Livingston underscores its commitment to Europe’s pike market

A new profile, material or technology may turn heads at a trade show, but the real test comes when a lure is worked through weedbeds, across a breakline or beside the boat, writes Steven Paul. The best designs give anglers more control, unlock fresh triggering options and, ultimately, put more pike in the net.

That thinking sits behind Livingston Lures’ latest predator range. The Banshee, Critter, Menace and new Brute are distinct concepts, but each addresses a practical presentation challenge while offering pike something beyond the familiar. Together, they combine action, profile, speed control and electronic sound into a complete system.

The Banshee (above) is built for versatility. Its pronounced wobble gives it immediate presence on a straight retrieve, while it can also be cranked, twitched and paused to suit changing conditions. A removable weight lets anglers alter buoyancy and produce a controlled, slow rise – particularly useful around weed, timber and shallow structure.

Stability across a broad speed range is another key strength. The Banshee can be worked deliberately at around 2mph or pushed hard towards 5mph, enabling anglers to match the pace to the fish rather than change the lure altogether.

The Critter takes a different approach. Compact predator lures are too often seen simply as scaled-down versions of larger baits, but this is a purpose-built system. Its small body falls at roughly 2ft per second, while twin Colorado blades add flash, vibration and resistance. A ribbon-style tail continues to work at low speed and through depth changes.

That combination allows the Critter to be dropped accurately into tight openings, worked through pressured water and fished when pike are keyed in on smaller forage. It delivers a compact profile without compromising its underwater signal.

With the Menace, the fall becomes part of the presentation. Its shad-inspired profile and controlled descent of approximately 2ft per second help keep it in the strike zone. Anglers can pull it forward, pause it and allow it to fall back into a fish’s view.

A sharp rod movement creates an upward pop and a directional change, turning a straightforward retrieve into a sequence of escapes, stalls and reappearances. For following pike, that change of pace can turn hesitation into commitment.

The new Brute takes Livingston’s development into modern soft lure design. Rather than using soft plastic simply as an alternative construction material, the Brute uses its natural movement and adaptability as part of the lure’s appeal. Its profile and action are aimed squarely at large predators, creating a substantial visual target while retaining the fluid movement pike respond to.

The design has already received international recognition, taking first place in the Soft Lure category at EFTTEX 2026 in Barcelona. But, as with every serious pike lure, the Brute’s true value will be decided where it matters: beside the boat and inside the net.

T: +1 210 410 2041
erick.arnoldson@livingstonlures.com
www.livingstonlures.com