Early autumn marks one of the best windows of the year for muskie anglers to break out the big topwaters. Weed growth has peaked, shallow cover is abundant, and both baitfish and predators are pushing out of deep, open water to prowl the shallows. With tall, cresting weed tops making sub-surface baits difficult to fish cleanly, this is prime time to unleash a surface lure like the Livingston Lures Big Makk.
The Big Makk is a tail-rotating topwater that captures the essence of the classic prop-style muskie lure and refines it with Livingston’s signature innovation. Equipped with EBS™ Technology, the Big Makk not only churns water and throws spray but also emits the natural sounds of fleeing baitfish. This combination of commotion and realism draws fish in from remarkable distances, making it a lethal choice when muskies are holding shallow during early fall transitions.
The Simplicity of Power
What makes the Big Makk so effective is its simplicity. A steady retrieve activates the rotating tail, creating a rhythmic churn and a visible wake that mimics struggling prey. The faster you reel, the more intense the surface disturbance making it perfect for calling up fish in choppy or overcast conditions. Slow the retrieve in calm water to maintain a subtle, teasing action. Either way, the lure’s balance and sound signature do the heavy lifting.
The Big Makk excels when paired with another angler throwing a subsurface lure, like a bucktail or crankbait. When a muskie refuses a deep presentation, a noisy surface bait can be the trigger. It’s also a deadly option for targeting active fish cruising weed edges, shallow flats, or rock transitions.
Hooking Up and Holding On
Patience is key when fishing the Big Makk. Muskies are notorious for swirling or bulging behind a surface lure before actually striking. Don’t set the hook until you feel the weight of the fish ad many hookups are lost to premature hooksets. Sharp hooks, a smooth drag, and a long rod of 9 feet or more give you better control and figure-8 leverage when a muskie follows to the boat.
The Perfect Tandem Approach
The Big Makk also shines in tandem with zigzag-style “walk-the-dog” baits like Livingston’s Walking Boss. The lead angler can cover water quickly with the Big Makk’s straight-retrieve presentation, while a partner follows up with a side-to-side surface bait to trigger any followers. This one-two punch is especially deadly during fall cold fronts when muskies are more prone to follow than commit.
Fall’s Topwater Advantage
When the first cool nights of autumn arrive, the Big Makk belongs on your deck. Its prop-driven noise, lifelike sound output, and proven ability to handle thick vegetation make it one of the most dependable topwater baits for early to mid-fall muskies. Cast it beyond weed tops, over shallow rock humps, or tight to shoreline cover—anywhere a giant might ambush from below.
In a season where timing and presentation make all the difference, the Big Makk proves that simple, loud, and smart still wins.
Steven Paul
Musky and Pike Expert
About the Featured Expert — Steve Herbeck
Steve Herbeck is one of North America's most respected musky fishing guides, educators, and trophy muskellunge experts, with a professional career spanning more than four decades. A former owner and longtime head guide at Andy Myers Lodge on Ontario's legendary Eagle Lake, Herbeck has spent decades developing advanced strategies for locating and catching giant muskies across the Canadian Shield and northern United States. Recognized for his extensive knowledge of musky behavior, seasonal movements, lure presentations, and trophy fish patterns, Herbeck has influenced generations of serious musky anglers through professional guiding, seminars, writing, and innovative fishing techniques. As a longtime Livingston Lures professional team member, Herbeck contributes his firsthand fishing expertise to lure testing, product development, and predator fishing education.
Steve Herbeck Professional Biography | Livingston Lures Pro Team
About the Author — Steven Paul
Steven Paul is a professional angler, USCG-licensed captain, internationally award-winning fishing lure designer, author, and Chief Development Director for Livingston Lures. As the Tennessee state-record muskellunge holder, Paul spends more than 300 days annually on the water guiding, developing fishing tackle, and studying predator behavior. He is the author of Next Level Musky Fishing and Musky IQ: Analyze & Execute, a contributing writer for Field & Stream and Great Lakes Angler, and the owner and host of Musky 360. His work with Livingston Lures combines firsthand fishing knowledge, professional angler interviews, and practical lure engineering.
Steven Paul Professional Biography | Livingston Lures Pro Team
