Elite

Tour the Classic champ’s boat

Posted on
Photography by
Craig Lamb
The 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series began in February, with a day of boat inspections, photo galleries and meetings for the pros. Here is Jeff “Gussy’ Gustafson preparing his boat for the season on the shoreline of Toledo Bend Reservoir. 
Gussy is sporting a new wrap for his boat and truck with longtime sponsor Northland Tackle.
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Gussy’s boat of choice is this Lund Pro-V Bass XS with a hull length of 20 feet, 10 inches and a beam of 96 inches. The boat has a fuel capacity of 49 gallons with a 10-foot maximum rod length for the center storage compartment. 
The “front office” space has a Minn Kota Ultrex QUES with the 52-inch shaft. Forward-facing sonar units fill the space, along with a Minn Kota Talon foot tap switch to quickly deploy or stow the shallow water anchors. 
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The boat was custom rigged at Hennessey Outdoor Electronics in Dayton, Tenn. Hennessy is known for designing its own custom mounting brackets to fit the needs of customers.  
Hennessey designed this custom dual-mount bracket for the forward electronics.
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At the console is a Humminbird Apex 13 and Humminbird Solix 12, one used for mapping and the other for side imaging and down imaging. 
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A Quad Lock Smartphone Mount for securing and charging the phone. 
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Gussy’s friend Terry Parisien beaded this key chain for Gussy’s boat. “I’ve had it four years, and it’s been a great good luck charm,” he said. 
The Lund features these easy-access battery compartments where the cranking and accessory batteries are stored. 
In the compartments are three 100Ah 12v batteries in a 36v system. 
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The T-H Marine FingerFlex Blinker-Style Trim Switch is used to trim the jackplate. 
A Bluetooth Talon Shallow Water Anchor Remote can be removed to operate the anchors from anywhere in the boat. 
“It amazes me how many anglers don’t carry a basic toolbox for boat repairs on the water,” Gussy said.
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The Lund features a jump seat when extra seating is needed for passengers. When stowed it adds space to the back deck. 
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An added bonus is the below-seat storage compartment. 
The decal installation, truck and boat wrap job were performed by ZDecals of Flowery Brach, Ga. 
Like many other pros, Gussy stores his Humminbird LakeMaster mapping cards in a waterproof storage box. 
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Crankbait boxes fill the forward starboard storage compartment. 
The middle storage is for apparel and other bulky gear. 
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Rods fill the cavernous center storage compartment. 
The port side compartment is the main storage space for most of the lures and related tackle needed for a tournament. 
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Z-Man soft plastics are stored in their packages for easy identification. 
At the stern is a M-Y Wedge transom saver that fits over the outboard’s trim and tilt position. 
Nearby is the T-H Marine ATLAS Hydraulic Jack Plate. 
Gussy opts for 12-foot Minn Kota Talons for deeper-water anchoring needs. 
A 250 hp Mercury Pro XS powers the Lund. 
Also, an added safety feature is this T-H Marine 4-inch Steer Stop Outboard Hydraulic Steering Lock.

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