Fishing Sunset Country with Jeff "Gussy" Gustafson

Fall Fishing: A Day in Sunset Country with Jeff Gustafson

Welcome to Sunset Country

Imagine this: you’re a pro bass angler who’s been crisscrossing the U.S. all year, hauling in fish and hauling yourself to every big tournament. So, what do you do when the season ends?

If you're Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, you head home to Kenora, Ontario, hop in your Lund boat, grab your wife Shelby, and chase some of the fattest, feistiest fall fish Sunset Country has to offer.

That’s not vacation—that’s just a typical day off.

The Pike Are Plump and the Weather’s Prime

The story kicks off with a bang—literally the first cast. Jeff sets the hook, Shelby grabs the net, and boom: the first pike of the day is a certified chunk.

"That is as big as you get for these pike out here without getting ridiculous," Jeff grins, hoisting a beast with battle scars and belly girth to match.

And here’s the thing: this isn’t a fluke. These big-water pike migrate from their summer weed haunts to rocky points and offshore reefs as autumn rolls in, gorging themselves on whitefish and ciscos like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet before winter hits.

Bigger Baits, Bigger Battles

Jeff’s not switching to heavy-duty gear here. No sir. He’s tossing oversized jerkbaits on bass tackle, and the results are electric.

"You don't get a lot of them, but when you do, they’re tanks." And he’s right—each one is thick-bodied, heavy, and hits like a freight train.

Even Shelby gets in on the action, earning her crown as the “Ned Rig Queen” with a fish of her own. Pike are in full swing.

From Pike to Bass to Dinner

Once the big predators have stretched their lines and arms, it's time to pivot. Next stop: smallmouth bass and walleyes. Why? Because it’s Lake of the Woods, and out here, the species selection is like scrolling a buffet menu.

And let’s talk about the gear. Jeff’s rig, a Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass, is a floating fortress. With room for 20+ rods, five batteries, sonar for days, and enough storage to make a tackle shop jealous, this thing is his office on the water—and he’s definitely the CEO of catching fish.

Electronics: The Secret Weapon of the Modern Angler

"I don’t even put a line in until I see fish on the screen." That’s the level we’re working with here. Jeff uses his fish finder like a pro (because, well… he is one). As he scans a hump, the screen lights up like a Vegas jackpot. Walleyes—stacked like pancakes on a Sunday morning. A few minutes later? Dinner is secured.

Bassmaster Dreams, Sunset Country Reality

Earlier that year, Jeff notched his first Bassmaster Elite win in Knoxville, Tennessee—using the same Z-Man Jerk Shad rig he uses at home. That’s the magic of Sunset Country: the techniques that win trophies in the U.S. are just another day on the water here.

And while the trophy bass win was sweet, Jeff’s smile is wider chasing pike with his wife, catching dinner with friends, and showing off the beauty of his own backyard.

What’s Next? A Little Hunting, Of Course

After a day of chasing apex fish, Jeff’s not heading to the couch. Nope—he’s swapping rods for rifles, prepping for a little whitetail action.

Because up here, fall isn't just a season—it’s a way of life.

Why Fall in Sunset Country Is the Ultimate Reset Button

Fall in Northwestern Ontario is more than golden leaves and crisp air. It’s giant pike exploding on jerkbaits, bass leaping from clear water, and walleyes lining up for your frying pan. It's also about time—time with loved ones, time away from the hustle, and time reconnecting with the outdoors.

And if you're lucky, you just might get a first-cast pike that bends your rod in half and your smile all the way across your face.

FAQs

Q: When’s the best time for fall fishing in Sunset Country?

A: Mid-October is prime—cooler temps push the fish offshore, and they’re feeding hard before winter.

Q: What gear does Jeff use for pike fishing?

A: Oversized bass jerkbaits on standard bass rods. No need for musky tackle here unless you want to make it a workout.

Q: Do I need a boat like Jeff’s to fish Sunset Country?

A: Not necessarily. A quality multi-species boat helps, but fish can be caught from smaller boats, too. Electronics do give you a major edge, though.

Q: Can I fish and hunt in the same trip?

A: Absolutely. That’s one of the biggest perks of Northwestern Ontario—world-class fishing and hunting, all in the same zip code.

Q: Where can I stay if I want to fish Lake of the Woods?

A: Plenty of lodges, cabins, and outfitters operate in the area—many with boat rentals and guides if you’re new to the game. Visit visitsunsetcountry.com.