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A Noteworthy Combo: SD Jig and Hitch

A Noteworthy Combo: SD Jig and Hitch

By J. Foster

I first discovered the SD Drift Jig and Hitch last summer when I was struggling to catch walleye during a tough bite. Bob Schmidt recommended I give this new release from Mack's Lure a try, and I’m glad I did. 

The first thing that caught my eye was its unique design. It’s not your average jig, that’s for sure. The SD Drift Jig has a long, slender 3/8 oz jig head with a Deep-V hook. This hook design ensures solid hookups even when those finicky walleye are just nipping at your bait. But what really sets this jig apart is the Hitch. It’s a 1-inch wire fitted with the tried and proven Smile Blade 1.1, and it’s been a game-changer for me. 

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20% off 3-Pack (Applied in Cart)

The SD Hitch can be added to any jig. It is sold as a separate component and comes in a 3-pack in various colors, including UV options. 

As you know, Smile Blades offer lifelike action at incredibly slow speeds - we’re talking as low as 1/4 mph. This combo makes this lure perfect for targeting lethargic fish, especially during colder months or when fishing deeper water. The blade’s design allows for a slow, fluttering fall that mimics a wounded baitfish perfectly.

One of the coolest features of the SD Jig and Hitch combo is how versatile it is. You can cast it, troll it, jig it vertically, or even use it for ice fishing. I’ve had success with all these methods, but let me share a few specific techniques that I think you'll find useful.

Slow Drifting the SD Jig for Walleye

For walleye, I love using a slow drift technique. I’ll let the boat drift with the wind or current and/or use my trolling motor to maintain a speed of about 0.8-1.2 mph. The key is to keep your line vertical and let the jig work its magic near the bottom. The Smile Blade creates just enough flash and vibration to attract nearby walleye, even in stained water.

When it comes to trout fishing, especially in lakes, I’ve found that a slow retrieve with occasional pauses can be deadly effective. The fluttering action of the Smile Blade on the fall seems to trigger strikes from even the most hesitant trout.

It Works for Ice Fishing

I’ve even had success using this setup for ice fishing. The slow fall rate and the flash from the Smile Blade are irresistible to walleye and perch under the ice. I’ll drop it down to the bottom, then slowly lift and lower it about 6-12 inches. The Smile Blade spins on both the lift and the fall, creating a constant attractor.

Limits Snagging 

Fish Weeds and Rocky Bottoms with Fewer Snags: The SD Drift Jig in UV Glow Burst also shines when it comes to fishing around structure. Its design allows it to come through weeds and over rocky bottoms with minimal snagging. This is a huge advantage when you’re targeting walleye that are holding tight to cover and you need enticing action on every drop. The blade’s shape and material allow it to create both flash and vibration that fish can detect even in low-visibility conditions. 

One of the most interesting aspects of the SD Jig and Hitch is how it seems to trigger a feeding response in fish, even when they’re not actively feeding. I’ve had days where conventional jigs or crankbaits weren’t getting any attention, but switching to the SD Jig and Hitch turned things around completely.

Why it Works

I think a lot of this has to do with the unique combination of visual and vibrational cues that this setup provides. The flash of the Smile Blade attracts attention from a distance, while the subtle vibrations it produces seem to mimic the movements of live prey. When you add in the realistic appearance of the jig head and any live or soft plastic bait you’re using, it creates a presentation that fish find hard to resist.

This jig features a keeper that holds your bait securely in place. I’ve had great success tipping it with a minnow or a soft plastic grub. The combination of the Smile Blade’s action and the natural movement of the bait is often too much for walleye to resist.

Extra Points for Versatility 

What’s really impressive about the SD Drift Jig is its effectiveness across different seasons and conditions. In the summer, I’ve used it to target suspended walleye in deeper water. The slow fall rate allows you to keep the jig in the strike zone longer, which is crucial when the fish are scattered.

During the fall, when walleye are often feeding heavily in preparation for winter, I’ve found that a more aggressive jigging action with the SD Drift Jig can trigger some explosive strikes. The Smile Blade creates extra flash and vibration that seems to really appeal to actively feeding fish.

Trout Love the Fluttering Action

But it’s not just walleye that this jig excels at catching. I’ve had great success using it for trout, especially in lakes. The slow, fluttering action seems to mimic a wounded baitfish perfectly, and I’ve caught some beautiful rainbow and brown trout on it.

Effective Color Options

The jig head itself is also worth mentioning. It’s got a highly visible glow eye and comes in a variety of paint schemes. This visual appeal, combined with the action of the Smile Blade, creates a presentation that triggers both the visual and lateral line senses of predatory fish.

The versatility of this lure extends to its color options as well. It comes in a variety of colors, including UV, to match different water conditions and forage bases. I’ve found that in clear water, more natural colors like silver or white work best. In stained water, brighter colors like chartreuse or orange seem to get more attention.

Customizable Action – Shake, Spin, or Wobble

One tip I’ve learned is to experiment with the angle of the Smile Blade. You can adjust it to create different actions - a wider angle for a slower, rolling wobble, or a narrower angle for a more aggressive shake and spin. This adjustability allows you to fine-tune your presentation based on how the fish are responding. Experimentation, observation, and keeping an open mind to learn something new are attributes are as important as the tackle I use.

Parting Thought

Next time you’re out on the water and the bite is tough, give the SD Jig and Hitch a try. You might just be surprised at how effective this little combo can be. It just might earn a  top spot in your tackle box, as did in mine. 

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