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The jig that helped win the 2023 Bassmaster Classic is now available to anglers everywhere.
That’s the news from Northland Fishing Tackle, the Minnesota company that announced earlier this year that it would be licensing, branding and distributing the jig used to such good effect by Jeff ‘Gussy’ Gustafson to claim that Classic title and $300,000 prize money.
After sealing a licensing agreement with Bryan Gustafson (no relation) of Bass Tactics to produce, distribute and sell the Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin jigs under the Northland brand, the original jig is being shipped.
With 13 colours, four sizes and five hook sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0), Northland is making sure bass anglers can find the right jig for every situation.
It is not the first time that fishing the jig in conjunction with the ‘moping’ technique – fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on a Smeltinator over deep smallmouth bass – has proved successful.
Gussy, Northland founder John Peterson, Canadian pro Jamie Bruce and Bryan Gustafson have used it to win numerous tournaments, cashing big cheques up to $100,000.
Now, with expanded production, marketing, distribution and sales, Northland is making sure the Smeltinator is available to many more anglers. The jigs come three to a card for $7.99 MSRP.
