Z-Man operated primarily behind the scenes as one of the largest lure component suppliers until 2006, when the ChatterBait burst onto the pro bass tour circuit. Following several tournament successes, the ChatterBait became one of the industry’s most highly-sought-after lures almost overnight. As the inventor of this revolutionary lure struggled to keep up with increasing demand, Z-Man became involved in the manufacturing and distribution of all ChatterBait brand products. Today, Z-Man holds two patents on the bladed swim jig design of the Original ChatterBait and has expanded its ChatterBait line to include baits that are extremely effective on a wide range of species, ranging from panfish to saltwater gamefish, and everything in between.
Around that same time, Z-Man was perfecting the formulation for its 10X Tough ElaZtech soft plastic material. Z-Man’s proprietary formula creates a material that is remarkably soft and pliable, yet resists nicks, cuts and tears better than other soft baits. ElaZtech is as much as 10X tougher than other traditional soft plastic fishing baits. This translates to no more piles of torn-up plastic fishing lures sitting in the bottom of your tackle box at the end of the day. Manufactured entirely in South Carolina, this unique material is also naturally buoyant and floats up off the bottom, creating a more visible, lifelike and attractive target to gamefish. Unlike most other soft plastic baits, ElaZtech contains no PVC, plastisol or phthalates, and is non-toxic, so it’s good for you and also good for the planet…but bad for the fish!
HEROZ
Coastal waters, reefs, inlets, bays and bluewater are teeming with vicious predators that are suckers for soft baits, but are notorious for chopping and shredding soft plastics…that is until now. The 10-inch HeroZ is an oversized, elongated, fish-shaped jerk bait that is super soft, but is ideal for big fish applications thanks to its 10X Tough ElaZtech construction. When paired with an 8/0 HeadlockZ HD jig head, it can be cast, jigged, or trolled to entice a wide variety of bigwater targets including stripers, blues, fluke, tuna, dorado and other saltwater favorites.
Extremely soft yet tear-resistant ElaZtech construction provides superior action and increased durability over other large slug-style plastics. Each bait’s buoyant material is ideal for use throughout the water column, from top-water to deep-jigging. The Hero-Z mates with 8/0 Headlock-Z HD jig heads to create the most bulletproof soft bait combo for casting, trolling or jigging for a variety of inshore, near shore and offshore species and is available in nine colors, with 3 baits per pack. The HeroZ is a perfect deceiver when inshore and offshore species like stripers, blues, fluke and tuna are all chowing down on sandeels. Its slinky shape resembles that of a tasty sandeel and the super-duty HeadlockZ jig head and extra strong 8/0 hook will do the job on even the toughest tuna. The black or green flavors have already found a home in my tackle box, ready for this season’s opportunities.
SWIMMERZ
Redesigned for 2015 with more natural laminate color schemes, the SwimmerZ are some of the softest and toughest swim baits on the market. Sporting some of the most lifelike swimming actions available, SwimmerZ are ideal for both fresh and saltwater swimbait applications. Their tough ElaZtech construction will allow you to catch multiple fish on one durable bait and will look totally lifelike during the process. SwimmerZ baits are offered in both four-inch (four baits per pack) and six-inch (three baits per pack) lengths and are available in a virtual kaleidoscope of 17 different colors that will appeal to every type of inshore and offshore gamefish that is on your radar screen. Match these up with your favorite HeadlockZ HD jig heads that range from 1/8-oz to 3-oz to match your application and you are in business.
The good news is that if your local tackle shop does not carry Z-Man products, you can get them all at the Z-Man online store.
