Livingston Lures has made a splash in the fishing world with the introduction of the Menace, a new musky lure scheduled for release in early 2026. Developed by renowned musky and pike expert Steven Paul, this innovative jerkbait is set to elevate the experience for anglers targeting muskies.
"I am proud to unveil one of my new musky lure designs for 2026, the Menace. Built by Livingston Lures, the Menace is an incredibly versatile rubber muskie jerkbait," said Paul. Measuring just over eight inches, this lure is specifically tailored for shad-based ecosystems, distinguishing it from the crowd of typical soft-plastic muskie presentations.
The Menace excels thanks to its unique pull-and-pause action, which incorporates an aggressive fall every time it stops. "It can be worked with rod sweeps or short taps, causing it to surge forward with a rocking motion that perfectly mimics an injured baitfish," Paul explained, emphasizing its realistic action that entices predator fish.
One of the standout fishing techniques for the Menace is the upward popping action reminiscent of working a Kraken or a soft-plastic tube. "Thanks to its compact profile, it’s deadly as both a follow-up to tube-style presentations and as a stand-alone option in shad-based waters or systems dominated by smaller forage," added Paul.
Anglers will appreciate the Menace's effective fall rate of two feet per second, ideal for exploring mid-depth cover and structure. Paul added, "This makes it perfect for probing mid-depth cover and structure when worked in a 'hopping tube' style." This adaptable lure also allows for explosive action with a glidebait-style pop using a downward-angled rod, causing it to dart erratically side-to-side before dropping to the depths.
In today's technologically driven fishing environments, the Menace is fully optimized for forward-facing sonar, a game-changer for modern anglers. "It features patented internal technology that makes it show up more clearly and at greater distances than standard soft plastics. Combine this with its long-casting ability and tangle-free fall, and you’ve got one of the most effective forward-facing sonar muskie lures ever produced," Paul asserted. Whether targeting open-water roamers or fish nestled tight against structure, the Menace’s performance is unparalleled.
Paul reflected on the inspiration behind the Menace, stating, "The Livingston Lures Menace was designed to answer a question muskie anglers have been asking for years: how do you get the versatility of a rubber bait in a compact package built for modern fishing?" With its unique size and aggressive action, the Menace aims to redefine standards within the realm of rubber muskie lures.
The Menace boasts additional specifications, including a weight of 4.50 oz and a length of 8.07 inches, complemented by 3X strong Mustad BZ 3/O hooks to ensure that anglers catch larger muskies with confidence.
"The Menace is powered by Livingston’s EBS™ (Electronic Baitfish Sound) Technology, which guarantees it doesn’t just move like prey—it sounds like it, too and effectively calls fish in from double the distance of traditional lures," reiterated Paul, highlighting the technical advancements embedded in this lure that enhance its fish-attracting capabilities.
Available globally in early 2026, the Menace is positioned as a must-have lure for serious muskie anglers looking to boost their catch rates. Paul concluded, "The Menace doesn’t just fill that gap; it redefines what a rubber muskie lure can be."
As the release date approaches, anglers are encouraged to keep an eye out for this revolutionary lure, which is set to change the way musky fishing is approached, bringing excitement and success to the water.
Livingston Lures continues to invite fishing enthusiasts to join their community, with offers to sign up for exclusive tips, early access to new products, and special discounts on EBS Technology-powered lures, solidifying their commitment to supporting anglers everywhere.