Steve Herbeck is a musky fishing legend, celebrated for his passion for topwater lures and his key role in designing the Big Makk from Livingston Lures. I recently sat down with Steve to explore what makes this topwater lure a game-changer, his expert tips for musky fishing on the Canadian Shield Lakes, and how anglers can master topwater techniques. Here’s what he shared.

S.P.: Steve, you’re a topwater musky fanatic, and you helped create the Big Makk. What makes this lure stand out for musky fishing?

Steve Herbeck: The Big Makk is the ultimate topwater lure—it takes the best traits from years of successful baits and packs them into one deadly package. It’s got rattles in the tail, the tallest curved topwater tail out there, and it counter-rotates for a totally unique sound. There’s even a ticker that clicks on the tail. Plus, its no-roll design, thanks to an anti-roll mouth, lets water flow through, adding distinct sound waves while keeping it steady. The paint jobs are unreal—chip-proof and fade-resistant, so it looks great forever, even if we know paint doesn’t catch fish. It’s the all-in-one topwater tailbait. If you’re into tailbaits or topwaters for musky fishing, this lure’s got everything. Oh, and it catches the hell out of big fish!

S.P.: You’re a pro at fishing the Canadian Shield Lakes. What are your topwater tips for musky anglers heading to Canada?

Steve Herbeck: Topwater lures like the Big Makk shine early in the season—earlier than most anglers expect. People think opening season is “early,” but on the Canadian Shield Lakes, unless it’s a freakishly late spring, by late June, big muskies are done spawning. They’re posted up on shallow flats with walleyes, perch, and suckers. That’s where the Big Makk’s shallow-water action comes alive. Its aggravating, triggering sound and movement really rile up big fish. Plus, late June lines up with ducklings, loons, and seagulls hatching, so muskies are already locked onto the surface. It’s a perfect match for topwater musky fishing.

S.P.: What’s your advice for musky anglers new to topwater fishing?

Steve Herbeck: For clients new to topwater musky fishing, I say don’t even look at the lure. Seriously—don’t set the hook until you feel the fish. Muskies often charge hard before they grab it, and I’ve dodged plenty of baits rocketing over my head from early hooksets. My trick? Rest the rod tip on the boat’s edge and wait for that tug. Patience is everything in topwater fishing.

S.P.: Where should anglers target topwater muskies in Canada?

Steve Herbeck: Focus on weed cover, slots between islands, shallow rock bars, and points—any water under 15 feet, even 10 feet, is prime for topwater lures. That said, I’ve hooked giants over 70 or 80 feet tossing Disco Shad or Bone-colored Big Makks over Cisco schools. It’s not set in stone, but topwaters really dominate over emerging weeds, near trees, logs, and shallow structure. Edges are your sweet spot for musky fishing in Canada.

S.P.: Not every topwater follow ends in a strike. What’s your go-to cast-back lure?

Steve Herbeck: If a musky’s chasing hard but won’t commit—or just trails behind—I switch to a lure with a triggering edge. A smaller single-blade bucktail, worked fast, often seals the deal. If that flops, I’ll pull out a jerkbait like a Jerk Master or Titan and use a twitchy retrieve to shake them loose. It’s all about sparking that strike instinct.

S.P.: Sum it up—what should musky anglers focus on for topwater success?

Steve Herbeck: With the Big Makk, fish it slower than you think. It spins fast and kicks up noise even at a creep—no need to rip it for muskies to notice. That sound cups and sinks into the water column. Here’s the deal: move a topwater too fast, and a musky’s forehead pushes a wave that shoves the bait away as they lunge. Slow it down, and they swallow it whole. Fast retrieves get wild, heart-pounding strikes—super thrilling—but misses pile up. My topwater tip? Go slow, then slower.

Steve Herbeck’s wisdom is a masterclass in topwater musky fishing, blending lure innovation with decades of experience. Whether you’re targeting Canadian Shield muskies or just starting out, the Big Makk and Steve’s topwater tips could land you the catch of a lifetime.

Steve Herbeck Legendary Musky Guide

 

 

 

by: Steven Paul Livingston Lures