Walleye anglers have a new bait for targeting fish through both open water and ice. The Mack’s Lure Smile Blade SD Drift Jig was unveiled on July 26, 2023.
The Smile Blade SD Drift jig is currently available in 3/8 ounce sizes. This jig features a Mack’s Lure Smile Blade SD Hitch, a 1″ wire paired with a 1.1″ Smile Blade, which spins as the jig rises and falls. What makes this set up unique is that the jig and blade will not foul.
The Smile Blade SD Drift Jig can be fished a variety of ways, including casted, trolled, or jigged vertically. Anglers will find success pitching and slowly retrieving the bait, actively jigging over deeper water, or retrieved on a lift and fall technique.
Nick Harrington, a Mack’s Lure Pro, was able to test the jig in its development. In testing, Harrington tipped the bait with both a 3″ paddletail swimbait to get a sense of the action and a plain minnow.
“I found it is best fished with a straight retrieve,” stated Harrington. “I recommend that steady retrieve to keep the blade constantly turning. I did also find the blade pulled flat produced the best action/feel.”
Harrington confirmed that foul or wrapping of the blade was not an issue. Even when fishing these baits in windy conditions, the baits would not foul.
“Steady does seem to be the key to success,” concluded Harrington. “This is an exciting new bait, and I would encourage anglers to give this a try throughout the entire season.”
Check your favorite tackle shop for the Mack’s Lure Smile Blade SD Drift jig or purchase online on Mack’s Lure’s website.
