February Pro Picks

In February, anglers are gearing up for an exciting transition in fishing conditions. This month marks the beginning of late winter to early spring fishing, offering new opportunities and challenges. Mack’s Lure has curated a selection of pro picks tailored specifically for this time of year.

These lures in this collection work well in winter because they allow for slow presentations, which is crucial when fish are lethargic due to cold water. The ability to fish these lures slowly and with subtle actions matches the reduced metabolism and activity levels of fish in winter. Additionally, the flash and vibration produced by the following lures can attract fish from a distance, even when they’re not actively feeding

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Walleye

SD Jig: The versatile SD (Slow Death) jig is designed for a slow, subtle action, which is ideal for lethargic winter fish.It’s effective when fished along the bottom, where walleye often hold during colder months. It can be cast and trolled.
Sonic BaitFish: This versatile lure can be cast, swam, jigged or trolled, making it ideal for walleye fishing in colder waters. Its multiple attachment points allow for fluid action that can entice strikes from lethargic winter walleye.
Smile Blade: Available in 18 color options, this blade provides excellent action to attract walleye effectively.
Smile Blade Slow Death Rig: Combines a Smile Blade with a Slow Death hook for a spinning corkscrew action at ultra-slow speed. Ideal for bottom bouncing and enticing lethargic walleye in cold water.
Smile Blade SpinDrift Walleye: Features Cha Cha pill floats, Smile Blade, and VMC Spindrift hook for free-flowing rotation. Excellent for slow presentations with a unique wiggle and flash to attract walleye.
Smile Blade Super Slow Death: Heavy-duty version with a Mustad hook and Smile Blade for trolling or drifting. Great for trolling at slow speeds, especially in colder conditions.

Trout

In winter, trout metabolism slows down, so your presentation needs to match. Keep your retrieves and trolling speeds slower than usual. For the Sonic BaitFish, troll at speeds between 1.2-1.4 mph

Sonic BaitFish: This versatile lure is excellent for winter trout fishing due to its ability to be cast, jigged, or trolled. Its multiple attachment points allow for fluid action that can entice strikes from lethargic winter trout.
Wedding Ring: A classic and versatile lure that works well for trout, especially when trolled slowly in colder waters.
Cripplure: This proven trout lure features a specially designed ring chamber that emits a unique sound to attract fish, making it effective in colder conditions
Hum Dinger: Available in two sizes, this spoon emits a constant “hum” that attracts trout and creates strikes.
Glo Hook: Non-weighted and highly effective for catching trout in ice fishing applications. Try a #6 Glo Hook tipped with maggots, corn, or meal worms.

Kokanee
For winter kokanee fishing, the most effective colors are: Pink (especially hot pink and bubblegum pink), Orange, Chartreuse/Green, and Silver/Chrome.

Cha Cha 1.5 Kokanee: Features a two-hook, no-gap squidder setup tailored for kokanee’s small mouth.
Smile Blade Kokanee Hoochie: Features a highly visible Smile Blade UV Glo Burst, making it effective for attracting kokanee in winter conditions.
Double Whammy Kokanee Pro: Highly effective for kokanee, featuring two razor-sharp hooks.
Sonic BaitFish: This versatile lure is excellent for winter kokanee fishing due to its ability to be cast, jigged, or trolled. Its multiple attachment points allow for fluid action that can entice strikes from lethargic winter kokanee.
Wedding Ring: A classic and versatile lure that works well for kokanee, especially when trolled slowly in colder waters.

Panfish

Pee Wee Spinner Hoochie: Pre-rigged with double hooks and a willowleaf blade, its smaller size makes it great for panfish.
Sonic BaitFish: This versatile lure is excellent for winter panfish fishing. It can be cast, jigged, or trolled, and its multiple attachment points allow for fluid action that can entice strikes from lethargic winter fish.
Wedding Ring: A classic and versatile lure that works well for panfish, especially when trolled slowly in colder waters.
Smile Blade Kokanee Hoochie: Features a highly visible Smile Blade UV Glo Burst, making it effective for attracting panfish in winter conditions.
Glo Hooks: Non-weighted and highly effective for catching panfish in ice fishing applications. Try a #6 Glo Hook tipped with maggots, corn, or meal worm

Ice Fishing

Ice Rig Value Pack: An all-in-one ice jigging kit that includes a Sling Blade and either a Hum Dinger 1/8 oz. or Glo Hooks.
Sonic BaitFish: Can be jigged effectively through the ice for various species.
Glo Hooks: Non-weighted and highly effective for catching any species in ice fishing applications.

Kayak Angling

Wedding Ring: A classic and versatile lure that works well for kayak fishing, especially for trout and kokanee.
Smile Blade Kokanee Hoochie: Features a highly visible Smile Blade UV Glo Burst, making it effective for kayak anglers targeting kokanee.
Sonic BaitFish: Can be jigged effectively through the ice for various species.
Glo Hooks: Non-weighted and highly effective for catching any species in ice fishing applications.

Canada-Specific Use
For fishing in Ontario, Canada, particularly in the area above the Minnesota boundary waters:

Sonic BaitFish: Effective for walleye and smallmouth bass, which are common in this region.
Hum Dinger: Works well for trout species found in Canadian lakes.
Remember to check local regulations and adjust your fishing techniques according to the specific water bodies you’re targeting in Canada.