Mastering Suspending Crankbaits for Musky Fishing
When it comes to musky fishing, few baits offer the versatility and strike-triggering power of the Livingston Lures Rachel. This suspending crankbait blends the hard-thumping action of a crank with the finesse and control of a jerkbait, making it deadly in a wide range of situations—especially when muskies are following but refusing to commit.
Rigging for Success
To get the most out of the Livingston Rachel, proper rigging is essential.
Start with a flexible leader, such as a 12-inch, 130-pound fluorocarbon leader with a large swivel, allowing the Rachel to swing and glide smoothly on every snap and pause. This leader selection creates a very erratic snap and dart when using the Rachel in a jerkbait fashion. However, if you’re fishing in heavy current, a single-strand straight steel leader can be beneficial. This setup helps the lure snap more crisply, combating the effects of moving water in creeks, rivers, or other current-heavy situations.
Tuning for Neutral Buoyancy
The Rachel shines brightest when it’s perfectly tuned to suspend in place—neither rising nor sinking when paused. This neutral buoyancy is what makes it so effective at triggering strikes during the critical “hang time.”
Before you hit the water:
- Cast the Rachel, reel it down to depth, and observe how it behaves when paused.
- If it rises slightly, add Storm Suspend Dots or Strips (small adhesive lead weights) under the lip to balance it.
- Retest and fine-tune until the bait hangs motionless.
Pro tip: If the bait sinks slightly, reduce weight by using smaller split rings or, if absolutely necessary, clipping a tine off one of the treble hooks (though this is rarely needed).
Remember, even mass-produced lures have small variances due to manufacturing factors—never assume a bait is tuned perfectly right out of the package. Also buoyancy is influenced by water temperature, salinity and altitude. Spend a few extra minutes dialing it in if you’re serious about catching more muskies.
Fishing Techniques
Jerkbait-Style Retrieve
Even though it’s technically a crankbait, the Rachel works best when fished like a jerkbait.
- Cast it out, reel it down to running depth, and then work it with two sharp rod snaps followed by a pause—pop, pop, pause.
- The large split ring on the front helps the bait dart side to side, flashing its profile as it suspends, which is often the exact moment muskies strike.
This technique is especially deadly over rock bars, points, or reefs, particularly on Canadian Shield lakes or big Minnesota waters with heavy chop. In rough conditions, glide baits can become tough to control, but the Rachel’s suspending action holds it steady at the right depth.
If you get a follow but no bite, slow down the retrieve, extend the pauses, and keep the bait away from the boat to avoid spooking the fish.
Targeting Structure: Rocks and Cribs
The Rachel is a structure-fishing specialist.
- Over rock bars, rip the bait down until it ticks the rocks, then pause. Letting it hang motionless mimics an injured or foraging baitfish, tempting muskies to strike.
- Over submerged timber or cribs, use your electronics or the Musky 360 app to position your boat, then work the Rachel with long pauses directly over the cover. Its subtle vibration and EBS (Electronic Baitfish Sound) system pull muskies out from hiding, and its long hang time increases your chances of a strike.
Follow-Up for Big Rubber
The Rachel makes an excellent follow-up bait when muskies show interest in, but refuse to commit to, large rubber baits like Bulldogs or Medusas.
Keep a Rachel ready on your cast-back rod. If a musky follows a big rubber bait but peels off, immediately throw the Rachel to the same spot. Rip it down quickly, then let it hang. The Rachel’s distinct vibration and suspending behavior often push fish over the edge when they’ve ignored the falling action of rubber baits.
Hybrid Trolling Technique
For a unique approach, try hybrid trolling with the Rachel.
- Use a trolling rod, set your line length and troll along structure like weed edges or rocky drop-offs.
- Surge the boat forward to drive the bait deeper, then pause to let it suspend and hang.
This “jerk troll” method keeps the Rachel in the strike zone longer, making it deadly for suspended or neutral fish, especially during cold fronts or winter conditions when muskies are less likely to chase fast-moving lures.
Why Choose the Rachel?
The Rachel brings together the best of several bait styles:
- A wide, balanced glide like a jerkbait
- Perfect suspension when tuned, holding in the strike zone
- EBS system to call fish in from a distance
- Versatility for casting, twitching, and hybrid trolling
Whether you’re working rocky points, submerged cribs, or following up on rubber bait misses, the Livingston Rachel is a top-tier choice for musky anglers looking to convert reluctant followers into biters.
The Livingston Lures Rachel isn’t just another suspending crankbait—it’s a precision tool that, when rigged and tuned properly, becomes a vital part of any musky angler’s arsenal. By adding split rings, fine-tuning buoyancy, and working it with jerkbait retrieves or hybrid trolling, you can target muskies in tough conditions and turn followers into trophies.