AFTCO, the American Fishing Tackle Company, recently announced the launch of a new website. The site includes easy direct links to both the Guy Harvey and Al Agnew e-commerce sites— AFTCO is the clothing licensee for both of these famous artists. The website also includes old photos depicting the company’s long history of marine conservation and industry involvement that dates back to 1958.
The new website provides a wealth of information for consumers. Saltwater anglers can now find answers to questions about AFTCO roller guides, rod parts, gaffs, fishing harnesses and belts, outrigger clips, Unibutts and all other AFTCO tackle items. In addition to the websites rich history of conservation and tackle, it also showcases AFTCO’s complete line of Fishing Tackle and Fishing Clothing. In the video section, users will find a collection of the cool saltwater fishing videos to share with friends and much more. Visit AFTCO.com for the complete line of AFTCO Fishing Gear.
About AFTCO & Guy Harvey’s Relationship
In 1999, AFTCO became the licensee for Guy Harvey all over print shirts. Then in 2004, AFTCO became the official licensee for all the Guy Harvey Sportswear that is seen on this site. Since that time, the two brands have worked together to build the ever expanding Guy Harvey brand. AFTCO and Guy Harvey have not only grown the Guy Harvey brand, but have worked together in partnership on many conservation issues. In 2010, AFTCO and Guy Harvey teamed up with AFTCO’s retail partners and sales reps to raise $500,000 to support marine research projects for studying possible implications from the BP oil spill. Most recently, AFTCO and Guy Harvey have teamed up to help raise money for the “Rigs to Reefs” campaign through an oil rigs to reefs shirt.
For a complete list of our other featured blog posts and to see the full line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, please visit:www.guyharveysportswear.com
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation recently presented a $100,000 donation to the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University during a ceremony at the new Guy Harvey Inc. world headquarters in Davie, FL. A significant part of these funds were raised from the sale of Guy Harvey sportswear. You may not know this, but you, the Guy Harvey customer helped provide these funds with your last Guy Harvey clothing purchase. Money is raised for ocean conservation efforts from the sale of every Guy Harvey shirt, Guy Harvey sandal, Guy Harvey hat, Guy Harvey belt, Guy Harvey jacket and all Guy Harvey clothing items. This $100,000 will be used to support the ongoing fishery research projects at the GHRI.
Photo, from left to right: Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute; Guy Harvey; Dr. George Hanbury II, President & COO of NSU; Steve Stock, President of Guy Harvey Inc. and the GHOF; John Santulli, VP Facilities Management, NSU; Dr. Richard Dodge, Dean of NSU’s Oceanographic Center
For a complete list of our other featured blog posts and to see the full line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, please visit:www.guyharveysportswear.com
When we get the opportunity to combine work with our passions, we are indeed blessed. Last week at the Bimini Big Game Club was just such an opportunity, as I met with my Guy Harvey Outpost Resort Partners (Guy, Mark Ellerd and Charlie Forman), all together for the first time at Bimini. I worked on a photo shoot for the www.guyharveysportswear.com site and AFTCO catalog, and experienced some great fishing, diving and stand up paddle boarding.
As the licensee and manufacturer/distributor for all Guy Harvey clothing and footwear, one of our tasks at AFTCO is to put together a photo shoot of new product. This year, we were not only fortunate to do so at the beautiful Bimini Big Game Club, the first Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, but also to have both Guy and his son Alex Harvey there to be the featured models. For the Guy Harvey photo shoots, we always hire a professional photographer, but use regular folks, not professional models. The people wearing the Guy Harvey clothing you see in our photos for ads, catalog, and online website are all family and friends of Guy Harvey and AFTCO. During the Bimini shoot we took over 1000 photos. We were able to recruit several of the female students and interns at Dr. Gruber’s Bimini shark lab, so not only did we get some great photos for the Guy Harvey men’s and young men’s lines, but for juniors as well. Photos from the Bimini shoot will be on line at www.guyharveysportswear.com by October 1, when new products are released.
Photos from the Bimini Photo Shoot
Diving with some friendly reef sharks
Guy in his Florida Lighthouse shirt
Friends from the Shark Lab
Guy checking out his art with Bill Boyce and skipper
Skipper on Bimini flats
Guy and Alex with heavy tackle
Guy Harvey Deck Shoes at sunset
Alex in tank top and board shorts
Bill heads to flats
While some of the shoot was located on land, much of it took place while fishing and diving. One of the things that makes the Guy Harvey sportswear line so unique is the authenticity of Guy Harvey and his brand. Taking pictures of Guy, Alex and others doing what they do on, in, or around the ocean world is the natural way to show Guy Harvey clothing. Guy, Alex and I joined our good friend Bill Boyce as guests on his IGFA Salt Water Adventures TV fishing show for World Fishing Network (WFN) where he captured on camera the excellent fishing and diving that Bimini has to offer. We went offshore and caught a blue marlin that cooperated with some awesome jumps that are sure to make for great TV. We enjoyed some great drift, wreck and shark dives, made all the better with 100 foot visibility and post card perfect weather. We also fit in some bone fishing on the flats and stand up paddle boarding— a great way to see Bimini’s abundant marine life right next to the resort.
During this same week, the first Bimini Big Game Club Billfish Invitational Tournament was held, so the awesome days on or in the water were topped off with evening and nighttime activities with many friends from the fishing world. Photos, fishing, diving and friends in Bimini—a great week to remember combining work and fun.
— Bill
For a complete list of our other featured blog posts and to see the full line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, please visit:www.guyharveysportswear.com
Many of the best fishing spots off of California’s coast are now closed to recreational fishing under the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA)! KeepAmericaFishing™ and the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) need your help to support litigation that will reverse the decisions that created these closures.
With a minimum donation of $10 plus shipping you will receive a “Let Us Fish” fishing hat. All proceeds will be used to directly support this important litigation and will go to the Ocean Access Protection Fund, administered by PSO member United Anglers of Southern California (UASC). Help show everyone that recreational anglers in California will not go down without a fight!
To learn more about the ongoing efforts to save recreational fishing in California and to sign up for the latest news and alerts visit www.keepamericafishing.org
Success came much faster than expected. Today we announced that in one month we have already sold out of the 50,000 special Guy Harvey “Save Our Gulf” T-shirts. While AFTCO Bluewater will produce no more, some of these special shirts will still be available at retail outlets for the next few weeks. Ten dollars of each shirt sold is donated to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), so we have now successfully raised $500,000 that will be used to support needed marine life research in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fish and other Gulf marine life will benefit from the $500,000 raised
Even though oil is no longer flowing into the Gulf from the BP spill, and it is reported that over 70% of the spilled oil is now gone mainly due to evaporation and bacteria consuming it, there is no doubt that marine life in the Gulf has been impacted. Better understanding of how it has been impacted and what to do about it is what the $500,000 will be used for. The money raised from the sales of the special Guy Harvey T-shirts will be set aside in a separate fund within the GHOF and will be given out to research projects that Guy Harvey and the Board believe will bring the most future benefit to marine life of the Gulf of Mexico.
Many questions will need to be answered, such as, “what impact has the spill had on planktonic animals, fish eggs, larvae and juvenile fish?”, “has there been a significant impact on an important sportfish species such as bluefin tuna, red snapper, redfish, seatrout, or flounder?” and “how will that impact future stocks?”
Our thanks goes out to all who added to the $10 contribution which included Guy Harvey, AFTCO Bluewater, our reps, our suppliers and our retail partners. We also thank the consumers who made this possible with their strong support of these specific shirts and the Guy Harvey brand. Our original goal was to sell 10,000 T-shirts and raise $100,000. For us to raise $500,000 in a month is quite a unique and significant accomplishment.
Meaningful support of the marine resource is part of the culture and DNA of both Guy Harvey and AFTCO Bluewater. This “Save Our Gulf” T-shirt effort was both fun and rewarding for all of us. As time passes and we fund various research efforts, we will keep you posted on what is learned.
Bill
For a complete list of our other featured blog posts and to see the full line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, pleaser visit: www.guyharveysportswear.com
The effects of the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico will be with us for some time. Much of the damage to marine life is not yet even known. While the highly migratory fish species will be able to avoid the oil, the juvenile stages cannot. Neither can air-breathing turtles, seabirds, and mammals that must interact with the surface.
Money is needed to help research how marine life will be impacted and to understand how those impacts can best be dealt with to support Gulf marine life. To help provide those funds, Guy has created two Gulf of Mexico T-shirt designs. The first delivery of the shirts will be July 14. Ten dollars of the $20.00 retail price will be donated to a special account within the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) who will then direct the money to research projects and support efforts that Guy and the GHOF believe will provide the greatest benefit to marine life in the Gulf.
"Gulf Life" t-shirt
Unlike many other efforts to tie products into a cause that are more marketing focused than cause supported, this effort is both unusual and sincere. It reflects the serious marine resource interests of Guy Harvey and his clothing partner AFTCO Bluewater, who both have a long history of supporting a better understanding of the marine world.
This donation effort includes all who are involved with the Guy Harvey T-shirt business. Six dollars of the donation will come from Guy, AFTCO Bluewater and its suppliers, and from our retail partners. The other $4.00 will come from general GHOF funds, part of which, are generated from the proceeds of all other Guy Harvey sportswear sales. While many people don’t know it, Guy Harvey Sportswear sales have for years generated money to help the marine resource. In 2009 AFTCO Bluewater contributed over $200,000.00 from Guy Harvey Sportswear sales to the GHOF for their use to help protect, conserve, enhance and better understand the marine resource.
Thank you for your support of Guy Harvey sportswear products. Whether you purchase a Guy Harvey T-shirt or other Guy Harvey item directly from this site, or from any of our many retail partners, you can do so knowing that part of your purchase will go towards valuable work on behalf of the marine resource.
For a complete list of our other featured blog posts and to see the full line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, please visit: www.guyharveysportswear.com
Guy signing his Guy Harvey fishing t-shirts at the 2010 Miami Boat Show
Thanks to all of you who stopped by at the Miami Boat Show to say hello. I’ve been part of this show since 1987 and each year brings something different. This year was the debut for the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, a separate booth from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. This gave me an opportunity like no other. I was able to showcase my art collection along with Guy Harvey sportswear and other licensed products which allowed me to spread the word of awareness about marine conservation.
One of the most wonderful surprises from this show and other recent events I have attended is how broad the Guy Harvey customer base has become. In past shows, I would visit primarily with older saltwater fishermen. This year in our pavilion, I talked to mothers with their 17 year old sons, dads with their 10 year old daughters, and college students both male and female. I especially liked talking to the kids, as it is most critical that we educate our youth on the importance of marine conservation.
Jim Buie, sales manager of Nautora with Guy Harvey jewelry from recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue
This broadened support base was made obvious by our jewelry licensee Nautora. As part of their display in the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion they featured some photos of ladies wearing Guy Harvey jewelry in the current issue of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Being chosen to participate in this wildly popular event is a testament to both the quality of the Guy Harvey jewelry, and the growing appeal of the Guy Harvey brand. Thanks to Jim Fortescue and his team at Nautora for making this happen.
As I watched people peruse through the aisles at this year’s boat show, I was in awe to see the amount of attendees wearing some form of Guy Harvey sportswear. I think it’s important for people to know they are part of something big and making a difference in the world in which we live. Remember that it takes cash to care and that with the purchase of a Guy Harvey t-shirt, or any of the Guy Harvey products, a percentage of the sale goes to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Supporting the foundation that I have organized is imperative, so that researchers can continue to work on important marine resource issues.
My gratitude goes out to everyone that has supported me throughout the years. I could not have accomplished what I have without each and every one of you. Whether you have purchased a Guy Harvey tee, or you’re an art aficionado of my work, or have worked with me in my research. I thank you.
I would like to invite you to meet me at the 69th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail in the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, room 2700 (the west side of the Miami Convention Center). The Boat Show runs Thursday, February 11th through Monday, February 15th. You can expect the largest collection of my marine wildlife artwork in many forms. View my latest originals and reproduced artwork depicting a variety of species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna and other offshore fish. If you’re not in the market for one of my paintings, no worries, because there will be other Guy Harvey merchandise such as Guy Harvey T-Shirts for the entire family, fishing apparel for men and women, my latest books and much more. Of course, you can pre-purchase your Guy Harvey clothing at the dealer nearest you or right here at www.GuyHarveySportswear.com before the boat show and then I will sign it at my booth.
I will be at the show during the times listed below in the new Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, room 2700. Stop by to say hello.
Thursday (2/11) from noon–5:00pm
Friday (2/12) from 10:00am–5:00pm
Saturday (2/13) from 10:00am–5:00pm
Sunday (2/14) from 10:00am–4:00pm
New online store gives immediate access to entire line of 7,000 Guy Harvey fishing shirts and coastal lifestyle clothing items
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) January 13, 2010 — AFTCO Bluewater, the official licensee and manufacturer of Guy Harvey Sportswear, today announced the launch of a new online store for Guy Harvey fishing t shirts, fishing clothing and accessories at guyharveysportswear.com.
Guy Harvey Fishing T Shirts Are Famous Among Fishing and Coastal Lifestyle Fans Worldwide
Guy Harvey Fishing T Shirts Are Famous Among Fishing and Coastal Lifestyle Fans Worldwide
Guy Harvey, known as the world’s premier marine wildlife artist, a renown marine biologist and conservationist, teamed up with AFTCO Bluewater in 2004 to design and sell a line of “wearable fish art”; clothing featuring Guy Harvey’s lifelike, highly-detailed paintings of marine animals like marlin, sailfish, dolphin fish, tuna, sharks and more. Guy Harvey’s unique fish art is now worn by ocean and fishing enthusiasts everywhere and his fishing t shirts now rank as the most popular fishing shirts in the world.
GuyHarveySportswear.com will display a full line of high quality Guy Harvey Men’s fishing t shirts featuring his extraordinary paintings, in addition to other men’s fishing clothing like tech and performance shirts, fishing shorts, fishing hats, belts, shoes, and sandals. An example of the quality of Guy Harvey clothing is evident in their popular men’s print shirts featuring perfect alignment of the design pattern across button lines or pocket stitching.
There is also a complete selection of Women’s clothing including dresses, skirts, shorts, knits, tanks, and tops, in addition to a popular new Junior’s and Young Men’s t shirt line featuring more youthful designs and a slimmer cut. The Youth department includes fishing shirts, t shirts, and hats.
Guy Harvey fishing shirts and clothing have been traditionally sold through retailers across the US, and through a few approved online vendors. “It is not our intention to compete with our retail distribution partners,” said Bill Shedd, President of AFTCO, “but there was really no single store where our customers could go to view or purchase all of the entire inventory of 7,000 sizes and styles of Guy Harvey clothing. This is what influenced our decision to launch the official online store and we’re excited about giving Guy Harvey fans everywhere easier access to a great line of fishing shirts and marine art clothing.” A retail store locator link is prominently displayed on the home page and throughout the site.
The Guy Harvey Sportswear site also includes a fishing blog that will feature big names from the fishing and ocean conservation industries. Look for articles from Guy Harvey plus posts from Dr. Mahmood Shivji, director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute, Bill Shedd, President of AFTCO Bluewater and well-known fishing and conservation advocate, Peter B Wright, big game fishing expert and record setting fishing boat captain.
Guy Harvey Sportswear is not just a hit with fishermen. His fishing t shirts, clothing and sandals are being worn in ever increasing numbers by students on college campuses, especially throughout the Southeast and in coastal areas. The Guy Harvey Facebook page has over 100,000 fans, including a large majority of students, and Guy Harvey Facebook groups on college campuses continue to proliferate.
A portion of all sales of GuyHarveySportswear goes to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an organization of philanthropists, conservationists, scientists and educators focused on ocean conservation. Last year, Guy Harvey Sportswear’s licensee AFTCO Bluewater donated over $100,000 to the organization.
GuyHarveySportswear.com was designed by Fireworx Digital of Laguna Niguel, CA and operates using the SearchFit ecommerce platform.
About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is an artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. He graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. Guy has been a member of the IGFA Board of Trustees since 1993. Most recently, he has helped establish the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to fund scientific research and innovative marine conservation educational programs.
About AFTCO Bluewater
AFTCO stands for the American Fishing Tackle Company and was established in 1958 in Newport Beach, California. A family-owned company that ranks among the world’s most highly regarded saltwater fishing tackle manufacturers, AFTCO’s roller guides, fighting belts, harnesses, fishing gloves and more are found on top sportfishing boats world wide. It is that reputation for quality and complete customer satisfaction, along with AFTCO Bluewater’s expertise in designing and manufacturing quality clothing and the Shedd family’s longtime commitment to marine stewardship, that led Guy Harvey to partner with AFTCO Bluewater as his clothing licensee.
I thought it would be fun to let you peak behind the scenes at Guy Harvey Sportswear, and see what we went through to deliver the Guy Harvey Alabama BCS Champion T Shirt.
It all started several weeks ago when Guy Harvey painted the design, after learning that Alabama was going to be in the BCS Championship game. Guy takes these projects very seriously, which shows in the quality of the art, and the creative way he ties it together with the messaging. That may also explain why last year’s special edition Gators T Shirt was a runaway hit.
Here at AFTCO Bluewater, home of Guy Harvey Sportswear, we spent a few days getting Guy’s artwork prepared for printing, creating all of the films and screens, and then running a sample production run the day before the game. Sampling a new T Shirt can take 4 to 5 hours so all this prep work has to be done in advance. This work is all done with the knowledge that it might be in vain if Alabama were to lose the game.
By this time, we’ve already ordered all of the T Shirt blanks (unprinted t shirts), along with officially licensed CLC hologram tags and had them waiting by the screen printing machines, ready to begin printing as soon as the results of the game were announced.
Then we nervously watched a very exciting BCS championship game as Alabama held off the late charge by an amazing Texas team, down but not out with the loss of their great quarterback Colt McCoy. Then it happened, Alabama won their first national championship since 1992!
When the game timer hit 0:00 we began screen printing and worked through the night to fulfill the Air freight orders first thing the next morning.
We will be printing a second round over the weekend and be ready to ship more Alabama Champion Guy Harvey T Shirts early next week.
We love our job and are excited to provide this great special edition Guy Harvey T Shirt to Alabama fans across the country!
I would like to welcome you to the Guy Harvey Sportswear web site. Here we will feature my blog where I will report on expeditions, adventures, and various marine conservation efforts. We will also include various guest bloggers, videos and photos that I believe you will find interesting, whether you are a serious fishing or diving enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the marine resource, loves living the coastal lifestyle, or just wants to learn more about Guy Harvey sportswear.
I thought it would be fun to let you peak behind the scenes at Guy Harvey Sportswear, and see what we went through to deliver the Guy Harvey Alabama BCS Champion T Shirt.
When the game timer hit 0:00 we began screen printing and worked through the night to fulfill the Air freight orders first thing the next morning.
I would like to welcome you to the Guy Harvey Sportswear web site. Here we will feature my blog where I will report on expeditions, adventures, and various marine conservation efforts. We will also include various guest bloggers, videos and photos that I believe you will find interesting, whether you are a serious fishing or diving enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the marine resource, loves living the coastal lifestyle, or just wants to learn more about Guy Harvey sportswear.
