Z-Man
About Z-Man
Z-Man Fishing Products is based in Charleston, South Carolina, and has been bringing new technology to anglers for more than 30 years. The company made its name in the 1980s by perfecting the colouring and mass production of silicone skirt material, and it went on to become one of the industry's largest suppliers of skirting. Z-Man is now best known for its soft baits made from ElaZtech, a material that changed what anglers expect from a soft plastic.
In New Zealand, Z-Man soft baits have become a staple for snapper and kingfish anglers, and the 7 inch Jerk ShadZ in particular is one of the most popular soft baits in the country.
Why ElaZtech is different
ElaZtech is extremely stretchy and tough, so a Z-Man soft bait can survive many fish, and pickers, that would destroy a standard soft plastic. It is also naturally buoyant, so when the jighead rests on the bottom, the tail floats up in a natural, enticing position, which helps draw strikes from snapper feeding along the seabed. Many Z-Man baits are also scented to encourage fish to hold on.
ElaZtech does react with other soft plastics, so Z-Man baits should be stored in their own packets or a separate tray, never mixed in with other brands.
The range and Z-Man at Land & Sea
Jerk ShadZ come in 5, 6 and 7 inch sizes with a forked tail that darts and flutters on the drop, in colours such as Bruised Banana, New Penny, Motor Oil, Pearl and Sight Flash. The 4 inch PaddlerZ and TRD and DieZel MinnowZ have paddle tails that swim on a steady retrieve, Curly TailZ and GrubZ have curly tails that keep moving at slow speeds, and the 2.5 inch Slim SwimZ and 3 inch MinnowZ are small baits for trout, perch and finesse fishing. JigheadZ Finesse ShroomZ jigheads suit the smaller baits.
At Land & Sea we stock a big range of Z-Man soft baits, and our team can help you choose sizes and colours for your local grounds.
Frequently asked questions about Z-Man
What is Z-Man ElaZtech?
ElaZtech is the material Z-Man uses for its soft baits. It is far more stretchy and tear resistant than standard soft plastics, so one bait can catch many fish, and it is naturally buoyant, so the tail floats up off the bottom when the jighead rests on the seabed. ElaZtech reacts with other soft plastics, so store Z-Man baits in their own packets or a separate compartment, away from other brands.
Which Z-Man soft bait is best for snapper?
The Z-Man Jerk ShadZ is one of the most popular snapper soft baits in New Zealand, with the 5 inch suiting general snapper fishing and the 7 inch a favourite for bigger snapper and kingfish. Paddle tail baits such as the PaddlerZ and MinnowZ are also effective on a slow, steady retrieve. Colours such as Bruised Banana, New Penny and Motor Oil are proven, but carry a few to match water clarity.
Why do Z-Man baits float?
Z-Man soft baits are made from ElaZtech, which is naturally buoyant. When your jighead rests on the bottom, the bait's tail floats up rather than lying flat, which looks like a baitfish feeding head down and attracts fish such as snapper. That buoyancy also gives the bait more action on the drop and on a slow retrieve. Use a jighead heavy enough to reach the bottom in your depth and current.
How do I rig a Z-Man Jerk ShadZ?
Thread the Jerk ShadZ onto a jighead so the hook comes out of the top of the bait at the right point, keeping the bait straight so it swims without spinning. Because ElaZtech is so stretchy, it can slide down the hook shank, so many anglers add a small dab of glue at the head to hold it in place. Match the jighead weight to the depth and drift, and the hook size to the bait length.
What is the Z-Man Slim SwimZ used for?
The Z-Man 2.5 inch Slim SwimZ is a small, slender paddle tail soft bait that imitates small baitfish. It is ideal for finesse fishing for trout, perch, kahawai and smaller saltwater species, and for times when fish are shy of bigger baits. Rig it on a light jighead, such as the JigheadZ Finesse ShroomZ, and fish it on light line with a slow, steady retrieve or gentle lifts.
How should I store Z-Man soft baits?
Store Z-Man ElaZtech soft baits in their original packets or in a dedicated tackle tray, and never mix them with soft baits from other brands, because ElaZtech can react with other plastics and melt or deform. Keep them out of direct sun and away from heat, such as a hot car or boat deck. Used baits can go back in their own packet once dry, ready for your next trip.