If you’re looking to stack up walleye this season, take a page out of J Rod Angling’s playbook.
In his latest YouTube video, “Walleye Smackdown with Mack’s Lure,” he shows just how effective a finely tuned trolling setup can be when paired with classic Mack’s components like the Wedding Ring Classic Blade, tapered beads, and Cha Cha Float. The result? Fish in the boat fast.
This isn't just a casual morning on the water, it’s a full-on multi-species takedown, with walleyes, bass, and even a surprise trophy catfish hitting the net.
J Rod opens with a simple but deadly setup: a #3.5 Indiana blade on a double hook rig, paired with a crawler and trolled behind a bottom bouncer. Water temps were hovering around 70°F, perfect for a slightly faster trolling speed, 1.3 to 1.5 mph, which gave that Indiana blade just the right spin.
”When the water temp warms up, these hard blades really come alive. You can troll a little faster and still get that perfect action,” J Rod explains.
The addition of Mack’s Cha Cha Float gave the bait extra lift, visibility, and action in the water column, a key trigger when targeting bottom-hugging walleye.
To give the rig a final edge, the team adds scent, applying it directly to the blade and float. This subtle detail often makes the difference, especially in stained water or pressured areas.
And sure enough, the bites come quick and consistent, from eater-sized walleye to feisty bass and even panfish.
While the goal was walleye, Mack’s gear proved it’s built for more than one target. Along the way, they land: Smallmouth bass, Perch, A surprise 15–20 lb channel catfish And, of course, plenty of walleye.
That giant catfish (caught on the same Mack’s rig) put on a serious fight. Hooked right in the nose, it tested the gear, the angler, and everyone’s nerves before being brought boat-side and released
“These lures catch everything that swims,” J Rod notes. “Perch, bass, sturgeon, walleye, you name it.”
Here are a few key takeaways from the day:
The video ends with a triple hookup, a boat full of happy anglers, and a livewell loaded with walleye and bonus species. It’s a clear reminder that with the right presentation, Mack’s Lure products can consistently deliver, no matter the target.
If you're heading out for walleye (or any warmwater species) Mack's Lure gives you the tools to adapt and succeed. The Wedding Ring Classic Blade, Cha Cha Float, and tapered beads make a versatile, deadly combination when paired with a crawler and bottom bouncer.
Check out J Rod Angling’s full video for on-the-water action, live rigging demos, and proof that the "smackdown" is real.
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