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Summer 2022
page 44
football heads with that same hook. It’s beautiful for fishing deeper water and current.”
When fish are feeding on the bottom, Gustafson favors the Ned rig over others because the head design allows the bait to stand upright due to the high floatation plastic used in Z-Man plastics.
Gussy advises not to get into a game of “feeling the bite” or feeding it line to check for weight.
“The hookset for me is quick and fast,” he shared. “I’m setting the hook when I feel anything different or feel the bite. There is no letting them swim with it or take it; you get a bite, you set the hook. Usually, they’ll be hooked in the top of the mouth, where you want them.”
PLASTICS
Predominantly, Gustafson fishes a Z-Man Hula StickZ in green pumpkin. Though it is a 4-inch bait, he’ll trim it accordingly to match the hatch.
Make sure they’re perfectly straight on the jig’s hook. If not, the bait will tumble and spiral unnaturally, creating unnecessary line twists and making the bait appear abnormal as it descends through the water column.
“I take much pride in this and if there is any bend or twist in my setup, I’ll pull the bait off and do it again,” he said. “It takes some practice, but it will pay off for you. The other thing you always want to do when using ElaZtech plastics on jig heads is to use super glue to hold the bait on. I like the Loc- Tite Gel the best because it’s
not messy and works well.”
RETRIEVE
Gustafson will shake the bait carefully, keeping it in its place for a minute before moving on to the next pitch. He rarely drags the bait much.
When fish are feeding on the bottom, Gustafson favors the Ned rig over others because the head design allows the bait to stand upright due to the high floatation plastic used in Z-Man plastics.
In river situations, like the St. Lawrence, Columbia, St. Clair or Niagara, drifting with a Ned bait is very effective. Lighter heads will never make it to the bottom nor be able to tick along the bottom as needed.
GEAR
Too light a rod and you’ll never drive the hook in; too heavy and you’ll tear it out. Gustafson recommends the technique-specific Ned Rig rod (NRX+ 821S NRR) When fishing around cover and he needs to lean on fish, he’ll opt for the NRX+ 852S JWR. Paired with a Shimano Stella FK 3000, spooled with 10-pound Power Pro braided line, he’ll run a 10-pound Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon leader the length of his rod.
Of note, Gustafson only fishes yellow braided line.
“It allows me to watch and know instantly when my jig hits bottom so I can start shaking it or feel for a bite,” he said. “The odd time a fish eats the jig while it’s sinking, and you see that as well.” •