AFTCO has partnered with B.A.S.S. Nation to provide $25,000 in conservation grants to seven B.A.S.S. Nation groups in 2026.
Photo courtesy of AFTCO
AFTCO continues its strong conservation heritage by providing $25,000 in annual conservations grants to B.A.S.S. Nation Clubs in 2026. This year's $25,000 contribution is divided among seven B.A.S.S. Nation groups to support local conservation projects in their respective areas. With this year's grants, AFTCO's total contributions to this program have surpassed $202,000, since its inception in 2018.
The seven grant recipients selected for 2026 are:
- Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation for upgrades to a multi-purpose barge that will serve as a tournament live release boat and as a habitat installation barge used on projects statewide.
- Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation for habitat improvement on Lake Perry that will include introductions of native aquatic vegetation and artificial structures.
- Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation for habitat improvements on Wolf Lake, a popular water for youth fishing clinics as well as a destination for high school bass tournaments.
- Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation for the purchase of a PiranhO2 oxygen concentrator to upgrade their tournament fish care system.
- Lake Oconee Bassmaster for the purchase and installation of Mossback Fish Habitat structures to enhance angler catch in Lake Oconee.
- New Mexico B.A.S.S. Nation for the purchase of Largemouth Bass fingerlings to bolster fish stockings done by the New Mexico Game & Fish Department.
- Florida B.A.S.S. Nation for support of the non-profit organization, Mighty River Recovery, that is working to improve water quality, restore native vegetation, and bring back the fishery on the fabled St. John's River.
All projects are locally coordinated by B.A.S.S Nation state chapters and clubs, government fishery agencies, local businesses and volunteers — including youth organizations — who contribute labor for the projects.
"We are impressed by the projects that this year's grant recipients have taken on to improve fishing in their respective states. The projects are focused on habitat improvements and fish care which have been two important parts of our conservation efforts in freshwater. We are proud and excited to support these great projects in 2026," said Casey Shedd, AFTCO president.
"Nine years and counting that AFTCO has supported the great conservation work that our B.A.S.S. Nation chapters and clubs are doing. The Shedd family and AFTCO's commitment to supporting these grass-roots projects is a testament to their belief in giving back to the resource that our sport is so dependent on, and those of us at B.A.S.S. sincerely appreciate the continued support," said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director.
About AFTCO
Family owned and operated, the American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) represents unparalleled quality, performance, and reliability when it counts most. Worn across the globe, AFTCO's fishing clothing and fishing rain gear is designed to handle the harshest elements. Whether you are a tournament bass angler looking to stay dry in a late fall downpour or an offshore weekend warrior seeking protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, AFTCO keeps you fishing comfortably.
AFTCO reflects a legacy of firsts. From former company Chairman Milt Shedd's pioneering conservation achievements, to the invention of the roller guide and the introduction of the world's first pair of true fishing shorts, AFTCO provides conservation leadership and innovative products proven to deliver performance on the water. Our passion for the outdoors goes beyond our product offering because of an unwavering commitment to help protect our fishing resources and angler rights. Through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, your purchase of any AFTCO product directly supports conservation initiatives.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization's fully integrated media platforms include the industry's leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.