Z-Man Softbaits: The Complete Buying Guide

Z-Man Softbaits: Complete Buying Guide

Introduction

Z-Man softbaits have transformed soft baiting in New Zealand, setting the gold standard with their game changing ElaZtech® material. Renowned for their incredible durability, lifelike action, and buoyancy, Z-Man softbaits consistently outperform traditional soft plastics, making them a top choice among Kiwi anglers targeting snapper, kingfish, gurnard, and more. Whether you are new to soft bait fishing or a seasoned angler looking to upgrade your gear, this complete buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From choosing the right softbait shapes and Z-Man colours for New Zealand waters, to matching them with the ideal jig heads and rod setups, we cover it all. As the leading softbait brand in New Zealand, Z-Man continues to dominate local tackle boxes and tournament circuits alike. Their range is specifically suited to our diverse fishing environments, from estuary flats and harbours to deep offshore reefs.

Top Z-Man Colours for New Zealand Waters

The most iconic softbait colour in NZ, Bruised Banana features a purple-blue back and bright yellow belly. This high-contrast pattern is ideal for fishing in low light, deeper water, or over reef structures. It creates a strong silhouette that predatory fish like snapper cannot resist.

Bruised Banana: The most iconic softbait colour in NZ, Bruised Banana features a purple-blue back and bright yellow belly. This high-contrast pattern is ideal for fishing in low light, deeper water, or over reef structures. It creates a strong silhouette that predatory fish like snapper cannot resist.
Nuked Chicken Glow: Combining a bold chartreuse body, red flake, and glow technology, Nuked Chicken Glow is a top performer in deep or overcast conditions. Its glow activation gives you an edge during dawn missions or cloudy days. It’s a go-to for anglers chasing fish on softbaits in deeper waters.
Motor Oil: A staple in any softbait angler’s tackle box, Motor Oil mimics a wide variety of natural prey species. The amber-brown tone shifts to a UV-reactive purple underwater, making it incredibly versatile. It is especially effective when targeting bottom feeders like snapper and gurnard.
Nuked Pilly: This colour blends natural baitfish appeal with high-vis pop. With translucent blues and purples layered into a soft silver body, Nuked Pilly closely resembles pilchards or anchovies. Perfect for clear water or high-pressure scenarios when fish are feeding on small baitfish.
Atomic Sunrise: Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore, Atomic Sunrise is often the last lure standing when nothing else works. Its orange base and gold flake create massive visibility in stained or choppy water. It is a proven killer on North Island snapper and a longtime favourite among Kiwi softbaiters.
Smokey Shad: For subtle, natural presentation in clear or pressured water, Smokey Shad is a consistent producer. Its darker back and lighter belly imitate New Zealand’s local baitfish species with realism. Ideal for light tackle setups and spooky fish.
Shiner: When stealth is needed, Shiner’s silver flash and see-through profile offer the ultimate finesse presentation. Perfect in calm, sunny conditions or when fish are schooling on bait. An excellent choice for clear water softbaiting from a kayak or drifting boat.

Z-Man Softbait Models & Their Recommended Use Cases

With a wide range of shapes and swimming actions, Z-Man softbaits are engineered to match New Zealand’s diverse fisheries, from shallow reef systems to deep offshore drop-offs. Below is a guide to the top Z-Man softbait models, including their best applications, techniques, and ideal target species in NZ conditions.

JerkShadZ

Best For: Versatile presentations and reaction strikes in open water.

Techniques: Twitching, jerkbait-style retrieves, cast-and-pause with seabed contact.

Species: Snapper, kahawai, trevally, kingfish.

Unique Features: The forked tail delivers a sharp, erratic darting action that mimics fleeing baitfish, ideal for triggering aggressive reaction bites.

Popular Colours: Bruised Banana, Nuked Pilly, Smokey Shad, Motor Oil.

Ideal for softbait anglers wanting a do-it-all lure with erratic action that works well on both the drop and retrieve.

Slim SwimZ

Best For: Microbait imitation in salt and freshwater.

Techniques: Slow roll, stop-and-go retrieve, or dragging behind a boat.

Species: Snapper, kahawai, trevally, trout, salmon, and other baitfish feeders.

Unique Features: Compact profile with a tight paddle tail that produces a subtle vibration, perfect for light tackle or finesse fishing.

Popular Colours: Smokey Shad, Shiner, Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana.

A favourite among shore-based anglers and kayak fishers, especially effective when fish are locked on small bait schools.

4" GrubZ

Best For: Fishing near the bottom when fish are feeding deep.

Techniques: Steady retrieve, hopping, or dragging with a heavy jighead.

Species: Snapper, kahawai, trevally, kingfish.

Unique Features: Classic curly tail design gives non-stop movement, even at rest.

Popular Colours: Motor Oil, Nuked Chicken Glow, Smokey Shad.

Perfect for slow presentations and deep water softbaiting where fish are tight to structure or the seabed.

Elite PrawnZ

Best For: Targeting fish holding tight to structure or feeding on crustaceans.

Techniques: Slow drag, hopping, deadsticking, or fishing the fall.

Species: Snapper, bream, flathead.

Unique Features: Realistic prawn body and limbs move naturally in the current, making it deadly in shallows and estuaries.

Popular Colours: Motor Oil, Nuked Pilly, Smokey Shad, Nuked Chicken Glow.

An essential softbait for big snapper, especially in estuarine environments or around weedy and rocky bottoms.

DropKickerZ 3.75"

Best For: Microbait imitation with a slightly larger profile than Slim SwimZ.

Techniques: Slow retrieve, pause on the seabed, or trolling behind a drift.

Species: Snapper, kahawai, kingfish (smaller models), trevally, trout.

Unique Features: Boot tail design creates a subtle but realistic swim action with just enough thump to draw attention.

Popular Colours: Shiner, Smokey Shad, Motor Oil, Bruised Banana.

Great for anglers looking to upgrade from Slim SwimZ to something that appeals to larger predatory fish while maintaining a finesse profile.

PaddlerZ

Best For: Covering ground over sandy flats or bait-rich environments.

Techniques: Cast and retrieve near the bottom, or slow-dragged on a jighead.

Species: Snapper, kingfish, kahawai, trevally.

Unique Features: Large paddle tail creates a strong thumping action and wide tail kick that draws in aggressive predators.

Popular Colours: Smokey Shad, Nuked Chicken Glow, Motor Oil, Bruised Banana.

An excellent choice for targeting active predators in open water, especially when baitfish are schooling.

Best Z-Man Softbait Colours by Species in New Zealand

Choosing the right Z-Man softbait colour can significantly improve your catch rates when targeting different species in Aotearoa’s varied coastal conditions. Below is a species-specific breakdown of the best softbait colours for New Zealand fishing, based on water clarity, depth, and behaviour.

Snapper

1. Clear/Shallow Water: Bruised Banana, Nuked Chicken Glow, Atomic Sunrise
2. Deeper Water: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
3. Stained Water: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
Best Overall Colours: Bruised Banana, Motor Oil, Atomic Sunrise, Nuked Pilly, Smokey Shad

Kingfish

1. Clear Water: Smokey Shad, Shiner, Blue Back Pearl
2. Deeper Water: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
3. Around Structure: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
Best Overall Colours: Nuked Pilly, Smokey Shad, Bruised Banana

Trevally

1. Shallow Water: Smokey Shad, Shiner, Pearl
2. Deeper Water: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
3. Dawn/Dusk Conditions: Nuked Pilly, Motor Oil
Best Overall Colours: Nuked Chicken Glow, Shiner

Kahawai

1. Feeding Schools: Smokey Shad, Shiner, Pearl
2. Deeper Water: Nuked Chicken Glow, Bruised Banana
Best Overall Colours: Smokey Shad, Shiner

New Zealand Regional Usage Guide

Different regions across New Zealand offer unique environments and species, making lure selection critical. Here is a region-by-region guide to the best Z-Man softbaits based on local water clarity, habitat, and common target species.

North Island

Northland: JerkShadZ around rocky structure for kingfish; PaddlerZ for snapper in sandy areas; Elite PrawnZ around reefs for XL snapper; DropkickerZ for finesse fishing in clear water.
Hauraki Gulf: JerkShadZ, Slim SwimZ, and DropkickerZ for snapper on sand flats; GrubZ and PaddlerZ for deeper water; Elite PrawnZ around structure.
Bay of Plenty: JerkShadZ for kingfish around offshore islands; Elite PrawnZ for snapper in the shallows and around structure; DropkickerZ for clear water finesse fishing.
East Coast (Gisborne to Hawke’s Bay): Slim SwimZ and DropkickerZ for clear water snapper fishing; JerkShadZ for deeper water species; Elite PrawnZ around reefs.
Wellington Region: GrubZ for snapper in the harbour; JerkShadZ in the strong currents of Cook Strait; DropkickerZ for finesse presentations.

South Island

Marlborough Sounds: JerkShadZ for blue cod and snapper around structure; Slim SwimZ and DropkickerZ for all freshwater species.
Kaikoura: JerkShadZ for fishing deeper waters; GrubZ for bottom-feeding fish; DropkickerZ and Slim SwimZ for all freshwater species.
Banks Peninsula: Slim SwimZ, DropkickerZ, and JerkShadZ for snapper in shallower bays; GrubZ for deeper water species; DropkickerZ and Slim SwimZ for all freshwater species.
Otago / Southland: GrubZ and JerkShadZ for blue cod and trumpeter around kelp beds; DropkickerZ and Slim SwimZ for all freshwater species.

Materials & Benefits of Z-Man Softbaits

Z-Man softbaits are engineered using ElaZtech®, a proprietary material that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. With over two decades of innovation, ElaZtech has become the benchmark for high-performance softbait fishing in New Zealand and worldwide. Compared to traditional PVC-based soft plastics and newer competitor materials, ElaZtech stands out in both durability and fish-catching performance.

Key Benefits of ElaZtech Softbaits:

10× Tougher: Far more durable than conventional softbaits, often lasting through dozens of fish—making them ideal for NZ snapper and kahawai.
Buoyancy: Naturally buoyant, allowing lures to float or hover in the strike zone longer, especially useful for slow-drifting techniques.
Flexibility: Maintains supple action and integrity even after repeated use or aggressive strikes.
Salt-Infused: Many models include salt impregnation, enhancing scent and taste appeal to increase bite duration.
UV Resistance: Withstands prolonged sun exposure without fading—perfect for long summer sessions on the water.
Shape Memory: Returns to its original shape after stretching, unlike traditional plastic lures that deform or tear.
Eco-Conscious Durability: Extended life span means fewer discarded lures, helping reduce plastic waste in NZ marine environments.

Z-Man’s ElaZtech material is not just tough—it’s a smarter, more sustainable choice for softbait fishing in New Zealand’s harsh saltwater conditions.

Environmental Considerations for Z-Man Softbaits

Z-Man’s commitment to innovation extends beyond performance—it also supports more sustainable fishing practices. Thanks to the unique properties of ElaZtech®, Z-Man softbaits offer anglers an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional PVC lures.

Key Environmental Benefits and Best Practices:

Durability = Less Waste: Z-Man softbaits last significantly longer than conventional soft plastics, meaning fewer lures are lost, broken, or discarded into landfills or waterways.
Proper Disposal: Used softbaits should always be disposed of in rubbish bins—not tossed into the ocean or lakes. Responsible disposal helps protect New Zealand’s marine ecosystems.
Storage Considerations: To maintain the integrity of ElaZtech and avoid chemical reactions, keep Z-Man softbaits separate from traditional PVC lures (see Maintenance section for tips).
Fewer Harmful Chemicals: ElaZtech is free from many plasticizers and toxic chemicals commonly found in PVC baits, making it a less harmful option for aquatic life and the environment.

By choosing Z-Man, you are not only fishing smarter—you’re also making a more sustainable choice for New Zealand’s marine environment.

Maintenance & Best Practices for Z-Man Softbaits

Proper care and handling of your Z-Man ElaZtech softbaits not only preserves their performance but also extends their usable life—making them even more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Storage Guidelines:

Keep Separate: Always store Z-Man ElaZtech baits separately from traditional PVC soft plastics to prevent chemical reactions.
Use Original Packaging: Whenever possible, store baits in their original Z-Man packaging or Z-Man-compatible tackle trays.
Avoid Heat: Do not leave softbaits in hot vehicles or in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this may warp the material.
Rinse After Saltwater Use: A quick rinse in freshwater after fishing can remove salt and debris, preserving the integrity of the bait.
Allow to Dry: Ensure softbaits are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Performance Enhancement Tips:

Apply Secret Sauce or Attractant: Adding a light coating of scent-based fish attractant (e.g. Secret Sauce) can improve bite rates, especially in tough conditions.
Restore Flexibility: If a bait becomes stiff, gently stretch or massage it to restore its original movement and softness.
Refresh Faded Colours: Lightly apply a matching colour marker to bring worn softbaits back to life visually.
Re-Salt When Needed: For salt-infused models, a dip in a homemade salt solution can rejuvenate salt content and increase attraction.
Correct Rigging: Always rig your bait straight on the jighead—this ensures optimal swimming action and lure presentation.

Maintaining your softbaits properly means better performance on the water and less waste off it. These simple practices help you get the most out of every Z-Man lure.

Jig Head Compatibility Chart

Model	Jig Head Type	Weight Range
JerkShadZ	Lightbulb Jigheads	1/8 – 5/8 oz
Slim SwimZ	TT Head LockZ	1/8 – 1/2 oz
GrubZ 4"	TT Head LockZ, Lightbulb	1/16 – 5/8 oz
Elite PrawnZ	TT Head LockZ, Lightbulb	1/8 – 1/4 oz
DropkickerZ 3.75"	TT Head LockZ	1/8 – 1/2 oz
PaddlerZ	TT Head LockZ, Lightbulb	1/16 – 1 oz

Conclusion

Z-Man softbaits provide New Zealand anglers with a high-performance, long-lasting alternative to traditional soft plastics. Thanks to their innovative ElaZtech® material, Z-Man lures deliver unmatched durability, lifelike action, and superior value—making them an ideal choice for targeting a variety of species across NZ waters.

By choosing the right softbait model, colour, and jighead setup based on your target species and location, you can significantly increase your hook-up rates. Whether you are chasing snapper in the Hauraki Gulf or kingfish off Northland’s coast, Z-Man offers a softbait to match.

Total Shares: 0

Back to blog