When the sun rises over the Great Lakes and the water shimmers with the promise of another day, a select group of anglers are already plotting their next move. Among them is Mike Borovic, a name that’s become synonymous with walleye fishing success. Known for his innovative yet practical approach, Borovic has spent years refining a method that’s as effective as it's accessible: bottom bouncing with Mack’s Lure Smile Blades.
Whether you’re a seasoned walleye chaser or just getting started, Borovic’s insights will have you rethinking your approach and reaching for those Smile Blades on your next trip.
Summer on the Great Lakes is a time of abundance—and frustration. As the water warms, walleye behavior changes. Fish that were once eager to chase jigs in the spring become lethargic, hugging the bottom and ignoring traditional presentations. For many anglers, this means a sharp drop in catch rates and a scramble for new tactics.
Mike Borovic has seen it all. “There comes a point in the summer when the fish just don’t want to play the same game,” he explains. “You can keep jigging and hope for the best, or you can adapt.” That’s where bottom bouncing comes in. Unlike trolling crankbaits or casting spoons, bottom bouncing allows for precise, hands-on control. You’re not just dragging a lure through the water—you’re actively presenting it in the strike zone, feeling every bump and nibble.
But what makes Borovic’s approach stand out isn’t just the method—it’s the hardware. Enter the Mack’s Lure Smile Blade, a deceptively simple piece of mylar that’s revolutionized the way anglers target walleye.
At first glance, the Smile Blade might not look like much. It’s a lightweight, crescent-shaped blade made from ultra-thin mylar, available in a dizzying array of colors and sizes. But in the hands of an expert like Borovic, it becomes a deadly tool.
“The Smile Blade is a game changer,” Borovic says. “It spins at incredibly low speeds—down to a quarter mile an hour. That means you can fish slow, really slow, and still get that enticing action that triggers strikes.”
Traditional metal blades need a certain amount of speed to start spinning. Go too slow, and they just flutter or drag. The Smile Blade, on the other hand, spins with the slightest movement. This is crucial in summer when walleyes are often in a neutral or negative feeding mood. They won’t chase a fast-moving lure, but they can’t resist the subtle, hypnotic spin of a Smile Blade crawling along the bottom.
Borovic also loves the tunability of the Smile Blade. “You can bend the blade to get a faster, tighter spin, or spread it out for a wider, more erratic wobble. It’s customizable to the conditions and the mood of the fish.”
With over 40 colors and multiple sizes to choose from, Borovic always has a Smile Blade to match the water clarity, light conditions, and forage base. On sunny days, he might reach for a bright chartreuse or metallic finish. On cloudy or stained water days, he’ll opt for more natural hues like perch or crawfish patterns.
Borovic’s bottom bouncing rig is a study in simplicity and effectiveness. He’s refined it over years of trial and error, and every component serves a purpose.
Borovic also customizes his bouncers for different situations. In weedy areas, he uses long-wire bouncers that ride above the vegetation. On open flats, he prefers bottom-hugger styles that maintain constant contact with the lakebed.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Borovic’s approach is his decision to abandon live bait altogether. For decades, nightcrawlers were the gold standard for walleye harnesses. But Borovic saw an opportunity to simplify and innovate.
“About ten years ago, I made the switch to plastics,” he recalls. “I was tired of dealing with messy crawlers, and I wanted something that would last longer and be easier to handle.”
His go-to plastics are Case Plastics Magic Sticks and Zipper Shakin’ Worms. These soft, supple baits mimic the look and action of real worms, but with added durability and scent retention. Borovic threads them onto the SpinDrift hooks, making sure to leave the tail free for maximum movement.
“I catch just as many fish with plastics as I ever did with live bait,” he asserts. “And I don’t have to worry about keeping crawlers alive or dealing with the mess.”
Plastics also open up a world of color and scent combinations. Borovic experiments with different hues and flavors, matching the hatch or going bold to trigger reaction strikes. On tough days, he’ll dip the tails in garlic or anise oil for an extra punch.
No bottom bouncing setup is complete without the right rod and reel. Borovic is a self-proclaimed gear junkie, but he keeps his recommendations practical.
“A good 7- to 8-foot medium-light rod is ideal,” he says. “You want something with enough backbone to handle a big walleye, but with a sensitive tip to detect light bites and feel the bottom.”
His current favorite is a St. Croix rod paired with a quality spinning reel spooled with a 10- to 12-pound braided line. The braid offers zero stretch, which translates to better sensitivity and hooksets. A short fluorocarbon leader completes the stealthy presentation.
But the real secret to Borovic’s success isn’t the rod or the reel—it’s speed control. “As long as those Smile Blades are turning, I’m a happy guy,” he laughs. “No blades, no fish.”
The unique design of the Smile Blade allows it to spin at ultra-low speeds, down to a quarter mile per hour. This gives Borovic incredible versatility. On days when the fish are active, he can speed up to cover water. When the bite is tough, he slows down to a crawl, keeping the blade spinning and the harness in the strike zone.
He watches his rod tip like a hawk, feeling for the subtle “tick” of a walleye inhaling the bait. When he feels weight, he sweeps the rod back and reels steadily, keeping constant pressure to avoid losing the fish.
With so many Smile Blade options on the market, choosing the right color and size can be daunting. Borovic simplifies the process with a few key guidelines.
“Start with natural colors in clear water—perch, crawfish, or shad patterns,” he advises. “If the water is stained or it’s overcast, go brighter—chartreuse, orange, or metallic finishes.”
Size matters, too. Smaller blades are less intrusive and work well in calm conditions or when fish are finicky. Larger blades create more flash and vibration, which can be the ticket on windy days or in dirty water.
Borovic keeps a selection of Smile Blades in his tackle box and isn’t afraid to experiment. “Some days, the fish want something wild. Other days, they’re all about subtlety. Don’t be afraid to switch it up until you find what works.”
After a successful day on the water, Borovic’s attention turns to the kitchen. He’s as passionate about cooking as he is about fishing, and his signature walleye recipe is a closely guarded secret—until now.
The key, he says, is to treat the fish with respect. “Walleye is such a delicate, delicious fish. You don’t want to overpower it.”
Borovic starts by soaking the fillets overnight in cold water. He’s adamant about using plastic or glass bowls—never metal, which can impart off-flavors. In the morning, he drains and rinses the fillets, then layers them in a baking dish.
Here’s his go-to recipe:
He pours the wine over the fillets, dots them with butter, and seasons liberally. The dish goes into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork “The smoked paprika gives it a beautiful color and a subtle depth of flavor,” Borovic says. “Even people who say they don’t like fish end up loving this recipe.”
Mike Borovic’s approach to bottom bouncing with Mack’s Lure Smile Blades is more than just a technique—it’s a philosophy. It’s about adapting to the conditions, embracing innovation, and never being afraid to try something new.
“Sometimes change is good, and sometimes change is necessary to be successful,” he reflects. “Fishing is all about learning and evolving. The fish are always changing, so we have to change with them.”
For Borovic, the Smile Blade isn’t just a lure—it’s a symbol of that spirit. Lightweight, versatile, and endlessly customizable, it embodies the creativity and persistence that define great anglers.
So next time you’re faced with a tough bite, take a page from Mike Borovic’s playbook. Rig up a Smile Blade, and fine-tune your speed and trust in the process. With a little patience and a lot of passion, you just might find yourself enjoying the best walleye fishing—and eating—of your life.
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