top of page
Search

Livingston Lures Pounder: The Ultimate Musky Crankbait for Year-Round Success

Writer: Steven Paul Steven Paul


Why You Should Be Throwing the Livingston Lures Pounder: The Ultimate All Year Musky Crankbait


When it comes to musky fishing, deep and mid-depth running crankbaits are an essential tool for success. From the start of summer to the frozen lakes of winter, crankbaits are a must-have in any musky angler’s tackle box.


Anyone who has ventured into a musky tackle shop or browsed online knows how overwhelming the selection of crankbaits can be. Over the years, countless companies have flooded the market with uninspired lures, often failing to meet the needs of modern musky anglers.


With such a wide array of styles, sizes, and colors available, choosing the right crankbait can be a challenge. But among the noise, there’s one standout: the Livingston Lures Pounder. Let’s dive into why the Pounder is a top choice for serious musky anglers and why it deserves a permanent spot in your fishing arsenal.



I have lost count of how many muskies these two pounder have caught, but its a ton.
I have lost count of how many muskies these two pounder have caught, but its a ton.


Why the Livingston Lures Pounder is a Must-Have for Musky Fishing

The Pounder is a jointed crankbait with unmatched versatility. Built to endure the harshest conditions, this lure features a heavy-gauge through-wire construction and an advanced plastic lip, ensuring it stands up to repeated impacts with rocks, timber, and other obstacles found in musky waters.


One of the key features that sets the Pounder apart from other musky crankbaits is its near-neutral buoyancy. This unique weighting allows anglers to use the popular "death pause" technique. By pausing the retrieve, the Pounder will hover momentarily before slowly rising, mimicking a weak or injured baitfish. This subtle action is particularly effective when muskies are in a neutral or negative mood, which is common for these elusive fish.


The jointed body of the Pounder also makes it perfect for tough fishing conditions. It delivers extra thump, vibration, and visual appeal, helping it stand out in the water. A pro tip: jointed crankbaits like the Pounder are ideal for slower retrievals, as the jointed design creates more action over a shorter distance compared to a standard, straight crankbait.

While the Pounder can be reeled in effectively with a basic retrieve, it truly shines when paired with subtle twitches and jerks. Combine this with the “death pause” technique and a figure-eight maneuver at the end of each cast, and you’ve got a winning strategy for landing your next trophy musky.




Livingston Lures Pounder Musky Lure


When to Fish the Livingston Lures Pounder

The Pounder is a versatile musky crankbait that can be used in a variety of conditions. Below are the best times and situations for fishing with the Pounder:

  • Summer

  • Fall

  • Winter

  • Cold Front Conditions

  • Clear Water Lakes


Where to Fish the Livingston Lures Pounder

This crankbait excels in specific environments, including:

  • Deep Weed Lines (6-8 feet)

  • Reefs

  • Steep Shorelines

  • Mid-Depth Rivers


Why the Livingston Lures Pounder is a Game-Changer

Designed with one goal in mind—putting musky in the net—the Pounder has become one of the most reliable crankbaits in my tackle box. When other lures fail, the Pounder has consistently proven its worth, making it my go-to choice when conditions seem unfavorable. Whether the fish are lethargic, the water is cold, or you’re up against a tough bite, the Pounder’s unique action and versatility often make the difference between a blank day and a successful musky catch.

The Livingston Lures Pounder isn’t just another crankbait—it’s a key weapon in any serious musky angler’s arsenal. With its durability, unique action, and versatility, the Pounder is sure to help you land more muskies and elevate your fishing game.


Recap of the Pounder:

  • Versatile Design: The Livingston Lures Pounder is a jointed crankbait with a unique near-neutral buoyancy, perfect for mimicking injured baitfish.

  • Durability: Built with heavy-gauge through-wire construction and an advanced plastic lip, it withstands impacts from rocks, timber, and other obstacles.

  • Effective Techniques: Use the "death pause" technique to make the Pounder hover and slowly rise, ideal for neutral or negative muskies.

  • Ideal for Slow Retrievals: The jointed body creates extra action, making it perfect for slower fishing applications.

  • Enhanced Action: Incorporate twitches, jerks, and a figure-eight maneuver for maximum effectiveness.

  • Best Fishing Conditions: Works well in summer, fall, winter, cold front conditions, and clear water lakes.

  • Top Fishing Locations: Ideal for deep weed lines, reefs, steep shorelines, and mid-depth rivers.

  • Go-To Crankbait: The Pounder is a reliable choice when other lures fail, consistently delivering results in tough conditions.


Cheers,

Steven Paul

Musky Author, Guide and Expert

Tennessee Musky Fishing Guide Service

Comments


Musky Logo.jpg

Copyright

Tennessee Musky Fishing 2025

Tennessee Muskie Fishing

Tennessee Musky Fishing

Tennessee Muskie Fishing Guide Steven Paul

Tennessee Musky Fishing is a Trade Mark of Steven Paul 2025

bottom of page