Livingston Lures Walking Boss: Tips from Laker Howell
Laker Howell, a dominant force in the 2025 Bassmaster events, has clinched first place in not one but two tournaments using topwater techniques. His weapon of choice? The Livingston Lures Walking Boss. In this article, Howell shares the basics for beginners looking to build confidence and succeed in topwater bass fishing with this iconic lure.
The Right Rod and Reel Setup: The Foundation of Success
According to Howell, the key to mastering the Walking Boss lies in your rod, reel, and line setup. "Rod and reel line, it all matters," Howell emphasizes. A rod that's too heavy can pull hooks out of a fish's mouth, while one that's too light may fail to set the hook properly. Either way, a poor setup can lead to missed opportunities and frustration when a big bass strikes.
Howell’s go-to setup is the Randy Howell Big Topwater Rod from Daiwa, paired with a 150-size reel. "It’s got my dad’s name on it, but it’s the God’s honest truth, that setup is so sweet," he says. The 7’4” rod allows for long casts, keeping the lure far from the boat to avoid spooking fish. Howell is also working with Daiwa to design a new rod tailored specifically with the Walking Boss in mind.
For line, Howell is adamant: "Never use monofilament or fluorocarbon." Instead, he swears by Daiwa Samurai 55-pound braid. "It’s the best braid on the market. I’d spend my own money on it even if I wasn’t sponsored," he says. This braid is durable, retains its color, and can last an entire season, making it a cost-effective choice for serious anglers.
Recommended Setup:
- Rod: Randy Howell Big Topwater Rod (7’4”)
- Reel: 150-size reel
- Line: 55-pound braid
This combination, Howell says, is "idiot-proof" and takes much of the guesswork out of topwater fishing, setting beginners up for success.
When to Throw the Livingston Lures Walking Boss
One common misconception about topwater fishing is that it’s only effective during early morning or late afternoon. Howell debunks this myth: "Fish will bite it all day. It’s not just an early morning or late afternoon deal. They’ll bite at 12 o’clock noon in the middle of summer when it’s 95 degrees outside."
For Howell, the Walking Boss shines from spring through late fall. "As soon as fish start moving up in the spring, topwater becomes a big-fish-oriented technique," he explains. He starts with other topwater lures, like the Livingston Plop Master, early in the season, then transitions to the Walking Boss during the post-spawn period when bass begin chasing bait. In warmer climates like Alabama, Howell throws the Walking Boss well into November, making it a versatile option for most of the year.
Key Seasons for the Walking Boss:
- Spring (Post-Spawn): When bass start chasing bait, the Walking Boss excels.
- Summer: Effective all day, even in the heat of midday.
- Fall: Throw it until the weather turns cold (think hoodies and bibs).
- Winter: Less effective in colder months, but viable in warmer regions like Alabama until November.
Why the Walking Boss?
The Walking Boss is designed to mimic the erratic, side-to-side "walking" action of a fleeing baitfish, making it irresistible to aggressive and neutral bass. Its versatility allows anglers to fish it in various conditions and locations, from open water to dense cover. The Walking Boss like all Livingston Lures features EBS™ technology giving it a distinct sonic edge over the competition. Howell’s success with the lure in competitive settings proves its effectiveness for catching big fish, especially when paired with the right technique and setup.
For anglers looking to break into topwater bass fishing, Laker Howell’s advice is clear: invest in the right equipment and commit to fishing the Walking Boss. With the proper rod, reel, and line setup, combined with an understanding of when and where to throw it, you’ll be well on your way to landing big bass and building your topwater game. As Howell puts it, "If you commit to it, you can catch fish all day long."