JEFF “GUSSY” GUSTAFSON ACCEPTS THE INVITATION TO FISH THE 2019 BASS ELITE SERIES
SKILLS HONED ON LOCAL SMALLMOUTH ENJOY HOMECOMING
Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson is no stranger to the big-time and bright lights of professional bass fishing tournaments. As a decorated 6-year veteran of the FLW tour, he carved out a national name for himself among bass fishing’s elite. Which is why he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join its highest ranks in his quest to fish the Bassmaster Classic. Gussy offers, “the FLW was great and an awesome experience, but the change was a good decision for me. I get to compete against a smaller field and ultimately hope to qualify for the Classic which I’ve dreamt about since being a kid.”
The Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off in early February on Florida’s St. John’s River, a place he’s never fished before. Gussy has fished most of the bigger bass waters in Florida, and says, “I’m comfortable fishing a variety of situations.” As a versatile, multi-species angler from Kenora, ON, his pursuits for crappies, walleyes, and lake trout will help to serve him along the way. “I’ve fished from the shallow grass of Florida,” he says, “to deeper water and light-line situations like we have back home.”
The BASS Elite Series is somewhat of a homecoming for Gussy or at least a reunion with his favorite species as the tour travels to several famed northern Smallmouth waters. Gussy is particularly talented at targeting brown bass, a reputation he’s earned through local guiding and tournament successes on his home waters of Lake of the Woods. He likes the move, saying “The schedule suits me a bit better, and I get an opportunity to expose the world to what a great bait the Northland Fatty Tubes are. Down south over the years, I’ve been giving them to roommates and watching them cash checks.”
Gussy’s connection to Northland Fishing Tackle is a special one, with Northland being a sponsor for nearly 15 years. He says, “Northland has been a long-term relationship that I’m proud of, and I can’t wait to represent them in the Elites.”
ABOUT NORTHLAND FISHING TACKLE
Northland Fishing Tackle® – “Made by Fishermen, for Fishermen” – In 1975, a young Northwoods fishing guide named John Peterson started pouring jigs and tying tackle for his guiding clients in a small remote cabin in northern Minnesota. The lures were innovative, made with high-quality components, and most importantly were catching fish when no other baits were working! The word spread like wildfire, the phone started ringing…and the Northland Fishing Tackle® brand was in hot demand.