In the competitive world of fishing, innovation often leads to breakthroughs that change how anglers approach their sport. The latest development comes from Northland Fishing Tackle, collaborating with renowned angler Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson to introduce a striking new color for the flagship Smeltinator Jig, dubbed 'Gussy's Shad.' This unveiling coincides with the approach of the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, set to take place on Grand Lake in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
"It matches perfectly with Z-Man’s Scented Jerk ShadZ™ in Gussy’s Blue Glimmer," said Gustafson, who made headlines last year with his Bassmaster Classic victory. The angler highlighted the importance of color coordination in fishing, stating, "It’s my favorite Jerk ShadZ color, so I asked Northland to make a jig to match it."
"It matches perfectly with Z-Man’s Scented Jerk ShadZ™ in Gussy’s Blue Glimmer,"
The new color, Gussy's Shad, is designed for versatility in various water conditions. "The white/blue hue of the new color Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin make it show up well in everything from the tannic waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake to the dirtier waters in the south," Gustafson elaborated. This broad applicability is vital for anglers seeking to maximize their catch across differing environments.
"The white/blue hue of the new color Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin make it show up well in everything from the tannic waters of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake to the dirtier waters in the south,"
The origins of the Smeltinator Jig date back over a decade, primarily dominating the Canadian fishing tournament scene. It was the brainchild of Bryan Gustafson, who partnered with Northland founder John Peterson and fellow Canadian angler Jamie Bruce. Together, they utilized the jig and an innovative technique known as 'moping' to secure numerous tournament victories.
The connection between Gustafson and the Smeltinator is particularly noteworthy. The jig was developed through many years of collaboration with veteran anglers. "It wouldn’t be what it is today without a 20+ year relationship with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Gustafson and Northland Tackle founder John Peterson," noted Gustafson. This connection underscores the community aspects of professional fishing, where relationships can lead to significant advancements in tackle development.
"It wouldn’t be what it is today without a 20+ year relationship with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Gustafson and Northland Tackle founder John Peterson,"
At its core, the Smeltinator stands out due to its high-quality construction. Gustafson emphasized the essential elements that contribute to its success: "The premium components of the Smeltinator is really what makes this jig head stand out from others. It features a sticky sharp, strong Gamakatsu hook, which by popular demand is a staple in the bass fishing tournament scene."
Additionally, 3D holographic eyes and sculpted gill plates lend a lifelike appearance that helps attract fish in diverse environments. Anglers can choose from 14 colors, four sizes, and five hook sizes, ensuring a fitting option for any fishing scenario. "Jigs come three per card for $7.99 (MSRP)," shared Peterson, making it affordable for everyone.
In tandem with the Smeltinator is the Smeltinator Underspin, which also boasts a Gamakatsu hook and a beautifully sculpted baitfish head. Its distinctive feature is a compact, nickel-plated willow blade that creates added flash and vibration, appealing to fish on the hunt. Gustafson explained the advantages of this design: "The lightweight blade spins instantly on contact with the water and continues flickering with minimal jigging action."
This jig is particularly effective for anglers faced with pressured bass or cold water conditions, as it can entice fish that are otherwise reluctant to bite traditional lures. The Underspin’s effectiveness is amplified when used in combination with forward-facing sonar, enabling anglers to target suspended bass more efficiently.
"The Smeltinator Underspin is deadly on suspended smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass," explained Gustafson. "Simply pair it with a 2.5- to 7-inch soft plastic jerkbait or swimbait and let the wondrous pairing go to work. Southern and western bassers can put it to task right now on deep water reservoirs, especially off steep breaking rock structure or over deep flooded timber."
"The Smeltinator Underspin is deadly on suspended smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass,"
Current Season
As fishing enthusiasts gear up for the 2024 season and the highly anticipated Classic, the debut of Gussy’s Shad is sure to capture the attention of tournament participants and casual anglers alike. With innovative tackle continuously shaping the sport, Northland Fishing Tackle’s latest release is an exciting addition that may spark new strategies on the water. The Smeltinator and its stunning Gussy's Shad color could very well be the edge anglers need to reel in their next big catch.
