Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson reveals his go-to jig and minnow setup for consistent bass fishing success throughout North America. It’s no secret that the Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ rigged on a Smeltinator Jig in a range of hook sizes is a tournament and weekend warrior producer for not only bass, but also walleye, pike, lake trout, and more. This reliable combination has helped Gustafson secure tournament wins, including the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series and 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville.
FEATURED TACKLE
- JIG – Northland Fishing Tackle Smeltinator Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- PLASTIC – Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – G.Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR, 7’1” Medium Extra Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD (casting a minnow) – G. Loomis NRX+ 872S JWR, 7’3″ Medium Extra Fast: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Shimano Stella FK Spinning Reel 2500- to 3000: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (braid) – Power Pro Braided Spectra Line Yellow, 10-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (fluorocarbon) – Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
WHY THIS SETUP IS A GAME-CHANGER
The Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ mimics natural baitfish like shiners, smelt, shad, and perch. It’s a realistic minnow imitator in all waters, regardless of water clarity and fishing pressure. Gustafson’s custom color, Gussy’s Glimmer Blue, stands out in clear yet slightly stained waters, enhancing visibility and appeal. With a range of sizes, including a compact 3.5-inch option up to 7 inches, this bait caters to a range of forage sizes and diverse fishing conditions.
THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE TECHNIQUE
This moping technique originated in Gustafson’s home region near Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods. Early pioneers like Jim and Bill Lindner popularized this method in the early 2000s during the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championships. Over time, this approach spread across North America, becoming a staple for competitive anglers. Today, advancements like forward-facing sonar enable anglers to target fish vertically and on a cast, significantly increasing success rates. Gustafson estimates half of his catches now come from casting rather than traditional Damiki rigging (aka vertical jigging).
RIGGING TIPS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
Gussy knows his exact rod setup isn’t for everyone, but the lengths and actions are proven winners. He recommends pairing the bait with a 7’1″ or 7’3″ medium-action rod. His go-to is the hyper-sensitive G. Loomis NRX+ 852S (vertical) or 872S (casting). He prefers a 2500 or 3000-sized spinning reel with a silky smooth drag. You can’t go wrong with a 10-pound braided mainline tied with a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader with an FG knot. This setup excels in detecting subtle bites but with the strength to handle big fish.
MULTISPECIES VERSATILITY
While Gustafson primarily uses this rig for bass, its versatility extends to walleyes, pike, and even lake trout. Whether fishing in pressured tournament waters or multispecies-rich environments like Lake of the Woods, this minnow presentation delivers exceptionally consistent results. And if you’re late to the game, it’s time to discover why this technique continues to dominate tournaments and how it can produce for you.
BOAT SETUP
- BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS: Check out at Lund Boats
- GRAPHS – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card, Great Lakes v1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250hp: Check out at Mercury
- JACK PLATE – T-H Marine ATLAS Hydraulic Jack Plate: Check out at T-H Marine
