BY CASEY SHEDD
SANTA ANA – One perk of working at AFTCO is that I’ve had the chance to personally try just about every product we’ve made. With summer around the corner, a few friends have asked, “What AFTCO gear do you actually pack for trips or wear around the house?”
Most of the time, I end up texting them a quick list before they go fishing or start packing, so I figured I’d write it down here. These are a handful of things I keep reaching for, whether I’m loading up for a trip or just heading out for the day.
For Fishing Trips…
All Day Pants
Probably the piece I wear most on the boat and into the office. They’re our best-selling pants for a reason. They have all the elements I want: a comfortable waistband, lightweight stretch, a clean look, and solid sun protection. At 38, I find myself reaching for pants on most fishing trips for the added sun protection.
Original Shorts
Hard to beat. My favorite pair, an old set of 6-inch khaki M01s, has been in my closet since 2009. The elastic isn’t quite what it used to be, and it’s missing a few buttons, but it’s like a perfectly worn-in sandal. That said, I woke up yesterday to this text from AFTCO guide and friend Benny Ortiz, which makes me wonder if it’s time to switch to Pinnacle: “Dude, you know me, and I’m not usually an overreactor—but I just got the Pinnacle Shorts and audibly said ‘woah’ when I put them on for the first time. Truly a ‘holy sh**’ moment. These are the best-feeling and most functional fishing shorts I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable job on these, just fantastic.”
Adapt Sun Shirt
My go-to shirt for most fishing conditions. I’ve worn it plenty of times in the tropics for its cooling technology, but it works just as well from warm weather to a base layer in cold conditions. I like the built-in buff around my neck, though some guys prefer the version without the mask.
This one’s a bit of a sleeper, in my opinion. We make it with Sunline in Japan. Bass anglers know Sunline produces some of the best fluorocarbon out there, and we worked with them to develop a saltwater-specific formula with added abrasion resistance just for AFTCO. Also worth mentioning, the folks at Sunline are great people, absolutely crush at the karaoke bar, and are our distributor for AFTCO apparel in Japan.
Boat Bag
When I’m heading out for a night or two offshore in SoCal, or even a day of bass fishing, I like one bag where I can throw in a couple tackle trays, a change of clothes, rain gear, and a toiletry kit—and go.
Travel Gear / Everyday Wear…
Landlocked Shorts
These are my favorite non-boat shorts for weekends or around town. It’s a 75-degree SoCal day, and I have them on now. Simple, lightweight, good waistband, and they don’t stick when it’s hot. If I’m heading to my boy’s basketball game or taking a beach walk, these are usually what I’m wearing.
Expedition Backpack & Duffle
The best bags we’ve made to date. The storage layout is well thought out, and they hold up extremely well to travel abuse. My favorite feature is the ability to access my laptop through the back. I fly a lot, and being able to easily grab it while crammed into a middle seat is a big plus.
If you’re packing for a trip this summer, hopefully this helps.
See you on the water.
For more information, visit AFTCO.com