Plano’s Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson Pulls Off Wire-To-Wire Win at the Bassmaster Elite Tennessee River in Knoxville
Plano®, makers of premium tackle storage products, has been synonymous with supporting bass fishing at all levels and no angler embodies that commitment more than Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. This past weekend, Gussy capped off the most unlikely fishing story in recent history with his epic wire-to-wire win of the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennesee. With a four-day total of 63 lbs., Gussy held off all challengers and won by more than 7 lbs. for his first BASS Elite Series win.
Oddly enough, all 20 of Gustafson’s bass were smallmouth. Similar to his home fisheries, Gussy found the right combination that lead to his winning catch. He was able to zone in on a subtle pattern that not only produced quantity but also quality fish. In a channel that connects Tellico Lake to Fort Loudoun Reservoir, he found bass hunkered down around the hard bottom and rocks in 18 to 20 feet of water to avoid the current. There were also huge congregations of shad in these spots and the smallies were gorging on them.
After winning the 2021 Bassmaster Elite at Tennessee River, Gustafson recalled those who’d helped shape his passion for the sport. “My dad took me fishing every chance I wanted to go when I was a kid and I just caught the bug for it,” Gustafson said. “This is my whole life doing this stuff. It means everything to me. I think about a lot of people that I did it for, my family and I have a lot of good buddies at home that have the talent to do this and just have a different direction in their lives.”
Gustafson relies on Plano tackle storage to give him an EDGE. Throughout the season, Gussy might be on the road for more than 60 days without being able to restock on gear. Whether on the water or traveling to a different event, Plano EDGE tackle storage solutions helps keep is tackle safe, organized and accessible.
“Plano is incredibly proud of Gussy and the way he performed and conducted himself this past weekend,” said Chris Russell, Marketing Director for Plano Synergy Fishing. “Gussy is a fan-favorite on the Bassmaster Elite Tour. We’re very excited about this win for him and his family and are confident that he and other BASS anglers like him will continue to be solid ambassadors for our sport and our brands.”
PLANO FISHING IS PROUD TO BE THE GO-TO FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE SOLUTIONS WITH MORE THAN 65 YEARS OF HISTORY TO BACK IT UP. Since 1952, when Warren “Pete” Henning returned from a Florida fishing trip with the desire to improve the tackle box, Plano has become the standard in modern tackle boxes and storage solutions. Over the next 65 years, the Plano brand has found its way into the hearts and hands of four generations. Today, there’s a four in five chance that if you own a tackle box, it was made by Plano. There are many reasons consumers faithfully choose Plano, including quality, durability and innovation, but our favorite is, “It’s what my dad always used.” We take care of you by taking care of your gear. Thank you for trusting us to PROTECT YOUR PASSION.For more information, please visit WWW.PLANOMOLDING.COM
