The owner of AFTCO is J.C. Axelson, who founded the company in 1958. The company is now in its third generation of family ownership, with Bill Shedd currently serving as the Chairman and CEO.
Who started Aftco?
AFTCO was established in 1958 by big game tackle pioneer J.C. Axelson. He started the company with his three children and oversaw AFTCO’s fishing tackle and clothing production. In 1989, Milt Shedd started the AFTCO TAG FLAG program in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
How old is Aftco?
AFTCO was founded in 1958 by J.C. Axelson, making it currently 63 years old.
What does AFTCO stand for?
AFTCO stands for the American Fishing Tackle Company. It was originally founded in 1958 by J.C. Axelson, and the acronym originally stood for the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company. Over time, the sportsfishing community began to use the acronym over the full Axelson name, and eventually it became assumed that AFTCO stood for the American Fishing Tackle Company.
Who is sponsored by AFTCO?
AFTCO sponsors a variety of organizations and events, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, the Phoenix Bass Fishing League, the IFA Redfish Tours, the Toyota Series, and the AFTCO Fall Big Bass Bash. Additionally, AFTCO provides a 15% discount to all active duty military, veterans, first responders, medical workers, and teachers on all purchases made at aftco.com. The company also sponsors a number of professional anglers, including Matt Arey, Hank Cherry, Jason Christie, Drew Cook, Greg Dipalma, Marc Frazier, Micah Frazier, Ray Hanselman, and Mark Zona.