By Eric Braaten, Macks Lure Pro Staff
In the past several decades or so, many walleye fisherman have used a variation of hooks on crawler harness’ to deceive walleye during the year. There have been several tackle manufacturers that have used the spinning hook design to capitalize on hypnotizing walleye.
The spinning crawler hook craze started years back with the Tru Turn Hooks hook that bent an Aberdeen hook near top of shaft to create a specific bend to turn hook into the fish on the hookset. Walleye fisherman around the country saw an added benefit with that hook and that was the spinning of the crawler also attracted walleye bites.

Since then, manufacturers have designed different hooks that spin that nightcrawler. Some designs have caught more fisherman than walleye, but they all essentially do spin the bait and some very well.
Mustad came out with the “slow death” hook which designed rolling bend mid shank has been a standard with many walleye fisherman the softer bend allowed a consistent spin when crawler is pinched off leaving ½ “ tag end which is used as a counter balance and allows hook to spin better.

Mustad in recent years, designed the “super slow death” hook came out with a deeper bend design mid shank that will spin without pinching crawler and will easily spin artificial baits. This has been a game changer to walleye fishing options.

VMC Spindrift Hook has a roller bearing swivel at top to allow smooth spinning action and later VMC© came out with VMC Crawler Hauler Hook© design which has unique bend and crawler keeper barb mid shaft, this hook may have been discontinued.

Matzuo came out with Death Roll hooks, then changed name to Rip n Roll comes with or without a swivel spinning hook. The roller bearing design may have been discontinued recently the availability is slim.

Berkley has recently come out with Fusion 19 Slow Turn hooks that include a worm keeper barb on top. These have a heavier hook and bend to turn anything from natural baits to artificial.

Gamakatzu has the Spin Bait hook that uses a roller bearing swivel design to assist with spinning.

Mack's Lure: Deadliest Hooks Options for Walleye
Mack’s Lure uses a few of these popular hooks coupled with the spinning and attraction of the Macks Lure Smile Blades and floats offering several crawler spinning options for walleye fisherman. Here is a breakdown of their deadly products!
Smile Blade Slow Death Pro
First, The Smile Blade Slow Death Pro (my favorite) offers a 0.8 smile blade with 3 beads and Mustad UV dipped hook. This is the original slow death hook which works best by pinching crawler ½’ past bend. I use this spring and summer when bouncing for walleyes. I like to troll this bait at .08 -1.1 mph. This spinner is offered in several color combo options. Check out the UV smile blade options with this spinner too.
PRO TIP: Use this lure in early spring and mid summer!

Smile Blade Super Slow Death
Secondly, Mack’s Lures offers the Smile Blade Super Slow Death offers a 1.1 smile blade with small beads and stacked beaded body with the Mustad© Super Slow death hook. This is a larger profile bait and is great for Summer and Fall. Walleyes love this larger bait and with the super death hook spinning that crawler it is surely a deadly option. I like to troll this bait a little faster at 0.9 – 1.2 mph. This spinner is offered in several color options.

Smile Blade Spindrift Walleye
Third option from Mack’s Lure is the Smile Blade Spindrift Walleye spinner. This offers a 1.1 smile blade with small beads, a pill float and uses the VMC© spindrift hook. The crawler effortlessly spins but is balance with float. This is a great option in current, rivers and areas there are weeds. Great option for weed lines. I like to troll this at 0.9 – 1.2 mph. I troll this spinner on deep weed lines in late summer and early fall. The float allows this to float up from bouncer. This is also a great spinner to use with snap weights for suspended walleyes. This spinner is offered in several color options.

Smile Blade Slow Death
The final option Mack’s Lures offers is the Smile Blade Slow Death spinner. This offers 1.1 smile blade with 3 bead and original Mustad slow death hook. This provides a larger smile blade with a smaller profile. This spinner is a great option for stained water and mid-summer minnow diets walleyes have. I like to troll this at .08 - 1.1 mph. This spinner is offered in several color options.

Walleye Pro-Tip
When you want a Walleye “Go to” option that will put fish in the boat. Try these deadly options from Mack’s Lure.
Eric Braaten - Mack’s Lures Pro Staff
Walleye Fishing Expert
