AFTCO Bass Bus Live Release Boat
The AFTCO Bass Bus Live Release Boats — built in part with support from Yamaha — attend key tournaments nationwide.
The original Bass Bus first hit the water in October 2019 at Lake Dardanelle during the first-ever AFTCO Collegiate Open. This event was the perfect platform to showcase AFTCO's Conservation First Tournaments as today's collegiate anglers are quickly embracing and driving forward the conservation efforts of tomorrow. As a result, the Bass Bus experienced a 100% survival rate with zero fish mortality.
2019 Highlights
As the centerpiece of AFTCO’s conservation program, the Bass Bus is operated by Kelly Power’s experienced release boat technicians at Ulrich Marine. Their staff is trained in the proper release methods, including “fizzing” and boat operation, to protect as many fish as possible. The original AFTCO Bass Bus just completed its seventh season of releasing fish. It has supported 43 events in 12 states and released over 27,000 bass into their waters.
A second boat was added in 2019, so AFTCO now supports two boats in operation with Ulrich Marine based in Branson, MO. AFTCO provides financial support for the operation of these boats free of charge at approved tournaments throughout the year. With planned activations at tournaments, the Bass Bus boats are responsible for the healthy release of thousands of bass.
2024 Highlights
In 2024, the two AFTCO Bass Bus boats traveled to dozens of events across the Midwest to aid tournament organizations in releasing fish safely and to help spread them out for reduced harvest in the days following an event. Spreading the release of tournament fish out across the lake also ensures that an area does not receive too many fish in that area.
The AFTCO Bank Bag Program and distribution of the AFTCO Bass Care 101 guide are also initiatives in conjunction with the release boats at several events for all anglers and organizations to use for successful fish care management.
If you would like to submit a tournament for consideration of having an AFTCO release boat in 2025, please send your event proposal to office@obteam.net. Please note that a minimum of 100 boats must participate for consideration of release boat support in 2025.
Since 1958, AFTCO has made fishing apparel that protects from the elements and precision-built tackle designed to equip anglers to catch any fish in any water. By supporting tournament organizations through programs like the Bass Bus and other conservation initiatives, AFTCO hopes to support and encourage anglers for generations to come.
