Gear

Hot new products from Z-Man

Posted on
Over the last few years, Z-Man has brought small ‘Ned Rig’ baits to the mainstream among tournament bass anglers. So, not surprisingly, many of its new product introductions have a finesse bent, or are derivatives from successful Ned Rig baits.
Over the last few years, Z-Man has brought small ‘Ned Rig’ baits to the mainstream among tournament bass anglers. So, not surprisingly, many of its new product introductions have a finesse bent, or are derivatives from successful Ned Rig baits.
Headlining Z-Man’s ICAST product launches is the new 2.75” TRD TicklerZ, which is the culmination of nearly ten years of tweaking and modifying Ned Rig baits to come up with the ultimate finesse bait profile that will trigger bites in even the toughest conditions.
Headlining Z-Man’s ICAST product launches is the new 2.75” TRD TicklerZ, which is the culmination of nearly ten years of tweaking and modifying Ned Rig baits to come up with the ultimate finesse bait profile that will trigger bites in even the toughest conditions.
Sporting a thick, buoyant ElaZtech® body for easy jighead rigging and four tentacles spread apart at a steep angle to prevent sticking together, the TRD TicklerZ floats up off the bottom at rest and really comes to life on the slowest retrieves, or even when dead-sticked.
Sporting a thick, buoyant ElaZtech® body for easy jighead rigging and four tentacles spread apart at a steep angle to prevent sticking together, the TRD TicklerZ floats up off the bottom at rest and really comes to life on the slowest retrieves, or even when dead-sticked.
The TRD TicklerZ pair perfectly with not only Z-Man’s super strong NedlockZ jigheads, but also its Finesse ShroomZ, Finesse ShroomZ Weedless, and Finesse BulletZ jigheads for a variety of applications.
The TRD TicklerZ pair perfectly with not only Z-Man’s super strong NedlockZ jigheads, but also its Finesse ShroomZ, Finesse ShroomZ Weedless, and Finesse BulletZ jigheads for a variety of applications.
Another addition to the TRD softbait family, the TRD BugZ takes an incredibly productive bass bait profile and downsizes it to Ned Rig proportions.
Another addition to the TRD softbait family, the TRD BugZ takes an incredibly productive bass bait profile and downsizes it to Ned Rig proportions.
The TRD BugZ’ ribbed body and oversized appendages create a lifelike texture and subtle action that bass can’t resist when the bite is stingy. And, of course, its super soft, extremely durable, and naturally buoyant ElaZtech construction ensures that will outfish and outlast any copycat finesse baits that will surely follow.
The TRD BugZ’ ribbed body and oversized appendages create a lifelike texture and subtle action that bass can’t resist when the bite is stingy. And, of course, its super soft, extremely durable, and naturally buoyant ElaZtech construction ensures that will outfish and outlast any copycat finesse baits that will surely follow.
Equally at home in rivers or reservoirs, the TRD BugZ pairs well with traditional ‘mushroom head jigs’ like the Finesse ShroomZ or NedlockZ, but really excels when paired with the Finesse BulletZ jighead and pitched into or dragged around cover.
Equally at home in rivers or reservoirs, the TRD BugZ pairs well with traditional ‘mushroom head jigs’ like the Finesse ShroomZ or NedlockZ, but really excels when paired with the Finesse BulletZ jighead and pitched into or dragged around cover.
While the true Ned Rig or Midwest Finesse technique is by definition a light line technique that involves small, light wire hooks for a stealthy approach, some tournament situations necessitate a heavier jig hook capable of muscling big bass. Enter the Pro ShroomZ, a stout mushroom jighead built on a thick wire 2/0 hook that is more capable of horsing big bass and has a wider bite that latches securely to the jaw of tournament caliber fish.
While the true Ned Rig or Midwest Finesse technique is by definition a light line technique that involves small, light wire hooks for a stealthy approach, some tournament situations necessitate a heavier jig hook capable of muscling big bass. Enter the Pro ShroomZ, a stout mushroom jighead built on a thick wire 2/0 hook that is more capable of horsing big bass and has a wider bite that latches securely to the jaw of tournament caliber fish.
Available in both exposed hook and weedless versions equipped with an adjustable, double wire weedguard, the Pro ShroomZ is offered in lighter finesse weights as well as heavier 1/4 and 1/3 ounce sizes more suited for deep water or heavy current applications.
Available in both exposed hook and weedless versions equipped with an adjustable, double wire weedguard, the Pro ShroomZ is offered in lighter finesse weights as well as heavier 1/4 and 1/3 ounce sizes more suited for deep water or heavy current applications.
Even with its beefier 2/0 hook, the Pro ShroomZ is still compact enough to fit Z-Man’s TRD series baits, including the new TRD BugZ, and still allow them to float enticingly off the bottom at rest. While many anglers make the mistake of using jigheads that overpower the bait thereby sacrificing bait action for power, the Pro ShroomZ provides the perfect balance!
Even with its beefier 2/0 hook, the Pro ShroomZ is still compact enough to fit Z-Man’s TRD series baits, including the new TRD BugZ, and still allow them to float enticingly off the bottom at rest. While many anglers make the mistake of using jigheads that overpower the bait thereby sacrificing bait action for power, the Pro ShroomZ provides the perfect balance!
At this point, effectiveness of the simple profile of the Finesse TRD jigworm setup is basically proven fact. The one knock on the Ned Rig is that it gets bit by fish of all species and sizes, both big and small. Anglers wanting to cash in on the fish catching prowess of this productive profile while focusing on big fish are in luck with the introduction of the new Giant TRD and Mag ShroomZ combo.
At this point, effectiveness of the simple profile of the Finesse TRD jigworm setup is basically proven fact. The one knock on the Ned Rig is that it gets bit by fish of all species and sizes, both big and small. Anglers wanting to cash in on the fish catching prowess of this productive profile while focusing on big fish are in luck with the introduction of the new Giant TRD and Mag ShroomZ combo.
With a thick, 6-inch body, the Giant TRD shares in common the simplistic shape of other popular stickworms, but beefier. It’s dimpled surface, super soft ElaZtech construction, and salt impregnation provides a more lifelike texture than other softbaits; fish grab onto these baits and simply don’t let go.
With a thick, 6-inch body, the Giant TRD shares in common the simplistic shape of other popular stickworms, but beefier. It’s dimpled surface, super soft ElaZtech construction, and salt impregnation provides a more lifelike texture than other softbaits; fish grab onto these baits and simply don’t let go.
With a far bulkier build than its Finesse TRD, Big TRD, and ZinkerZ brethren, the Giant TRD is, simply put, a bait designed to get big bites.
With a far bulkier build than its Finesse TRD, Big TRD, and ZinkerZ brethren, the Giant TRD is, simply put, a bait designed to get big bites.
Similarly scaled up, the Mag ShroomZ sports a familiar mushroom head shape and welded wire keeper for easy rigging and secure bait holding. Its heavy-duty 6/0 wide gap hook dwarfs that of the smaller Finesse ShroomZ and Power Finesse ShroomZ. These magnum mushroom heads were designed to mate seamlessly with not just the Giant TRD but also other large ElaZtech worms like the Mag FattyZ.
Similarly scaled up, the Mag ShroomZ sports a familiar mushroom head shape and welded wire keeper for easy rigging and secure bait holding. Its heavy-duty 6/0 wide gap hook dwarfs that of the smaller Finesse ShroomZ and Power Finesse ShroomZ. These magnum mushroom heads were designed to mate seamlessly with not just the Giant TRD but also other large ElaZtech worms like the Mag FattyZ.
Available in both exposed hook models or weedless versions with an adjustable, double multistrand wire weedguard, the Mag ShroomZ will be offered in 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 ounce weights to cover a variety of water depths and bass fishing scenarios.
Available in both exposed hook models or weedless versions with an adjustable, double multistrand wire weedguard, the Mag ShroomZ will be offered in 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 ounce weights to cover a variety of water depths and bass fishing scenarios.
Think of this combo as a bulletproof alternative to a magnum shaky head, but with a better hookup ratio due to the exposed hook and a lower likelihood of the bait sliding out of place on a missed hookset. Also a great option for dragging across ledges and rocky bottoms in the summertime, don’t sleep on a the Giant TRD pegged with a tungsten weight and straight shank flipping hook for pitching into cover for big bass!
Think of this combo as a bulletproof alternative to a magnum shaky head, but with a better hookup ratio due to the exposed hook and a lower likelihood of the bait sliding out of place on a missed hookset. Also a great option for dragging across ledges and rocky bottoms in the summertime, don’t sleep on a the Giant TRD pegged with a tungsten weight and straight shank flipping hook for pitching into cover for big bass!
Ned rigging aside, perhaps the hottest finesse technique on tour today is the Neko rig, which may be equally adept at getting big bass to eat when they otherwise experience lockjaw. With the introduction of the Bang StickZ and Neko ShroomZ, anglers finally have the tools to leverage the buoyancy and durability of ElaZtech when Neko rigging.
Ned rigging aside, perhaps the hottest finesse technique on tour today is the Neko rig, which may be equally adept at getting big bass to eat when they otherwise experience lockjaw. With the introduction of the Bang StickZ and Neko ShroomZ, anglers finally have the tools to leverage the buoyancy and durability of ElaZtech when Neko rigging.
The Bang StickZ itself is a finesse fisher’s dream. Measuring 5.75” in length, it’s sized perfectly not just for Neko rigs but also for shaky heads, upsized Ned Rigs, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and traditional wacky rigging. Like its quad-tentacled cousins the Hula StickZ and TRD TicklerZ, the Bang StickZ floats off the bottom at rest, bringing its appendages to life and taunting big bass to bite.
The Bang StickZ itself is a finesse fisher’s dream. Measuring 5.75” in length, it’s sized perfectly not just for Neko rigs but also for shaky heads, upsized Ned Rigs, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and traditional wacky rigging. Like its quad-tentacled cousins the Hula StickZ and TRD TicklerZ, the Bang StickZ floats off the bottom at rest, bringing its appendages to life and taunting big bass to bite.
Up until now, bassers have struggled to insert nail weights into ElaZtech, resorting to tricks like cutting, gluing, and piercing baits with heated wires. This is no longer necessary with the simple center wire and plastic dual prong keeper design of the Neko ShroomZ, which can be inserted into the ends of ElaZtech baits effortlessly and stays put securely, even on hard casts and missed strikes.
Up until now, bassers have struggled to insert nail weights into ElaZtech, resorting to tricks like cutting, gluing, and piercing baits with heated wires. This is no longer necessary with the simple center wire and plastic dual prong keeper design of the Neko ShroomZ, which can be inserted into the ends of ElaZtech baits effortlessly and stays put securely, even on hard casts and missed strikes.
Neko ShroomZ are available in Green Pumpkin and Black finishes to blend in with a variety of softbait color schemes in weights ranging from 1/20 to 1/6 ounce for a host of shallow to deep water situations. In addition to the Bang StickZ, these nose weights are perfectly suited to use with a host of ElaZtech plastics including Hula StickZ, FattyZ, Finesse WormZ, Big TRD, Finesse TRD, and FattyZ.
Neko ShroomZ are available in Green Pumpkin and Black finishes to blend in with a variety of softbait color schemes in weights ranging from 1/20 to 1/6 ounce for a host of shallow to deep water situations. In addition to the Bang StickZ, these nose weights are perfectly suited to use with a host of ElaZtech plastics including Hula StickZ, FattyZ, Finesse WormZ, Big TRD, Finesse TRD, and FattyZ.
Paired together, the Bang StickZ and Neko ShroomZ create the ideal Neko rig. ElaZtech eliminates the needs for o-rings or tubing altogether due to the material’s inherent durability and tear-resistance, while the materials buoyancy causes the Bang StickZ to stand up off the bottom at rest for more lifelike action and a more prominent profile.
Paired together, the Bang StickZ and Neko ShroomZ create the ideal Neko rig. ElaZtech eliminates the needs for o-rings or tubing altogether due to the material’s inherent durability and tear-resistance, while the materials buoyancy causes the Bang StickZ to stand up off the bottom at rest for more lifelike action and a more prominent profile.
Another accessory that is sure to excite finesse enthusiasts is the TRD SpinZ, which share a common keeper style with the Neko ShroomZ and allows angler to add extra flash to ElaZtech plastics. Like the Neko ShroomZ, the TRD SpinZ are easy to rig, and the plastic keeper barbs prevent them from slipping out of softbaits, even when fish nip at the spinners themselves. TRD SpinZ are available in willow or Colorado blade configurations in gold and silver electroplated finishes.
Another accessory that is sure to excite finesse enthusiasts is the TRD SpinZ, which share a common keeper style with the Neko ShroomZ and allows angler to add extra flash to ElaZtech plastics. Like the Neko ShroomZ, the TRD SpinZ are easy to rig, and the plastic keeper barbs prevent them from slipping out of softbaits, even when fish nip at the spinners themselves. TRD SpinZ are available in willow or Colorado blade configurations in gold and silver electroplated finishes.
When inserted into the tail of a jighead-rigged Finesse TRD, the TRD SpinZ turns a standard Ned Rig into a flashy minnow imitation that attracts bites either on the fall or on fast or slow retrieves. This combination is an absolute killer on smallmouth and schooling bass.
When inserted into the tail of a jighead-rigged Finesse TRD, the TRD SpinZ turns a standard Ned Rig into a flashy minnow imitation that attracts bites either on the fall or on fast or slow retrieves. This combination is an absolute killer on smallmouth and schooling bass.
Anglers can also pair the TRD SpinZ with ElaZtech stickworms like the ZinkerZ to add a little bit of extra bling that increases bait visibility and provokes strikes in muddy or stained water. Stainless ball bearing swivels keep the blades turning even when unweighted baits are sinking slowly, too.
Anglers can also pair the TRD SpinZ with ElaZtech stickworms like the ZinkerZ to add a little bit of extra bling that increases bait visibility and provokes strikes in muddy or stained water. Stainless ball bearing swivels keep the blades turning even when unweighted baits are sinking slowly, too.
Switching gears from soft plastics, but sticking with the finesse concept and the topic of spinners, the new SlingBladeZ Power Finesse spinnerbait line packs the high-end features and superior performance of the standard size SlingBladeZ spinnerbaits into a more compact package.
Switching gears from soft plastics, but sticking with the finesse concept and the topic of spinners, the new SlingBladeZ Power Finesse spinnerbait line packs the high-end features and superior performance of the standard size SlingBladeZ spinnerbaits into a more compact package.
Available in double willow or Indiana-Colorado blade configurations, the SlingBladeZ Power Finesse models are built on a 17-7 stainless spring tempered LiveWire frame that produces more fish-calling vibration than other comparable spinnerbaits. The grooved belly of its StabilTrack head ensures an upright posture and eliminates rolling on even the speediest retrieves, while premium components like its sticky-sharp 4/0 VMC O’Shaughnessy hook and copper wire hand-tied 100% silicone skirting separate it from the sea of spinnerbaits offered today.
Available in double willow or Indiana-Colorado blade configurations, the SlingBladeZ Power Finesse models are built on a 17-7 stainless spring tempered LiveWire frame that produces more fish-calling vibration than other comparable spinnerbaits. The grooved belly of its StabilTrack head ensures an upright posture and eliminates rolling on even the speediest retrieves, while premium components like its sticky-sharp 4/0 VMC O’Shaughnessy hook and copper wire hand-tied 100% silicone skirting separate it from the sea of spinnerbaits offered today.
Departing from the finesse theme, the ChatterBait Freedom CFL offers another bladed jig to go in anglers’ ChatterBait tool chests. The CFL is a true football head vibrating jig that is perfect for probing rocky bottoms and deep ledges as well as the popular ‘bottom bugging’ technique. Its broad head design and zinc construction result in maximum head-to-blade contact and a unique, high pitch sound profile produced when the blade strikes the much-harder-than-lead head, calling in bass from long distances in open water. This is a ChatterBait that won’t rise to the surface like others, making it equally adept at everything from deep water applications to blazing fast shallow water retrieves.
Departing from the finesse theme, the ChatterBait Freedom CFL offers another bladed jig to go in anglers’ ChatterBait tool chests. The CFL is a true football head vibrating jig that is perfect for probing rocky bottoms and deep ledges as well as the popular ‘bottom bugging’ technique. Its broad head design and zinc construction result in maximum head-to-blade contact and a unique, high pitch sound profile produced when the blade strikes the much-harder-than-lead head, calling in bass from long distances in open water. This is a ChatterBait that won’t rise to the surface like others, making it equally adept at everything from deep water applications to blazing fast shallow water retrieves.
A partnership project that combines the patented technologies of Z-Man and Freedom Tackle, the CFL incorporates Freedom’s advanced interchangeable swinging hook design, which not only imparts increased action on soft plastic trailers but allows anglers to swap out hooks on the fly. The ability to match hooks to different scenarios and trailer styles and sizes only increases this bait’s versatility.
A partnership project that combines the patented technologies of Z-Man and Freedom Tackle, the CFL incorporates Freedom’s advanced interchangeable swinging hook design, which not only imparts increased action on soft plastic trailers but allows anglers to swap out hooks on the fly. The ability to match hooks to different scenarios and trailer styles and sizes only increases this bait’s versatility.
The ChatterBait Freedom CFL comes equipped with a heavy duty 4/0 VMC flipping hook with a custom zinc skirt retainer and trailer keeper that holds all soft plastic trailer styles securely. Its silicone spider-cut skirts vibrate on the slightest movement while creating a distinct look and profile from other bladed jigs.
The ChatterBait Freedom CFL comes equipped with a heavy duty 4/0 VMC flipping hook with a custom zinc skirt retainer and trailer keeper that holds all soft plastic trailer styles securely. Its silicone spider-cut skirts vibrate on the slightest movement while creating a distinct look and profile from other bladed jigs.
Thanks to its realistic profile, hard-thumping tail, hook-hiding belly slot and split dorsal fin, and realistic wiggle, Z-Man’s 4” DieZel MinnowZ has become a staple for bass fishermen nationwide. The addition of 5” and 7” sizes of this super-soft yet equally bulletproof 10X Tough swimbait will open even more doors when big bass are the target.
Thanks to its realistic profile, hard-thumping tail, hook-hiding belly slot and split dorsal fin, and realistic wiggle, Z-Man’s 4” DieZel MinnowZ has become a staple for bass fishermen nationwide. The addition of 5” and 7” sizes of this super-soft yet equally bulletproof 10X Tough swimbait will open even more doors when big bass are the target.
Think big bass for these upsized DieZel MinnowZ. During testing, the 5” version produced some solid bites from outsized largemouth, and the 7” model that will follow later this summer might just become the ultimate big bass swimbait.
Think big bass for these upsized DieZel MinnowZ. During testing, the 5” version produced some solid bites from outsized largemouth, and the 7” model that will follow later this summer might just become the ultimate big bass swimbait.
Rigging options for the 5” DieZel MinnowZ are virtually limitless, but the primary applications for this new swimbait will be as a ChatterBait trailer, rigged with an exposed hook for open water on a HeadlockZ jighead, or paired with the new ChinlockZ swimbait hooks for running through grass and pads.
Rigging options for the 5” DieZel MinnowZ are virtually limitless, but the primary applications for this new swimbait will be as a ChatterBait trailer, rigged with an exposed hook for open water on a HeadlockZ jighead, or paired with the new ChinlockZ swimbait hooks for running through grass and pads.
Speaking of ChinlockZ, these super heavy duty EWG swimbait hooks are now available in 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 6/0 and 8/0 sizes to match virtually all ElaZtech swimbaits and fluke-style baits, in addition to the existing 10/0 and 12/0 versions dedicated solely to monster softbaits. Built on heavy wire Mustad UltraPoint hooks and equipped with a molded keeper that holds baits securely in place, these rigging hooks are as tough as the softbaits they’re designed to carry. Rear-positioned belly weights keel even the most buoyant Z-Man swimbaits perfectly and provide a seductive shimmy on the fall. Don’t sleep on these as rigging tools for ElaZtech worms, craws, and stickbaits either!
Speaking of ChinlockZ, these super heavy duty EWG swimbait hooks are now available in 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 6/0 and 8/0 sizes to match virtually all ElaZtech swimbaits and fluke-style baits, in addition to the existing 10/0 and 12/0 versions dedicated solely to monster softbaits. Built on heavy wire Mustad UltraPoint hooks and equipped with a molded keeper that holds baits securely in place, these rigging hooks are as tough as the softbaits they’re designed to carry. Rear-positioned belly weights keel even the most buoyant Z-Man swimbaits perfectly and provide a seductive shimmy on the fall. Don’t sleep on these as rigging tools for ElaZtech worms, craws, and stickbaits either!
The Texas Eye Jighead is another weedless rigging tool for ElaZtech plastics that will suit many needs of tournament anglers. Oversized 3D eyes that present a prominent strike target, while the swinging 4/0 VMC EWG hook enhances soft plastic action by allowing baits to move more freely on the retrieve. During testing earlier this year, the Texas Eye has already accounted for two top-10 finishes on top-level tournament trails. In one such tournament, it was paired with a swimming worm and buzzed over grass flats, while in the other, the Texas Eye was combined with a small swimbait to generate bites in deeper water, demonstrating the versatility of this new addition to Z-Man’s Eye Strike jighead lineup.
The Texas Eye Jighead is another weedless rigging tool for ElaZtech plastics that will suit many needs of tournament anglers. Oversized 3D eyes that present a prominent strike target, while the swinging 4/0 VMC EWG hook enhances soft plastic action by allowing baits to move more freely on the retrieve. During testing earlier this year, the Texas Eye has already accounted for two top-10 finishes on top-level tournament trails. In one such tournament, it was paired with a swimming worm and buzzed over grass flats, while in the other, the Texas Eye was combined with a small swimbait to generate bites in deeper water, demonstrating the versatility of this new addition to Z-Man’s Eye Strike jighead lineup.

Related