Now available in new 3/4 oz and 1 oz options. The proven Smeltinator head profile, now with added punch and attraction. Premium SPRO ball-bearing swivel paired with a compact, nickel-plated willow blade for extra flash and vibration Equipped with an ultra-sharp, ultra-strong Gamakatsu hook Ideal for pressured, picky bass that hesitate to commit The Bassmaster Classic–winning Smeltinator jig was developed by Canadian angler Bryan Gustafson. Its evolution was shaped by more than two decades of collaboration with Bassmaster Elite pro Jeff Gustafson and Northland Tackle founder John Peterson. The Smeltinator was engineered as a high-end minnow head that convincingly mimics slim baitfish common across the Northern U.S. and Canada. Bryan worked closely with John on the production process to bring the design to market. After years of success on Canada’s tournament circuit, Jeff Gustafson went on to earn over $400,000 in B.A.S.S. events, including the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. In 2023 Bryan licensed Smeltinator production to Northland Tackle, reuniting the three forces that created and popularized this jig. What sets the Smeltinator apart are the premium details. A sticky-sharp Gamakatsu hook—trusted on the tournament trail—anchors the head. Lifelike 3D holographic eyes and sculpted gill plates deliver a realistic, highly tempting profile. The universal ribbed baitkeeper secures soft plastics without shredding them like older-style baitkeepers. The Smeltinator lineup includes four weights (1/8 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz) and five hook sizes (1/0–5/0), making it versatile for many soft-plastic applications. With forward-facing sonar and heavy fishing pressure becoming more common, accurate baitfish imitations—whether small perch or larger shad—are increasingly important. For small finesse swimbaits and minnow-style plastics around 3" long, the 1/0 or 2/0 hooks are most popular. Use 2/0 or 3/0 for baits near 4". The sizes Gussy favored during his Bassmaster Elite and Classic victories on the Tennessee River were paired with 4" and 5" minnow baits. For lures over 5" anglers typically step up to 4/0 or 5/0 hooks.
