper-Tip Gaffs
TAPER-TIP ALUMINUM GAFFSTapered For Speed! Swaged For Power!
The slim, tapered shape of AFTCO’s Taper-Tip Aluminum Gaffs makes themlightning fast in the water — easier to maneuver and deadly accurate.
They're stronger and lighter too, so they bring fish into the boat with lessflailing and confusion. The shafts are made from corrosion-resistant marine
aluminum — the same material used in our famous “Unibutts®” — andthey are “swaged” for uniform strength from end to end, but with nounnecessary weight.
Taper-Tip Gaffs are now available in our traditional rich Gold and ouralso popular lustrous Black finishes — both anodized for lasting beauty
and resistance to corrosion. All models are fitted with soft but rugged
black grips molded from the same non-slip material found on the finest
fishing rods. Black vinyl butt caps seal out corrosive moisture and prevent
deck scarring.
Our gaff hooks are fashioned from stainless steel rods, witheasy-to-sharpen triangular points. Rod diameters are 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and1/2-inch, and offered are hooks with 2, 3, 4 and 5-inch “throats.” Some
gaffs float, unless otherwise indicated on chart below.
With shafts of 3/4 and 1-inch butt diameters, Taper-Tip Gaffs are available
in overall lengths of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 feet.
Catalog Numbers for AFTCO Taper-Tip gaffs are coded todenote the hook and shaft specifications of each model.
Following is an example of how codes are formulated:

Available
With Black
Or Gold
Anodized
Finishes!

SLIM,
TAPERED SHAFT
is easier tomaneuver inthe water, and canreact fasterto actions of
the fish.
Taper provides
more room here
for easiergaffing.
Photo byBill DePriest

AFTCO “SWAGING”
forms thicker walls here
where the tube
diameter issmaller...
...andthinner walls
where the outside
diameter is larger.
This provides uniform strength fromend to end while eliminating
unnecessary weight.

TOURNAMENT TWO-PIECEKING MACKEREL GAFF

3

5

4

L

GLD

WIDTH OFHOOK THROATDIAMETER OF HOOK SHAFT(in 16ths of an INCH)TOTAL LENGTHof GAFF in FEET.

3/4" O.D. of TUBE at BUTT
All but 4 models have a 1" O.D.

GOLD
FINISHUse formula above to identify and order Taper-Tip Gaffs from Catalog Numbers listed below:
Gold Anodized
Black Anodized#GAFFLA243GLD#GAFFLA243B#GAFFA365GLD#GAFFA366B#GAFFLA244GLD#GAFFA254B#GAFFA366GLD#GAFFA368B#GAFFA254GLD#GAFFA256B#GAFFA368GLD#GAFFA464B#GAFFA256GLD#GAFFA353B#GAFFA464GLD#GAFFA465B#GAFFA353GLD#GAFFA354B#GAFFA465GLD#GAFFA466B#GAFFLA354GLD#GAFFA356B#GAFFA466GLD#GAFFA468B#GAFFA354GLD#GAFFA365B#GAFFA468GLD#GAFFA586B#GAFFA356GLD#GAFFA586GLD#GAFFA364GLD(RED letter models DO NOT float.)

RUGGED“WEDGE-LOK” FITTING
End of hook rod is knurled
and flared, then press-fit
into tapered tube to createa mechanical lock.
Hook cannot pull out.
(In fact, hook isformed after
insertion.)

EPOXY
seals out
moisture andstrengthensbond.

Photo byRichard Gibson

Ideal for king mackerel tournament fishermen, this AFTCO 12-foot,two-piece gaff features a black anodized shaft that is divided into
an eight-foot forward section with hook, and a four-foot rear section,complete with two rugged black vinyl grips. Constructed from thesame 6061-T6 marine grade aluminum that’s a feature of other gaffs
in the AFTCO line, this model is joined in the middle with a ferruleand collet nut characteristic of the AFTCO Unibutt, the standard forthe industry. The ferrule and collet nut “joint” is extremely strong,lightweight and fully waterproof when assembled. Both the ferruleand collet nut are permanently attached to the 8-foot forward
section, which can optionally be used as a stand-alone gaff. Whenboth sections are used together, the two pieces can be separated inseconds and stored separately. Equipped with a three-inch stainlesssteel hook, this is an ideal gaff for landing king mackerel, wahoo,
dolphin and tuna, as well as other medium-sized saltwater gamefish.

CATALOG NUMBER GAFFAKM12B

16

GAFFLA354GLD

www.AFTCO.com

TAPERED FIBERGLASS GAFFSBill Boyce Photo

Taper-Tip Gaffs
TAPER-TIP
FLYING GAFFSLightweight, Yet Super
Strong, With Functional,
Easy-To-Grip Handles!

With Breakaway Hook For
Gaffing Powerful Fish!

AFTCO tapered Fiberglass Gaffs feature
special thick-walled, super strong,
yet lightweight E-glass handle
construction, custom-designed for
extreme strength and rigidity. All of
our fiberglass handles are rolled on
proprietary mandrels using specifictapers developed by AFTCO, and are
fitted in our factory with the samestainless steel hooks used in our
popular Taper-Tip Aluminum Gaffs.
Our exclusive “wedge-lok” (see page16) assembly process is used tosecure all of the hooks into the
E-glass handles.
Featuring a rich-looking dark brown
epoxy finish with hand-wrapped blackand metallic gold-and-blue thread trim
wraps, each gaff has a handsome
and extremely functional black nylon
seine cord-wrapped handle withhand-finished Turk’s heads on eachend of the wrapped grips. Seine cord
and Turk’s heads are finished withepoxy for durability and extra tackiness
when gripped with wet or slimy hands.
A large rubber “mushroom-style”
butt cap finishes the butt-endof each handle.
AFTCO Fiberglass Gaffs are available
in 4, 6 and 8-foot lengths with 2, 3
or 4-inch hooks. All of the 2 and3-inch hooks are 5/16” diameter 316L
stainless steel, and the 4-inch hooks
are all N50 stainless steel. Any of
the 6 and 8-foot models will float
if dropped overboard.

The slim, tapered tips of AFTCO’s Taper-Tip Flying Gaffs slice
through water faster and with greater accuracy to minimize
the problems of gaffing powerful fish. Like our Taper-Tip
Aluminum Gaffs, the shafts of our Flying Gaffs are "swaged"
for uniform strength from end to end, thereby eliminating
unnecessary weight. The hook seats in a tough plastic insert
fitted into the gaff tip, and is held in place by a length of 20-lb.
test line tied to a steel post affixed to the shaft. When a fishis gaffed, this line snaps, providing a clean and immediate
release. A machined aluminum gimbal at the butt of the
shaft secures the attachment rope; and along with the plastic
insert in the tip, prevents water from seeping into the shaft.
If dropped overboard, the gaff handle (minus hook) will float!
Shafts are 6' 7" long, with 1-3/8" butt diameters fitted withtwo black non-slip grips, and anodized with a rich Gold or
lustrous Black finish for beauty and resistance to corrosion.
Barbed Triangular
Hook

The barbed hooks are madefrom corrosion-resistant
stainless steel and will
not straighten out in use.
The triangular points
give better penetration
and are easy to sharpen.
Available in 5, 6, 8 and10-inch sizes. All four
fit in the same shaft.

Line
Snaps To Release The
Hook From
The Shaft.

Plastic Insert
Seals Out
Water To
Prevent
Corrosion.

Post

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER

Flying Gaff Handle (Gold)
Flying Gaff Handle (Black)5-inch Flying Gaff Hook6-inch Flying Gaff Hook8-inch Flying Gaff Hook10-inch Flying Gaff Hook*

FGAFF06FGGLD
FGAFF06FGB
FGHOOK5SS
FGHOOK6SS
FGHOOK8SS
FGHOOK10SS* Reinforced bend

Cockpit Tip

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER

4-foot AFG Gaff/2-inch Hook
4-foot AFG Gaff/3-inch Hook
4-foot AFG Gaff/4-inch Hook
6-foot AFG Gaff/2-inch Hook
6-foot AFG Gaff/3-inch Hook
6-foot AFG Gaff/4-inch Hook
8-foot AFG Gaff/2-inch Hook
8-foot AFG Gaff/3-inch Hook
8-foot AFG Gaff/4-inch Hook

GAFFF24BRWN
GAFFF34BRWN
GAFFF44BRWN
GAFFF26BRWN
GAFFF36BRWN
GAFFF46BRWN
GAFFF28BRWN
GAFFF38BRWN
GAFFF48BRWN

AFTCO Flying Gaffs should be rigged with soft, 5/8” diameter,
3-strand nylon rope spliced directly to the hook eye. IGFA
allows a maximum combined length of 25 feet of total rope andhook, but for most boats, the rope should only be as long as thefarthest distance a crew member can reach with the gaff fromits point of attachment to the boat. Flying gaff hooks should betied in to the stainless attaching post on the aluminum handle
using a single turn of 20 or 30-lb line. The nylon rope should
be stretched tight and passed around the end of the handle,
through the gimbal, and back up past the second handle grip,
where it can be secured with a couple of wraps of 1” masking
tape. The rope should be gripped to the handles by the gaffer,and released as soon as the gaff hook is planted into the fish
and breaks loose from the handle.

Photo byBill Boyce

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

17

Tag And Release
TAG STICKSFor Quick And Accurate Handling
CATALOG # TAGSTICKA006GLD (Gold)
CATALOG # TAGSTICKA006B (Black)/4" ly 1 Stee legnpri ss bSp inle ft Ca Loo
Sta ircra pen . 18"A
f O ox. O prDia Is Ap
Built-In Swivel
keeps you incontrol, evenwhen yourfish rolls
and twists.

Stainless steel
cable that closes
around fish’s tailis plastic coatedto protect fish.

4-footaluminumhandle isanodized inrich gold.
Tapered forspeed andaccuracy inhandling.

This AFTCO Tag Stick features the same light,
strong “swaged”aluminum shaft as our gaffs,
as well as the same tapered-tip design for
quick, accurate handling in the water. Fittedwith two black non-slip grips and available
with a Gold or Black anodized finish, the overall length is 6 feet, with a 3/4-inch O.D. at the
butt. Each tag stick comes equipped with a
TSHEAD1SS head, but either of our heads(shown below) can be threaded into the endof the shaft, and are easily replaceable.

CATALOG #TSHEAD1SS
This tag-stickhead fits standard
National Marine
Fisheries Service(NMFS) tags withslotted metal heads
designed for “forked”
applicators.

Soft, rugged
non-slip grips.

CATALOG #TSHEAD2SS

TAILER
Provides Safer Control Of Boated Fish,
And Allows For Injury-Free Tagging.
CATALOG # MSTAILER1GLD
The AFTCO “Tailer” helps you bring a boatedfish under control quickly and safely, is the ideal
way to control fish while you measure them forlegal size, and can be a big help in lifting fish as
heavy as 100 pounds into the boat. When used
on a fish that is to be released, the Tailer ismore effective than a lip gaff, and it minimizes
injury to the fish. Featuring a wide loop ofspringy stainless steel aircraft cable, the Tailer
slips easily over the tail of your fish, and with aquick upward pull, closes instantly and snugly.
With its tail out of the water, the fish’s
movements are strictly limited, so it becomesmuch easier to tag and release the fish, or tolift it into the boat. A swivel built into the cableallows you to better handle fish that roll andtwist, which sharks frequently do.
The AFTCO Tailer is four feet long with analuminum shaft anodized a rich gold for lasting
beauty and resistance to corrosion. Two soft
but rugged black grips are molded from thesame non-slip material found on fine rods. The
1/4-inch aircraft cable is also highly resistant tocorrosion, and the smaller cable, which actuallycloses around the tail, is plastic coated toprotect the fish.

18

This tag-stickhead fits standard
Billfish Foundation(TBF) tags, AND
newer NMFS tagswith nylon heads
designed for“pointed”
applicators.

Photos by
Karl Anderson

www.AFTCO.com

TAGGING FOR RESEARCH
The involvement of AFTCO with tagging started with Milt Shedd andhis passion, curiosity and even obsession that drove him to learn everything possible about the fish in the world’s oceans. In the early 1960’s,
Milt organized one of the first tagging programs on the West Coast,
where he and his group tagged over 4,000 albacore, bluefin tuna, marlin,
sailfish and skipjack. He also tagged over 30,000 anchovies.
In 1977 aboard his boat Sea World and working with Dr. Frank Careyof the Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution, Milt became the first to
attach sonic tags to broadbill
swordfish. Sonic tags wereMilt Shedd
pioneered thethe precursor to today’s moredevelopment
sophisticated archival tags.
of some ofthe earliest
With Sonic tags, the tag
scientificallytransmitted a beeping signal
controlled
billfish tagging
that could be picked up by aprograms onreceiver on the boat up to
the West
Coast.
two miles away. The fish’s
direction was determined by
the direction of the strongest
signal, and its depth bycounting the number ofbeeps in a given time interval, which were then plugged
into a mathematical formula.
During the two-and-a-halfmonth expedition, Milt
tagged and tracked five swordfish (one for two days and two nights). In
addition, 13 swordfish were tagged with conventional spaghetti tags.
In recent years, AFTCO and the Shedd family have sponsored archival
and satellite tags successfully deployed on bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna,swordfish, and blue marlin. The information gained from this technology
adds greatly to the ability to manage the resource, dwarfing the limits ofwhat could be learned from the old sonic tags.
The tag and release ethic within the sportfishing community has growntremendously in recent years. AFTCO played an important role inhelping to make that happen through its TAG-A-Tuna For Tomorrowprogram and its annual year-long AFTCO Tag/Flag Tournament. The
programs were developed and implemented by AFTCO President Bill
Shedd and run by Ben Secrest and later AFTCO Sales Manager Greg
Stotesbury. From 1987 until ending in 2006, the AFTCO programs
created awareness of and participation in tag and release. AFTCO
Tag/Flag was the most recognized and prestigious tagging awards
program in the world in large part because of the credibility of the wide
range of entities who partnered in the effort, including The Billfish
Foundation (TBF), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), theInternational Game Fish Association (IGFA), the American Sportfishing
Association (ASA), the National Coalition For Marine Conservation(NCMC), United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) and virtually
all the major sportfishing magazines.
Currently AFTCO is contributing significant amounts of money
each year to the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern
University Oceanographic Center, with much of that funding being used
for satellite or archival tagging programs, plus a larval recovery project
designed to discover where billfish spawn in the Atlantic. Determiningthat could help fishery experts make better management decisions, suchas directing authorities to close spawning areas to non-selective commercial fishing gear like longlines. Ultimately, this may prove to be themost important tagging project AFTCO has ever been involved in.

Bill Boyce PhotoFighting Belts

Photo byPaul Sweeney

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING BELTCATALOG NUMBER BELT1GLD

80-lb. to Unlimited Tackle

With its advanced design, materials and comfort, the AFTCO Clarion™ is the ultimate fighting belt for big game fishing. The
super-thick, closed-cell EVA foam back pad is engineered to maximize both comfort and leverage, so that when the belt is
positioned relatively low across the thighs, the load is distributed evenly for maximum pull when fighting big fish stand-up style.
Co-molded to the foam back pad is a heavy-duty, yet lightweight gold-anodized, stamped aluminum front plate. Super durable,
it features posts at each side that accept unique Quick Clips, which “snap” the belt straps (or optional drop staps) in place forquickly getting into or out of the belt. Also featured is a super strong, molded glass-filled nylon gimbal pocket that is engineered
to quickly guide rod butts into an optimum fish-fighting position. The gimbal pocket’s stainless steel pin is adjustable forhorizontal or vertical orientation. A perfect match for the AFTCO MAXFORCE
harnesses, the Clarion™ measures 19 inches wide by 13 inches high,and if it falls overboard, it floats!
Double box-stitched, ultra heavy duty, adjustable 2-inch nylon
web straps, and top quality, corrosion proof “quick-release”
nylon buckles. (Note: Available separately are drop straps with
Quick Clips for attaching to the belt, plus durable snap-clips for
attaching to D-rings on the AFTCO MaxForce™ harness.)

AFTCO’s QUICK CLIP
Unique, super tough “Quick Clips”
easily fit over fighting belt posts,
and with a pull (to lock) or push
(to release), quickly “snap” belt
straps into or out of place.

Super thick, closed-cell EVA foam back pad is molded onbackside with vent slots and contours engineered for superior
comfort, and to help keep belt positioned properly acrossthighs for maximum fish-fighting leverage.
Molded from super-strong, glass-filled nylon, the gimbal
pocket is contoured to quickly guide rod butts to an optimum
fish-fighting position.
Stainless steel gimbal pin can be positioned in gimbal pocket
horizontally, vertically (or removed) by loosening backside nuts
(with attached Allen wrench) and removing entire gimbal
pocket to adjust pin orientation from behind pocket cup.
Heavy-duty, yet lightweight stamped aluminum front plate is
deeply anodized in a rich gold finish for extreme durability andcorrosion resistance. The AFTCO logo is permanently laser
etched into the anodized aluminum.

FIGHTING BELT SUPREME
50-lb. to 80-lb. Tackle
CATALOG NUMBER BELT2GLD
Featuring the same advanced features, materials andcomfort as the Clarion™, the smaller Socorro™ is
designed for use with 50-lb. to 80-lb. tackle, and canbe positioned a bit higher across the thighs for
maximum leverage. For stand-up style fishing, this is
the ideal belt for battling big strong gamefish like tuna,marlin, wahoo and big yellowtail. Accommodating“Quick Clip” straps, the Socorro™ also matches up
well with AFTCO MaxForce™ harnesses, measuring
15.5 inches wide by 10 inches tall.
Photo byRichard Gibson

THE PREMIER DAY BELTCATALOG NUMBER BELT3GLD
The Alijos™ fighting belt is designed for use with 20-lb. to 50-lb.
lines and is the perfect “day belt” for stand-up tussels withsailfish, dolphin, kingfish, small tuna, yellowtail and othersmaller to medium-sized gamefish. Stamped from pure marine
grade gold anodized aluminum with a super-comfortableover-molded, closed cell polyurethane pad, the Alijos™
accommodates the same “Quick Clip” nylon straps as thelarger AFTCO fighting belts. The stainless steel gimbal crosspin is removable, but unique is the thermal-formed nylon liner
inside the aluminum gimbal pocket that helps resist scarring.
The Alijos™ is lightweight and easy to wear, yet offers the same
heavy-duty features of the larger AFTCO fighting belts.

Photo byPaul Sweeney

20-lb. to 50-lb. Tackle

Double box-stitched, ultra
heavy duty, adjustable2-inch nylon web straps,
and top quality,
corrosion proof“quick-release”
nylon buckles.

Lightweight stamped
aluminum front plate, deeply
anodized in a rich gold finish
for extreme durability andcorrosion resistance. AFTCO logo
is permanently laser etched into
the aluminum.

Aftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resourcesSuper thick,closed-cell EVA
foam back padfor superior
comfort.

Stainless steel crosspin is removable fromaluminum gimbal pocket,
which is lined withthermal-formed nylon
to resist scarring.

19

Bill Boyce Photo

Stand-Up Fish Fighting System

The Ultimate
STAND-UP Fish FIGHTING System
For big game anglers who practice stand-up fish fighting techniques, AFTCO has relied on innovative design, precision engineering,
the finest in materials, and exhaustive testing to create the Ultimate Stand-Up Fish Fighting System. Matching our AFTCO fighting
belts with our AFTCO MaxForce harnesses provides the maximum in comfort and leverage for battling big gamefish stand-up style.

Stand-Up Tip AFTCO’s belt and harness fish-fighting system should always be pre-adjusted to fit the angler before the battle
begins. The harness should be worn at the belt line, with the lower strap firmly under the angler’s seat. The fighting belt should besuspended from the harness using drop straps, with the belt pad positioned comfortably across the thighs. Finally, the harness lug
straps should be adjusted so the reel is very close to the belly for maximum leverage in fighting big fish.

THE ULTIMATE STAND-UP HARNESSCATALOG NUMBER HARNESS1BLUE
For fighting big gamefish stand-up style, the AFTCO MaxForce is theultimate in harness design. The combination of lumbar and sit-in pads
distributes the load below the hips, allowing the lower body to exert
maximum pulling leverage with superb comfort under heavy drag loads.
Featured is super-comfort molded, closed-cell EVA foam padding, with atough, waterproof lycra® polyester cover. The liner is made from synthetic
terry cloth, which not only wicks moisture, but has enough “tooth” to keep
the harness from slipping around and chafing. Attached to the inside liner
is a name and ID tag. Included is a mesh bag with grommets for rinsing
the harness with fresh water and for easy storage. Otherwise, the AFTCO
Maxforce Harness is completely synthetic and machine washable.

The Perfect Match For 30-lb.
To 130-lb. Tackle

ADJUSTABLE One Size Fits All!

Molded, double-riveted and box-stitchedsafety/grab handle with AFTCO logo.

Double box-stitched, ultra heavy duty nylon
web straps, and top quality, corrosion proof“quick-release” nylon buckles.

Comfort molded, closed-cell EVA foam
padding, with a tough, waterproof lycra®
polyester cover.

Stainless D-rings for drop straps
are double-sewn and cross-stitched
into harness.

Included are both stainless steel“quick-release” hooks. plus optional
spring-loaded, stainless carabiner
clips for securing harness to reel lugs.

Self-adjusting reel attachment straps prevent
harness from riding up, and provide the bestpulling angle for maximum leverage.

Richard Gibson Photo

BELT & HARNESSDROP STRAPS KITCATALOG NUMBER STRAP1B

Designed For AFTCO Stand-Up Gear, But
Can Be Adapted To Any Belt Or Harness
Used in place of belt straps, optional AFTCO Drop Straps with
“Quick Clips” attach to posts at each side of AFTCO Fighting
Belts. Swivel snap-clips at the opposite end of each strap
then attach to D-rings on any stand-up harness to complete
the fish-fighting system. Also included are optional swivel
snap-clips to substitute for the “Quick-Clips” so the straps
will fit any belt. Drop Straps are adjustable to customize theposition of fighting belts on the thigh for maximum leverage.

20

www.AFTCO.com

Kit includes two
optional swivel
snap-clips so drop
straps will adapt
to any belt.

Bill Boyce PhotoSpecialty Harnesses

SPIN STRAPS
Use With A Shoulder Harness To Help
Maximize Leverage When Fighting
Bigger Fish With Spinning Tackle

THE ULTIMATE SHOULDER HARNESSCATALOG NUMBER HARNESS2BLUE

CATALOG NUMBER SPINSTRAP1B

The AFTCO Shoulder Harness is the perfect choice for stand-up battles when using
lighter tackle applications up to and including 50-lb. test line. The lycra® polyester
covered bio-foam shoulder and back-band padding (with synthetic terry cloth liners)
connected with ventilated mesh distribute the load comfortably across the back of theangler, and allow the shoulders and upper body to carry the load during extended lightto medium-tackle fights with stubborn gamefish. The four stainless steel ladder-locks
are easily adjustable for the perfect fit, even when under load, and the stainess steel
carabiner clips provide a secure attachment to reel harness lugs. All of the nylon
webbing straps are cross and box-stitched at the critical locations for extreme
durability. Included is a mesh bag with grommets for rinsing the harness withfresh water and for easy storage. Otherwise, the AFTCO Shoulder Harness
is completely synthetic and machine washable.

Wrap the strap aroundthe rod foregrip, slip
one end through theslot, then attach D-rings
to harness clips.

The AFTCO Spin-Strap,whenused in conjunction with ashoulder harness, allows
for increased leverage whenfighting bigger gamefish withspinning tackle. The strap
first wraps around the rod
fore-grip, and the D-rings (oneslips through strap’s slot) connect
to each of the harness clips. Works perfectlywith our MaxForce II Shoulder Harness.

Perfect For Up To
And Including
50-lb. Tackle

Heavy duty nylon web straps
are cross and box-stitched
for extreme durability.

Stainless steel ladder-locks(positioned strategically)
adjust easily, even when
under a load, for theperfect fish-fighting
position.

Full mesh back and bio-foam backband distribute the load comfortably
to allow the shoulders and upper
body to carry the load duringextended battles.

Our AFTCO Spin
Strap (at right)
works great with our
AFTCO MaxForce II
Shoulder Harness
when fighting bigger
gamefish withspinning tackle.

Spring-loaded, stainless steel
carabiner clips assure a secureattachment to reel harness lugs.

BUCKET HARNESSThe Ultimate Harness For Battling Big Gamefish From A Fighting Chair
CATALOG NUMBER HARNESS3GBR
The shell of the bucket is constructedof vacuum-bagged epoxy fiberglassand carbon fiber, while the interior
padding is extra-firm,closed-cell foamwith a heavy-duty
Spandura covering.

Contoured for maximum
fish-fighting comfort
and support.

The adjusting straps arecustom jacquard-woven
nylon web with knitted-in
numbers designed to assist
in individual sizing for
multiple anglers. Ladderlocks help adjust straps
to fit almost any adult size.

Capt. Peter B. Wrighthelped design the GBR Harness
while testing it on huge black marlin
off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Ideal For 80-lb. To Unlimited Tackle
The AFTCO GBR Harness is the ultimate tool for applying maximum drag pressure when fighting giant gamefish from fighting chairs.
Designed in conjunction with IGFA Hall of Fame Captain Peter B. Wright and tested on monster black marlin off Australia’s Great Barrier
Reef, the GBR is designed for use with the “stiff-legged” technique in fighting chairs with seats of 20 inches or more in width. The
shell of the bucket is constructed of vacuum-bagged epoxy fiberglass and carbon fiber, and the interior padding is extra-firm, closed-cellfoam with a heavy-duty Spandura covering. The trim, beading and zippers are all made from the finest materials, and all stitching isdone individually with heavy duty nylon thread. Two-inch adjusting straps are custom jacquard-woven nylon web with knitted-in
numbers to assist in individual sizing for multiple anglers. The strap ladder-locks, spring-swivel lug attachment snaps, and glass
window bezel are all polished 316-marine grade stainless steel — the finest available. All GBR components are washable synthetics
designed to be extremely durable for years of rugged use. Measures 10" high, 21" wide and weighs 4.9 pounds.

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

Vinyl lettering or decals can be applied to theouter surface of the rear glass window, or theinterior shell of the harness can be removed toaccess the inside of the glass, where you canpaint or apply custom lettering or logos.
Photo by Bill Boyce

21

Bill Boyce Photo

Fishing Gloves
The World’s Finest
Designed by fishermen to endure the rigors
of saltwater angling, high-performance
AFTCO BLUEFEVER Gloves feature the mostadvanced, high quality materials, not only
for extra toughness when leadering,
gaffing, and handling fish, but also foran enhanced “feel” and dexterity whentying knots and rigging baits.

RELEASE GLOVE
The ideal glove for leadering monofilament, grabbing
the bill of a marlin, or just getting a grip on anythingslippery. Extra tacky Diamond-Grip polyurethane isdirect injected onto nylon mesh palms for improved grip
in wet conditions. Super tough Armortex® along outer
hand and reinforced index finger maximizes protection
when wrapping leader on a big fish. Vented foambacked mesh keeps hands cool and protected, while
Spandura® forchettes improve dexterity. Perforated
neoprene cuff with Velcro® closure assures a secure fit.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVERMBLUEGLOVERLBLUEGLOVERXLBLUEGLOVERXXLBLUEUTILITY GLOVE
A great all-purpose fishing glove, with excellent tactility
and dexterity, the Tacky-Grip palm and fingers add
durability, and vent holes help to drain water. Vented
foam-backed mesh keeps hands cool and protected,
as does the Spandura® forchettes between fingers.
The Spandura® stretch cuff with Velcro® closure
assures a secure fit. Practical for everything fromleadering and gaffing to tying knots and filleting,this glove is a must for every blue water angler.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

Small
MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVEUSBLUEGLOVEUMBLUEGLOVEULBLUEGLOVEUXLBLUEGLOVEUXXLBLUE

COLD PRO GLOVE
Ideal for cold days on the fishing grounds, this “glovewithin-a-glove” design features an inside liner of waterproof, breathable Hipora® with taped seams and a warm,
comfortable fleece lining. The outer glove has a durable
Tacky-Grip palm of rubberized polyester for a secure gripon sippery surfaces, even when wet. The Spandura®
back and forchettes, along with the knuckle pads, insulate and protect hands without restricting movement.
A full knit cuff seals out the chill of wind and moisture.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVECPMBLUEGLOVECPLBLUEGLOVECPXLBLUEGLOVECPXXLBLUE

22

Thumb, index and middle fingers
are double-reinforced and haveadded numbs for a non-slip grip.
Super tough Armortex® on index
finger and outer glove maximizes
protection when leadering big fish.
Tacky Diamond-Grip, direct injected
onto nylon mesh palm, improves
grip in wet conditions.
Vented foam-backed meshkeeps hands cool and protected.
Neoprene cuff with Velcro®
closure assures a secure fit.

Tacky-Grip reinforced index and middle
fingers have diecut vent holes tohelp drain water.
Vented foam-backed meshdries quickly and keeps hands
cool and protected.
Vented Tacky-Grip palms add
durability and keep hands cool.
Synthetic Terry Cloth sweat-wiper.
Spandura® cuff with Velcro®
closure assures a secure fit.

Tacky-Grip palm, fingers and thumb help
grip slippery gaffs, metal railings and otherboat hardware, even when wet.
Spandura® fingers and back, plus neopreneknuckle pads, help protect and insulate
hands without restricting movement.
Terry Cloth thumb comfort panel.
Full knit cuff helps seal out the chilling effectsof wind and water, while the nylon pull strap isfor easy on or off with cold or wet hands.
Inside liner is made of waterproof,
breathable Hipora® with taped seams anda comfortable fleece lining for extra warmth.

www.AFTCO.com

Photo byCapt. Steve Lamp

SHORT PUMP GLOVE

Half fingers allow for dexterity
to rig baits and tie knots.

A versatile glove with half-fingers that protects hands,
yet allows for a sensitive “feel” when rigging baits andtying knots. Tacky-Grip palms add durability, and finger
vent holes help drain water. Spandura® backing keeps
hands cool and protected, as does the vented, foambacked mesh cuff, secured with a Velcro® closure.
Whether grinding on a billfish in the fighting chair orpulling on a big tuna in stand-up gear, these gloves
reduce fatigue and punishment during a long battle.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

X-Small
Small
MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVESPXSBLUEGLOVESPSBLUEGLOVESPMBLUEGLOVESPLBLUEGLOVESPXLBLUEGLOVESPXXLBLUE

Spandura® back keeps
hands cool and protected.
Tacky Diamond-Grip palms add
durability and vented, foam-backed meshkeeps hands cool.
Synthetic Terry Cloth sweat-wiper.
Vented, foam-backed meshcuff with Velcro® closure keeps
hands cool and secure.

Gloves Tip
With gloves designed for leadering, choose one size
smaller, as the tighter fit offers better dexterity andmore controlled, cleaner handling of finer lines.
Photo byPaul Sweeney

SHORT PUMP LR GLOVELightweight with short fingers, it’s designed with thelong-range and braided-line fisherman in mind. Index
and middle fingers, plus thumb are longer for added
protection, and super tough Armortex® reinforces the
glove from fore finger to thumb for the safe handling ofsuper lines. Tacky-Grip palms with vent holes add durability and help drain water, while vented foam-backed
mesh keeps hands cool and protected. Perforated
neoprene cuff with Velcro® closure assures a securefit. Ideal for long stand-up battles with big fish.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

Small
MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVESPLRSBLUEGLOVESPLRMBLUEGLOVESPLRLBLUEGLOVESPLRXLBLUEGLOVESPLRXXLBLUE

Richard Gibson Photo

Fishing Gloves

AFTCO Bluefever Short
Pump Gloves, with thumband fingers exposed, offer
protection, plus the advantage of greater dexterity toperform any number oftasks, including tying knots
and leaders, rigging baits(at right) or simply monitoring your line when thebites are subtle (at left).

Photo byPaul Sweeney

Thumb and longer index finger are
reinforced with super tough Armortex® toprotect against high-tech super lines.
Vented foam-backed meshdries quickly and keeps hands
cool and protected.
Vented Tacky-Grip palms add
durability and keep hands cool.
Synthetic Terry Cloth sweat-wiper.
Neoprene cuff with Velcro®
closure assures a secure fit.

All Gloves Are
MAchine WAshAble!
Tacky-Grip palm, thumb andfinger tips add durability,
plus improve dexterity and grip.

WIREMAX GLOVE
Designed using the expertise of Capt. Peter B. Wright,
world famous big game skipper and author, this is theultimate glove for leadering big fish. Closed cell EVA
foam covered with super tough Armortex® wraps handand lines palm, fingers and thumb to maximize
protection when handling mono, wire or cable leaders.
Durable Tacky-Grip palm and Spandura® forchettes
improves dexterity, while foam-backed mesh keeps
fingers cool and protected. Wrap-around neoprene
strap with Velcro® closure over woven cuff assuresa secure fit and repels leader snags.
SIZE

CATALOG NUMBER

MediumLarge
X-Large
XX-Large

GLOVEWMMBLUEGLOVEWMLBLUEGLOVEWMXLBLUEGLOVEWMXXLBLUE

Vented foam-backed meshdries quickly and keeps
fingers cool and protected.
Closed-cell EVA foam covered
with super tough Armortex® protects
hands when wrapping leaders.
Synthetic Terry Cloth sweat-wiper.
Wrap-around neoprene strap
with Velcro® closure overwoven cuff assures support.

Aftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resources

23

Richard Gibson Photo

Release Clips

ROLLER-TROLLER® OUTRIGGER AND FLAT LINE CLIPS
Ro
d

Bait

The line saws back andforth around a thin bail,under pressure and at asevere angle, to endure
punishing friction
and fraying.

AFTCO’s improved Roller-Troller® Outrigger and Flat Line Clips
protect lines with legendary “roller guide action.” Featured is astainless steel roller that never roughens or grooves, with an AFLON™
*Teflon® coated bearing for silky-smooth performance. The “improved”
micro-tension adjustment turns easily, and once the tension is set, aprecision-engineered latching system will release your line repeatedly
at exactly the same pull. Most importantly, trolling lines roll smoothly
over a polished stainless steel roller that turns right WITH the line —virtually eliminating the friction and fraying associated with the backand-forth “sawing” motion of lines running across thin wire bails of
ordinary outrigger clips as lures skip and jerk through thewater. With Roller-Troller® Clips, your line holds its rated
strength, ready for those crucial moments of greatest
stress when big bluewater game fish strike.

The roller turns smoothly
along with the line toeliminate friction andwear. The bigger radiusof the roller also relievesline strain.

RodRoller-Troller®

Bait

Bail

Ordinary Clip

OUTRIGGER CLIPS

The Ultimate LURE Clips!
THE ROLLER-TROLLER® SWINGS OPEN CLEANLY WHEN A FISH STRIKES.
THE LINE WILL NOT FOUL ON EITHER THE CLIP OR OUTRIGGER.

Stainless Steel Roller,
with AFLON™ bearing,
never roughens or“grooves.”

Improved
Micro-Tension
Adjustment
turns easily, even withslippery fingers, for precise,graduated tension settings. Once set to the desired tension, thelatching system will repeatedly release at exactly the same pull.
The improved “adjuster” can’t disassemble.

*Reg. Trademark of DUPONTFor Easy Adjustment
Of Trolling Lures!

FLAT LINE CLIP

CATALOG # OCLIPR1B

CATALOG # FCLIP1B

The AFTCO Roller-Troller Outrigger Clip helps
you position a trolling lure from an outrigger by simply reeling in or lettingout line right through the clip, where
the line rides safely on a roller that featuressilky-smooth action. The clip’s “improved”
micro-tension adjustment is positive yetsensitive over a wide range of settings,
and once the tension is set, our precision-engineeredlatching system releases your line repeatedly at exactly the same pull
to assure fewer missed strikes and less broken line and gear.

AFTCO Flat Line Clips put lines
trolled from the stern of theboat into the water at a lower
angle to minimize tangling andkeep your lures below the surface
for better action. And when a fish
strikes, you’ll know at the instantthe clip snaps open to release theline. The Flat Line Clip is fitted witha 135-lb. coated stainless steel
cable and a heavy duty snap swivel.

Fewer Tangles! Better Lure Action!

Clip them to your reelsafety ring or aroundboat cleats, steps, etc.

Clip Tip™

GOLDFINGER MULTI-PURPOSE RELEASE CLIPS

The Ultimate BAIT Clips!

The highly versatile AFTCO “Goldfinger” Release Clip is loaded with practical features and designed for multiple applications:• Super-lightweight design for kites, downriggers, and outriggers. • Perfect for lighter live baits like ballyhoo, goggle eye and pilchard.
• Numbered and graduated adjustment slider allows for a precise setting of release-tension every time. • Engineered not to foul or tangle.
• Large diameter stainless wire bail for less line wear and smoother releases. • Extremely corrosion-resistant composite and stainless construction.

Unique And
PreciseTensionAdjustment
SliderOversized, Polished, Gold
Titanium-Nitride Coated Bail

KITE HOOKS(12-piece pkg.)

12 Tension
Settings

Goldfinger DOWNRIGGER RELEASE CLIP

Goldfinger OUTRIGGER RELEASE CLIP
Goldfinger Outrigger release clips should
be attached directly to the outrigger
halyard without the use of swivels. The
adjustment-slider end of the clip needs
to be “up” towards the tip of the outrigger.
For fixed position bait trolling, the fishingline should be twisted 5 to 10 times
before hooking loop over the clip’s bail.
The line may also be passed over thebail without twists to allow foradjustment of baits or lures.

Goldfinger Downrigger release clips have the same features as the Outrigger
Clips (except the stainless bail is not gold titanium-nitride coated), and should
be attached directly to the cable above the downrigger ball. This is best
accomplished by threading one side of the clip onto the cable, thenplacing a crimp on the cable before passing
it through the remaining half of the clip.
Once the cable has been terminated withthe cannonball’s snap, the clip can bepositioned approximately one foot above theball. The crimp should then be “swaged”
into place. Note that the clip must be
positioned with the adjustment-slider“down” or towards the bail. The fishingline should be twisted 5 to 10 times
before placing it over the release bail.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #GOLDFINGER Outrigger Release Clip

OCLIPG1B

GOLDFINGER Downrigger Release Clip

DCLIP1B24

For maximum performance and“slickness” when contacting
trolling lines, AFTCO clips should all
be lubricated regularly with silicone
spray. Clips should also be routinely
inspected for missing or damaged
parts and loose hardware causedby boat vibration.

www.AFTCO.com

Goldfinger KITE RELEASE CLIP
The Goldfinger Kite release clip is essentially the same clip as the Downrigger
Clip, but has a gold titanium-nitride coated bail. Packaged with 5 Kite Hooks,
the Kite Clip is designed for single or multiple clip use on kite fly-lines. For
single use, this clip can simply be threadedon the fly-line. For multiple use, the clips
slider-holes may be drilled out to allow
swivels up to a #5 size to pass through(see Kite instructions). The enclosed nonabrasive kite hooks should be hooked on
the fishing line, and the clip’s bail shouldbe passed through the hole opposite thehook. This allows the fishing line to bepositioned properly in the Kite Clip oncethe bait is deployed.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #GOLDFINGER Kite Release Clip (5 K-Hooks Included)
SPARE KITE HOOKS — 12 pieces

KCLIP1B
KHOOKS1B

Bill Boyce Photo

Fishing Kites

AFTCO’S ALL-WEATHER KITE THAT NEVER QUITS FISHING
Fast becoming the choice of serious kite fishermen everywhere, the AFTCO state-of-the-art Fishing Kites top all others in
performance and durability. Constructed from waterproof rip-stop nylon sail cloth, low maintenance AFTCO kites won’t
mildew and will fly — EVEN WHEN WET! Also unique are AFTCO’s interchangeable spars — light weight and flexible, yetvirtually unbreakable — available in two distinct sets that enable AFTCO kites to handle a complete wind range from fouron up to 16 miles per hour. And even without wind, the AFTCO kite can be slow trolled — or drift fished by attaching ahelium-filled balloon to the kite’s special loops. Also featured is an easily adjustable bridle with no metal connectors
to rust or break, plus a black with white logo design that is easily visible against any sky. Though most commonlyused to fish live baits for sailfish, dolphinfish and tuna, fishing kites are also extremely effective for baiting
marlin, king mackerel, tarpon, sharks and even freshwater bass. In fact, there are very few predator fishthat can resist a live bait struggling (or a dead bait skipping) on the water’s surface — and the AFTCO Kite,
when used properly, is the best tool for making a tantalizing surface presentation. Weight them to fly
left or right and AFTCO kites can be flown and fished in tandem.

Cockpit Tip

ADJUSTSAFTCO kites should be flown from short, purpose-built kite rods mounted withsize 4/0 or 6/0 electric reels. Choose kite reel models that are low-speedwith metal spools to withstand the extreme loads generated by retrieving anddeploying kites in heavier winds.

TO VARIABLE WIND
CONDITIONSEASY TO ASSEMBLE

Photo by Richard Gibson

Upon removal of the kite from its storage tube, unroll it and insert the spars
into the Dacron pockets sewn to each corner of the kite. Be sure that eachspar first passes through the center Dacron loop (with clip attached) before
inserting one end of the spar into one of the pockets on the back of the kite.
This same corner pocket can then be pushed down on the deck and the spar
can be flexed and inserted into the pocket at the opposite corner of the kite.
The spars should fit across the kite snugly, but should not be bowed or bent
in the middle once they are assembled. With both spars in place, the kite’s
bridle can be adjusted, after which the bridle’s swivel should be attached toa clip on the kite fly-line, and the kite is in position to be flown.

PERFORMANCEADJUSTMENTS

KITE CLIP KITCATALOG # KCLIPK1B
Included in AFTCO’s Kite Clip Kit iseverything needed (except the Dacronor monofilament line) to set up a kite
fly-line for fishing one or two baits.

Bridle slider moved out1 ward
will allow kite to fly
at higher angle off water. Kite
dumps more wind for highwind conditions.
Bridle slider moved
2 inward
allows kite to fly
lower to water and with morestability. Kite sail catches
more wind for low
wind conditions.
Split shot added to
3 lowercorner of kiteencourages kite to fly off
to left or right (for multiple
kite use).

Each 11-piece set includes:• Two Goldfinger Release Clips• Five Kite Hooks• Three black barrel swivels• One heavy-duty snap

INTERCHANGEABLE SPARS
Each AFTCO Kite comes equipped with“medium” spars, but by purchasing
interchangeable “light” spars (soldseparately), the serious kite angler canadapt to variable wind conditions.
Light Spars — Graphite (black withwhite tips) for 4 to 9 mph winds.
Medium Spars — 3/16" dia. solid
fiberglass (white with gray tips) for
9 to 16 mph winds.

DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #DESCRIPTIONCATALOG #*Rigged Fishing Kite**Rigged Fishing Kite

KITE1BKITEKIT1B

Pair of Light Spars
Pair of Medium Spars

SPARSPRLWSPARSPRMW

20 of Light Spars
20 of Medium Spars

SPARSL20B
SPARSM20W*Includes medium spars only **Includes light and medium spar sizes

KITE FISHING ON THE TROLLKITE FISHING ADRIFT

Trolling live or dead baits while using a kite can be extremely effective in attracting
strikes from sailfish, tuna, dolphinfish and any other bluewater game fish prone
to crashing a bait at the surface. When kite fishing while trolling, it is crucial tomotor into the wind to keep the kite from stalling. For maximum surface
coverage, many anglers position two kites out of the outriggers
and then arrange a full spread of flat lines, as well.

Drifting is the most popular approach to kite fishing, punctuatedby exciting surface strikes from aggressive game fish. Again,using two kites (weighted to fly to the left and right), withmultiple baits off each kite line, helps to achieve maximum
surface coverage. (In fact, flat lines used on the upwindside of the boat provide even more coverage.)
Using a sea anchor(s) to slow the boat’s
drift can help the kite fly better.

Please order all parts by their Aftco catalog number.

25

Richard Gibson Photo

Accessories
SUPER STRONG FISH BAT
Can’t Rust Or Break, Won’t Roll
On The Deck, And Will Not Sink!
CATALOG # FBAT2B
Pro Series

DOWNRIGGER RELEASE ASSEMBLY

AFTCO’s Fish Bat is made of molded, glass-filled
polypropylene, super strong and corrosion proof, with a special
triangular shape that will not roll on the deck of a rocking boat. Features
include an aggressive, molded-in textured grip for non-slip performance, a braided rope
safety lanyard, and a special handle hook, handy for hanging the bat from a railing or
ladder. With a 19-inch length and weighing 1.3 pounds, this bat hits very hard
— and if it falls overboard, IT FLOATS!

CATALOG # DCLIPW1B
Ideal when trolling live baits or lures for everything fromking mackerel to billfish, this rig is designed to besnapped directly on to your existing downrigger cable’s
snap swivel. The downrigger ball or planer can then besnapped on to the terminal end of the rig. When baits orlures are being deployed, the ball or planer stays in thewater while the clip sits above the surface, where it canbe easily loaded. This keeps the ball or planer fromswinging around and damaging the boat’s hull. Oncethe bait or lure is let out, the fishing line should be
twisted 8 to 10 times before it is loaded into theGoldfinger Release Clip —which provides an instantTwist line
and precise drop back
8 to 10times
every time.

GOLD SERIESBAIT NETSGold Anodized For Yearsof Heavy Use(Up End)
Stainless
Steel Thimble(Attach to
downrigger cable)

27-inch lengthof 200-lb. test
black mono

Thimbled,heavy-duty
locking snap swivel(Attach to ball or planer)

Low-Visibility MONOFILAMENTDOWNRIGGER RELEASE & ASSEMBLY

Both 8 And 10-inch Hoop Widths!

CATALOG # DCLIPW2B
AFTCO’S “Gold Series” Bait Nets, with their woven polyester netting — a commercialgrade, knotless, bait-friendly mesh, designed to last for many seasons of heavy use —are the perfect choice for scooping delicate baits like anchovies, menhaden and sardines.
The D-shaped stainless steel net hoops, available in 8 and 10-inch widths, allow for easy
capture of the liveliest baits because they’ll reach into the corners of the bait well. The
net attaches to the net hoops with a special PVC coil that not only eliminates abrasion to
the netting, but minimizes damage to baits during the scooping process, as well asprotects the inside of the tank from being scratched or chipped by the stainless hoop.
AFTCO Bait Nets feature Gold anodized aluminum handles with black vinyl grips, andare available in lengths of 12, 18 and 24 inches.

The use of monofilament line improves the strikeratio when downrigging for all gamefish, first byeliminating the vibration otherwise created by wire
cables, and second by decreasing gear visibility.
This rig is designed to be crimped directly to yourexisting downrigger cable with the special
mini-double crimp provided in the package.
Once the 100 feet of special 100-lb. low visibility
monofilament line is wound on the downrigger’s
spool, the Goldfinger Release Clip will bepositioned out of the water where it can beeasily loaded, while the downrigger ball orplaner remains safely below the surface
where it can’t swing and damage the boat’s hull.

Downrigger

Crimp to cable100 feet of
low-visibility 100-lb. mono

GOLDFINGER
Release Clip

Cannonball

DESCRIPTIONHANDLE LENGTH

HOOP WIDTHCATALOG NUMBER#128 Bait Net#1210 Bait Net#188 Bait Net#1810 Bait Net#248 Bait Net#2410 Bait Net

12"
12"
18"
18"
24"
24"

8"
10"
8"
10"
8"
10"

NET128GLD
NET1210GLD
NET188GLD
NET1810GLD
NET248GLD
NET2410GLD

PLIERS CASE & LANYARD
Made from all-weather premium quality leather, cases featurea corrosion-resistant, nickel plated clip — belt-thru or clip-on— durable polyester stitching, and a lanyard grommet-hole.
Sold separately, the flexible coil lanyard, made from durable
vinyl, features heavy duty swivel snaps at both ends.
DESCRIPTIONCATALOG NUMBER

Pliers Case
Pliers Lanyard

PLIERSCOSBRWNPLIERSLOSB

26

Pliers LANYARD

www.AFTCO.com

Pliers CASE

Bill Boyce Photo

Accessories
AFTCO “ANGLER’S” BAG CATALOG # AB2001ROY (Royal)

AFTCO Bluewater
Dealer Item!

The AFTCO Angler’s Bag, designed to carry all tackle and clothing accessories needed for any offshore multi-day fishing trip, isconstructed from 100% waterproof, 600-denier Cordura with a molded-in, Spandura-covered EVA base that will completely protect
the bag’s contents in over 2 inches of standing water. Measuring 23" long, 12" wide and 14" high for an easy fit in a boat’s cabinor on deck, the bag is extremely durable, padded on all sides with closed-cell foam, and is loaded with “specialty” pockets. At one
end of the main clothing compartment (with zippered-pocket inside the flap) is a large pocket that holds a removable insulated
cold-storage bag. At the other end are two large accessory pockets. The large bottom pocket on one side contains three clear
plastic tackle storage boxes (supplied), while the pocket on the other side holds a Cordura-mesh lure roll-up (supplied) with clear
vinyl closures designed for six or more large trolling lures. All zippers are waterproof and have over-sized pulls for ease ofhandling. Attached are side grab handles, a comfortable carry handle with neoprene closure, plus a removable shoulder strap.
Special “zippered” waterproof
pocket inside flap holds log book,
documents, or other valuables.
Special “insulated”cold-storagebag (15"x 12"x 3"), handy for
drinks, lunch or a bag of
iced fillets, fits inside
end pocket.

Covered pocket holds businesscard or I.D. tag.
Interior compartment(13"x 13"x 10") can holdenough clothing forseveral days, or added
fishing gear for
shorter trips.

Large end pocket canhold valuable accessories
like binoculars andcamera gear.

Handy side pocket can holdshaving and first-aid kits.

Bottom side pocket holds
three slide-out, clear
plastic tackle storageboxes (each 9"x 14"x 2"),
which are suppliedwith the bag.

CATALOG # ADKB
Pairs of insert pins (two sizes on
opposing sides of tool) aredesigned to open or secure fueland water tank fills

The “On Board” Tool
That No Boater Will
Want To Be Without!

Wrench will remove or tighten
garboard and drain plugs, orany 1/2-inch fitting.

CATALOG #AB1001ROY(Royal)Flat blade will unscrewor tighten any large
slotted fitting.

Molded hole allows
for attachment to a
key chain or lanyard.
V-slot helps to shakelive baits free from“sabiki” bait rigs.

The new AFTCO Deck Key will quickly become your “bestfriend” on board the boat. This tough, glass-filled 2.25"
by 4.25" black nylon tool is designed to open your fueland water deck fills (two sizes), remove garboard anddrain plugs, unscrew any large slotted fitting — such asa freshwater fill or waste water drain — and it even has
a convenient V-slot for shaking live baits free from“sabiki” bait rigs. The molded hole in one end makesfor easy attachment to a key chain, key-chain “float”
or lanyard so you can easily find your Deck Key
when you really need it!

Quick-dry, Cordura-meshlure roll-up (23"x 14")can easily hold six ormore trolling lures, plugs
or spoons. Clear vinyl sleeves
have Velcro closures on three sides
for easy access.

Items shown in bag androll-up are for display only.

Molded-in EVA waterproof base

AFTCO
DECK KEY

Lure roll-up fits
in handy side pocket.

Protects Valuables While
On The Water

AFTCO “CAPTAIN’S” BAG

AFTCO Bluewater
Dealer Item!

The AFTCO Captain’s Bag, designed to hold and protect all of your valuables
while on the water, is a fully padded, lined and “constructed” bag with a moldedwaterproof bottom. Eleven “specialty” padded and waterproof compartments
are arranged to hold large gyro-stabilized binoculars, hand-held GPS, VHF
radios, cell or sat phones, PDAs, personal epirbs, car keys and wallets, log
books, sunglasses, first aid kits, flashlights and other boat essentials.
Measuring 18" long, 10" wide and 12" high, the Captain’s Bag is sewnwith a super-durable 300-denier, barrier lined poly exterior fabric, and eachwaterproof, padded compartment has self-sealing zippers and non-corrosive
nylon zipper heads. Attached is a removable shoulder
strap, plus a comfortable carry handle withneoprene closure.
Interior compartments
hold hand held GPS,sat phone, cell phone,epirb or other personal
electronic devices.

Special “zippered”
waterproof compartment
inside fold-out lid holds
log book or other critical
papers or manuals.

Attached is aremovable shoulder
strap, plus aneoprene-padded
carry handle.

Fully padded end
compartments are designed
for expensive, high-powered
gyro-stabilized or standard
large binoculars used to pan
offshore waters. Double,
soft-lined “glasses pockets”
in one end hold sunglasses
or reading glasses.

Special, easily-accessedside compartments withwaterproof zippers holdwallets, car keys, money
clips, passports andother essentials.

Nylon-covered bottom is fully
molded and completely waterproof.
Items shown in bag are for display only.

Aftco contributes 10% of all profits to protect our marine resources

27

MILT and PEGGIE SHEDD
A Legacy of Business, Conservation, Family

Milt Shedd serves lunch
to Shamu at Sea World.

Milt and Peggie Shedd’s marriage and partnership flourished for 58 years until Milt passed
in 2002. During their time together, they made a positive impact on both the businessworld and marine world. AFTCO’S unique involvement with marine resource efforts was
initiated by Milt and his life-long interest in, concern for, and love of the sea and fishing.
Milt was best known as the co-founder and Board Chairman of SeaWorld, Inc. and forfounding, along with wife Peggie, the Hubbs-SeaWorld
Research Institute (HSWRI). Milt served as Board Chairmanof HSWRI and of AFTCO for more than 30 years. His true
love, other than Peggie, was fishing. He spent over 3,500 days
at sea. Known for his inquisitive mind, natural instincts andextraordinary tenacity, Milt was in an angling class by himself.
He had legendary eyes, and when the water was slick calm,
could spot a finning swordfish an unheard of three miles awaywith conventional binoculars. In the early 1950’s, Milt helped
pioneer billfishing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He was the firstto cast live bait to marlin, and one of only a handful of southern California anglers to catch both a marlin and swordfish
on the same day.
Peggie has served as AFTCO’S Vice President or Corporate Secretary from1973 until today. She was a key factor not only in helping AFTCO become oneof the most recognized and highly regarded tackle manufacturer in the world, butalso in supporting Milt, and others, with various resource efforts. Hands on, she
served on the HSWRI board for 13 years and handled the accounting and kept
Peggie and Milt Shedd with an
the books for the organization’s first seven years.
early catch of big white seabass.
Milt and Peggie’s legacy continues to live on, both in the Shedd family andthrough AFTCO family members. Together they
understood that the most valuable assets at AFTCO
were the “AFTCO Family” members who truly
made the company what it was and is today.
Numerous employees have worked with AFTCO
for more than 20 years, and now many of theirchildren have also joined the company.
AFTCO President Bill Shedd understands andbelieves in the philosophy established by his parents.
Besides managing the day-to-day operations of thebusiness, he contributes well over 500 hours a year
providing leadership for ocean conservation efforts.
His wife Jill also works in the business, as do three
Peggie Shedd does the honors of breaking ground at theof their children.
site where AFTCO has operated for the last 40 years.

Milt and Bill Shedd with 200-lb. class tunas takenon one of the first long-range trip to Clipperton Island.

Peggie, Milt and Bill Shedd celebrate
AFTCO’s 30-year anniversary in 1988.

For her contributions to marine conservation, Peggie
Shedd, surrounded by tamily, receives the Bill Ray
Memorial Award at the 2007 United Anglers banquet.

AMERICAN FISHING TACKLE COMPANY®
17351 Murphy Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614
Phone 949.660.8757 FAX 949.660.7067
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED to copyrights andtrademarks, and are the sole property of
the American Fishing Tackle Company®

www.AFTCO.com

Fish art by Guy Harvey
Photography throughout provided by:Bill Boyce / boyceimage.com
Richard Gibson / hiseasphotography.com
Paul Sweeney / fishingvideos.com