Rick Clunn’s recent time on the water in Louisiana reinforced something he has believed throughout his career. The best way to understand a lure is not by what is said about it, but by what it does under real conditions. Fishing a highly productive fishery with multiple anglers gave him the opportunity to study patterns, refine presentations, and observe how fish responded in a controlled but dynamic environment. It also gave him the chance to take a deeper look at what sets Livingston Lures apart, particularly the role of biological sound.
Clunn approached Livingston Lures E.B.S technology with an open mind but also a dose of skepticism. He has seen countless baits marketed as breakthroughs, only to fall short under the pressure of real bass fishing scenarios. What he discovered was not just a difference in sound, but a difference in bass behavior. Traditional wake baits lose their presence the moment they stop. When the angler pauses, the bait becomes silent. With the Livingston system, that is not the case. The bait continues to emit sound even while sitting still, and that subtle difference changes how fish interact with it.
During his time in Louisiana, Clunn became more aware of the pause than ever before. He has always paused baits, but now he was studying what happened during those moments. He began to notice fish approaching the bait not in an aggressive feeding mode, but in a state of curiosity. He could see them come up, inspect the bait, and then simply inhale it. These were not small fish reacting impulsively. These were four and five pound bass easing up and taking the bait with precision. That type of strike is easy to miss if an angler is not prepared for it, but it speaks directly to the influence of sound during the pause.
The Bullnose emerged as a standout in these conditions. As a wake bait, it occupies a category that does not always get the attention it deserves. Anglers often gravitate toward crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or traditional topwater presentations, but the Bullnose fills a unique role. It creates a visible waking action on the surface while maintaining a subtle, controlled presence in the water. Around brim beds, it became especially effective. Post spawn bass are heavily influenced by brim activity. Brim are both a food source and a source of irritation, constantly interacting with bass nests and territory. When Clunn presented a red Bullnose over these areas, the response was immediate and consistent.
His retrieve was built around control and variation. He started with a long cast and allowed the bait to land and sit. The initial impact created rings that spread across the surface, acting as a signal to nearby fish. Instead of immediately engaging the bait, he let that moment develop. Then he began the retrieve with a high rod tip, keeping the bait on the surface and maintaining a clean waking action. Speed became the primary trigger. He reeled as fast as possible without causing the bait to lose its action, pushing the limits of control while maintaining consistency.
Throughout the retrieve, he incorporated pauses and directional changes. Two or three pauses per cast were enough to trigger following fish. The combination of speed and interruption created a sequence that forced fish to make a decision. In warm water, speed proved to be a dominant factor. Clunn has long believed that most anglers underutilize speed. While slow presentations have their place, speed triggers a reaction tied to predator instinct. When prey appears to be escaping, predators respond. That principle carried over directly into his use of the Bullnose.
What stood out most was not just the number of fish caught, but the quality of the strikes. The visual element of a waking bait combined with the subtle influence of sound created a presentation that was both effective and engaging. For Clunn, it also served as a reminder of why topwater and near surface fishing holds such a strong place in angling. There is a level of connection in watching a fish rise and take a bait that cannot be replicated with subsurface techniques.
While other methods may produce higher numbers, the Bullnose delivers something different. It creates opportunity, engagement, and a deeper understanding of how fish respond to presence, sound, and movement. That combination makes it more than just another lure. It makes it a tool for learning, refining, and ultimately becoming a better angler.