AFTCO Goes Ike
AFTCO expands its pro team with the addition of one of the most dynamic anglers in the fishing industry, Mike Iaconelli. The 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2006 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year is excited to join the AFTCO family for the 2021 season. Iaconelli will bolster an already impressive lineup of Tour anglers, representing the AFTCO brand on and off the water in his many endeavors.
Iaconelli is driven as an angler to compete at the highest level, which is what initially attracted him to AFTCO. “I am absolutely honored to join an industry-leading brand like AFTCO. Aspects like family owned and operated, a commitment to conservation, plus multiple ICAST awards in technical fishing clothing are all big reasons why I am so proud to represent AFTCO in 2021 and beyond,” he says. He is also motivated to grow the sport of fishing through his own entertainment, educational, and charitable organizations: The Bass University, “Ike Live” podcast, “Going Ike” YouTube series, and The Ike Foundation®. Additionally, he hosted television shows “City Limits” and “Fish My City with Mike Iaconelli” on NatGeo Wild.
According to AFTCO Marketing Director Matt Florentino, “With a personality like Ike’s, it’s hard not to get excited! The entire AFTCO family is thrilled to bring Mike’s tremendous talents both on and off the water to the team.” As part of the new partnership, AFTCO will also sponsor The Ike Foundation® in developing a new program aimed at creating fishing opportunities for minority youth anglers. While the COVID -19 pandemic limited much of the MLF Professional Bass Fishing season, Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation® focused on promoting the sport of fishing by hosting a virtual fishing tournament, raising almost $10,000 to feed families displaced by the closure of schools and jobs. The Ike Foundation® also hosted socially distanced Bass Boat and Kayak Fishing tournaments raising over $30,000 towards the mission of getting more kids fishing and outdoors.
AFTCO is a 60+ year old family owned and operated business known for everything from Fishing Gloves and Fishing Hats to the Best Fishing Rain Gear. Through AFTCO’s Pledge to Protect and Conserve, 10% of company profits are donated to efforts that support fishing conservation and angler rights.
