Built to Fish: Staff Picks
Written By: Kalin Valster
AFTCO is a technical fishing apparel and tackle company, family owned and operated for three generations. Built by anglers, for anglers, our gear is made for those who spend more time on the water than anywhere else. Here are a few members of the AFTCO crew and the gear they rely on day in and day out.
Dave Elm - Director of Tackle
Dave Elm has spent more time on the water than anyone at AFTCO—60 years and counting. He started at seven, fishing a skiff his dad built, and never really came off the water. With decades offshore, he knows exactly what gear needs to do when conditions turn.
“AFTCO tackle has been a heritage category since the beginning with our roller guides, and they’re still the standard,” said Dave. “They’re the only ones I run on my trolling rods—and always have.”
Gaffs are another staple on Dave’s deck. From the strength and sizing to how they track clean through the water, they’re built to perform when it counts.
On the apparel side, Dave keeps it simple. The Deckhand Shorts are his go-to for long days on the water, with a comfortable waistband and pliers pocket right where he needs it. For cooler mornings and breezy afternoons, he reaches for the Crosswind Puff Vest. It adds just enough warmth without getting in the way—ideal for Southern California, where layering beats heavy outerwear.
Christie Shedd - Allocations Manager
With 20 years on the water, Christie is a do-it-all mom who still makes time to chase new species and push her personal bests. She relies on gear that’s comfortable, easy to clean, and can keep up when conditions change throughout the day. Her favorite catch to date is a 266-pound tuna from a long-range trip aboard the Independence.
The Barricade Bibs are her top pick. They keep her dry without feeling heavy, whether she’s offshore on a tuna trip or chasing salmon on the river. “They’re easy to throw on in the morning, and at the end of the day, a quick rinse has them ready to go again,” said Christie.
She also keeps the Women’s Printed Strike Shorts in rotation. The stretch makes it easy to move and they dry fast once they get wet. Simple, reliable, and built for long days on the water.
Bill Shedd - CEO & Chairman
Bill Shedd has been fishing since he was four years old, when he caught his first rainbow trout in a stream near Mammoth in the High Sierras. As part of the second generation of the Shedd family, he’s spent decades stewarding the AFTCO crew carrying forward a legacy built on innovation, conservation, and time on the water.
For everyday wear, he relies on the Original Fishing Short®. “I like the fit of the M01—it gives you room where you need it, and they just last. You can put them through just about anything and they clean right up which my wife appreciates.”
He also keeps the Samurai Sun Protection Hoodie in rotation. “I’ve worn it for years. It keeps the sun off your ears, neck, and arms—those spots you miss with sunscreen. When it’s hot, it wicks moisture to help keep you cooler throughout the day.”
One of his most memorable moments came in Panama at Tropic Star Lodge, tagging a massive marlin alongside Guy Harvey and Dr. Neil Patrick. After hours on 50-pound test, Bill jumped onto the other boat with a second rod, and together they brought the fish up. “It was one of those rare moments where everything came together. Being part of that alongside guys like Guy and Neil is something I’ll never forget.”
Lauren Biggs - Director of Production
Lauren Biggs is an avid outdoorswoman—when she’s not on the water, she’s on the slopes. As AFTCO’s Director of Production, she knows outerwear inside and out and what separates good from great when conditions turn.
Her go-to is the Women’s Barricade Bib and Jacket. “It’s the perfect weight for Southern California. If it’s hot, I’ll wear the bib with a t-shirt. If I’m lobster hooping or it’s cold, I’ll layer a Reaper underneath. It keeps me dry, and I’ve got all the storage I need—especially the cargo pocket and Cordura pliers pocket.”
That setup proved itself on a trip to Avalon last May. Lauren and a friend ran an 18-foot panga across, fished all day under grey skies, and ended up sleeping on the bow. “The crossing back to Newport was rough, we got smoked by wind and waves, but it was worth it. I was fishing in a tournament and landed a legal sand bass. Didn’t win, but at least I stayed dry.”
She also relies on the Slammer Waterproof Dry Backpack. It was the only bag she brought on that trip—keeping her gear dry without taking up space on a boat that didn’t have much to spare.
Matt Vander Dussen - National Sales Manager
A self-proclaimed tackle junkie, Matt—better known as MVD—is AFTCO’s in-house tackle expert and tackle room manager. He’s been fishing as long as he can remember, and his favorite catch is a 190-pound bluefin tuna from a trip aboard the Vagabond in November 2020. It’s one that sticks with him because his dad landed his own personal-best bluefin on that same boat years earlier.
For most trips, MVD starts with the Samurai Hood. “It’s my base layer almost every time I fish. Comfortable, lightweight, and the hood keeps the sun off your ears and neck all day.”
When temperatures drop, he switches to the Reaper Sweatshirt. “Super warm and comfortable, and it handles spray and light weather no problem. It’s my go-to for early morning runs in the winter and spring.”
He rounds it out with the Deckhand Pants. Built for durability without sacrificing comfort, they hold up to long days on the water, and the pliers pocket is exactly where he needs it.
Mitchell Grandia - Designer
Mitch is the designer behind AFTCO’s custom camo prints and upcoming styles, combining his passion for fishing and design. He’s been fishing for nearly 20 years and spent time as a lead deckhand before joining the team.
His go-to is the Air-O Mesh Button Down. “It’s my everyday shirt from the boat to the office. Breathable, quick-drying, and it doesn’t stick to you on hot days, which makes a big difference when you’re on deck or fishing from shore.”
He pairs it with the Deckhand Shorts. Built to handle abrasion and long days on the water, they offer the stretch and mobility he needs when things get hectic on deck.
For an outer layer, he reaches for the Crossing Jacket. “It’s one of the most versatile pieces we make. It works over a fleece offshore or on its own to cut wind and spray. If you get wet or sweaty, it dries out quick and you’re back at it.”
One of his most memorable fish came on a bluefin trip a couple seasons back. Hooked on the wrong setup, a single-speed reel, 30-pound line, and a rod that wasn’t up for the job, he battled a 90–100 pound fish for over an hour. “It went from fun to humbling quick. But we were all hooked up, fishing with some of my best friends. That’s what it’s all about.”
Scott Lambert - Creative Director
Scott is a jack of all trades on the water, surfing, sailing, and fishing whenever he can. As AFTCO’s Creative Director, he’s always looking for ways to elevate both design and how gear performs. One of his most recent trips took him to Mag Bay, Mexico, one of the sportfishing capitals of the world.
For travel, he relies on the Expedition Duffle Bag. “This is the bag that somehow ends up with me every trip. The clamshell opening makes it easy to stay organized—no digging around while the boat’s rocking. And the bottom compartment has saved me more than once, stuffing wet gear in at the last second before heading home.”
He also keeps the Air-O Mesh Hood in rotation. “It’s the kind of shirt you forget you’re wearing. Super breathable, dries quick, and doesn’t stick even in that no-wind, humid heat where most shirts give up.”
Lately, he’s been wearing the All Day Pants more than anything else. Built with stretch and a clean look, they move easily from the boat to whatever’s next. “If I don’t feel like I need to change, it’s a win. I’ve worn them straight from the boat to dinner and onto a flight the next morning no second thought.”
Sherwood Prusso - Senior Manager, Creative Marketing
Sherwood is a longtime member of the AFTCO team who targets a range of inshore, offshore, and freshwater species.
For local trips, he relies on the Expedition Backpack. “It’s the perfect size for private skiffs and bigger sport boats. I can fit a couple tackle trays, a spare jacket, and still have room for the essentials like hooks, line, pliers, keys, and my phone. Everything stays organized and easy to grab.”
He also uses Saiko Pro Fluorocarbon. “It ties well, holds up to abrasion, and the spool design keeps it from getting loose or tangled. It’s just plain reliable.”
Barrett Rhymes - Community Manager
Barrett has been fishing for as long as he can remember. As AFTCO's Community Manager, he's constantly on the road, and getting on the water whenever he can. His most memorable catch came at 13 years old when he landed a 33-inch snook on a fly he tied himself using hair from his yellow lab, Gracie's tail.
"It was the first fish I ever caught on a fly I tied myself. I caught the fish right behind my house, and I still have that fly today. It means even more now because it reminds me of Gracie."
To outlast Florida's heat and humidity, Barrett keeps the Samurai SS Hoodie in rotation.
"We do a lot of live bait fishing in Florida, and I'm always reaching into the bait well. I like that I don't have sleeves getting soaked all day. You still get the hood for sun protection, and it's super lightweight and comfortable when it's hot."
Whether he's headed to a tournament, an event, or a fishing trip, the Expedition Backpack is his go-to travel bag.
"It's the first backpack where I've been happy with every single feature. I don't take it easy on my gear, and this thing has probably been on over 100 flights. I keep my camera, sunglasses, computer, and foul weather gear in it, and everything stays protected."
Ethan Mudge- Associate Brand Designer
Ethan is one of the newest members of our crew, helping design new graphics. Off the clock, he spends plenty of time on the water surfing, fishing, and running local charter trips as a licensed captain. To see him in action, check out his YouTube channel, Tube Tails.
Whether he's checking the surf, running a charter, or filming his next video, a few products have earned a permanent place in his rotation.
"The Swiftwater Shorts are my go-to for everything from lounging around the house to running errands or checking the surf before paddling out. On the boat, I never leave without Saiko Fluorocarbon Leader because it's incredibly abrasion resistant, dependable, and easy to keep organized and ready to fish."
For long days on the water, Ethan relies on sun protection.
"The Ocean Bound and Samurai sun shirts are absolute essentials, providing lightweight comfort and all-day sun protection that keeps me cool even in the hottest conditions."
Grant Richey - Sales & Marketing Assistant
Grant recently joined our crew, and as a SoCal local, most of his free time revolves around the water. You'll usually find him in the lineup competing in surf contests or fishing Southern California and Baja waters with friends aboard local charter boats. To see more of his time on the water, check out the Tube Tails.
Whether he's in the office or on the water, the Pinnacle Shorts are a staple in Grant's rotation.
"These technical fishing shorts are my go-to in the office and out on the water. The cargo pockets give me extra room for tackle when rigging up, and the zippered side pocket keeps my phone secure when I'm digging through gear."
For early mornings on the water, Grant reaches for the Coastal Layer Hoodie.
"The Coastal Layer Hoodie is a staple for early mornings on the water. Whether I'm loading the boat before sunrise or layering up for cooler conditions, it's one of the first pieces I reach for."
Casey Shedd - President
AFTCO President Casey Shedd knows the product line inside and out. He’s hands-on with everything AFTCO makes, pushing each piece to its limits to make sure it performs when it matters. He’s been fishing for over 30 years, and his favorite days are spent bass fishing with his three kids.
The shirt he keeps coming back to is the Adapt Sun Shirt. “This is my go-to for most fishing conditions. I’ve worn it in the tropics, but I also use it in cooler weather—even as a base layer when it gets cold,” said Casey.
He pairs it with the Original Fishing Short®. “Hard to beat. My favorite pair has been in my closet since 2009—a 6-inch khaki M01. The elastic’s not what it used to be, and it’s missing a few buttons, but it’s like a perfectly worn-in sandal.”
Rounding out his picks is Saiko Pro Fluorocarbon. “This one’s a bit of a sleeper. We make it with Sunline in Japan and built it with added abrasion resistance for saltwater. A lot of bass anglers already know how good it is. And the crew at Sunline—great people. They even hold their own at the karaoke bar.”
From offshore runs to local waters, the AFTCO crew puts their gear to the test every day. These are the pieces they keep coming back to because they perform when it counts.
