The Northland Smeltinator Jig, designed to imitate slender baitfish, is credited with helping Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Gustafson win the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. The Smeltinator jig head stands out from others due to its premium components. The Northland jigs were brought to the masses from a relationship that goes back 20 years between inventor Canadian Angler Bryan Gustafson, Jeff Gustafson (no relation), and Northland Tackle founder John Peterson. The Smeltinator features a strong, sharp Gamakatsu hook that is highly demanded in the bass fishing tournament scene. The Northland jig head also boasts lifelike 3D holographic eyes and sculpted gill plates that create a realistic presentation and make it highly irresistible to fish. The universal ribbed baitkeeper also holds your favorite plastics on the jig head and doesn't tear your bait like traditional baitkeepers.
The Smeltinator Jig is designed to hang perfectly horizontally in the water, mimicking the appearance of a shiner, smelt, or shad. This jig is used in the "moping" technique, where a fluke or minnow-style plastic bait is placed on the jig and fished over deep-suspending smallmouth bass. The suspended smallmouth bass feed on schools of baitfish from below, making the jig's realistic presentation all the more effective. The rise of forward-facing sonar and pressured waters create the need for baitfish imitations that match the size of your lure. For small baits around 3 inches long, use a 1/0 or 2/0 hook size. Baits around 4 inches work well with 2/0 and 3/0 hooks. (This was Gussy's favored jig used to win the Bassmaster Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River.) For baits over 5 inches, use a 4/0 hook size model of these Northland Tackle jigs.
- Gives anglers a premium minnow head that perfectly imitates slender baitfish
- Sticky sharp, strong Gamakatsu hook
- 3D holographic eyes
- Sculpted gill plates for realistic presentation
- The moping technique involves fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on the Smeltinator Jig over deep-suspending smallmouth bass