Z-Man soft baits 2024
Midwest Fisherman reply :
I have $150 in Bass Pro gift cards that's burning a hole in my pocket and I want to spend it on Z-Man soft baits. Regardless of my techniques, area, time of year, water clearity, rod specifics etc. I'm just wanting some feedback as to what you guys & girls are using and like.
Thanks
bowhunter63 reply :
I use there TRD Ned rig worms and mushroom heads.Work great.The longer you use the worm the better the action.
cgolf reply :
For me I have had a lot of success with the Zinkerz chopped in half and fished Ned rig style (surprisingly pearl was my best color in dingy water). So much success that I am in the same place you are and will be picking some more styles too. I will be really interested as well what others have to say.
ABW reply :
Just saying if you spend 150 on ZMAN baits you will probably never use them all lol. I'm a fan of the batwingz for a jig trailer, and the TRD for the ned rig.
Lendiesel22 reply :
Hula sticks are nice little baits. If it is tough, put a hula stick on.
iabass8 reply :
Project Z chatterbait. They finally got it right /w that one. Killer chatterbait.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:11 AM, ABW said:Just saying if you spend 150 on ZMAN baits you will probably never use them all lol. I'm a fan of the batwingz for a jig trailer, and the TRD for the ned rig.
You have a point there, I actually thought the same thing.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:16 AM, iabass8 said:Project Z chatterbait. They finally got it right /w that one. Killer chatterbait.
IKR, I have several of their chatters and received some of the project z for the holidays, haven't used them yet and that was one thing I wanted to try their softs on.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
I know you can't dip in JJ's but does anyone rub mega strike on them
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:02 AM, bowhunter63 said:I use there TRD Ned rig worms and mushroom heads.Work great.The longer you use the worm the better the action.
What size, color, weedless or not shroomz do you use
MIbassyaker reply :
I have yet to try a soft bait by Zman I didn't like, but the ones I use most are TRD, ZinkerZ, Hula StickZ, and TurboCrawZ. Not sure I'd buy $150 of them, though.
ABW reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:27 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:I know you can't dip in JJ's but does anyone rub mega strike on them
Yes! Megastrike is fine on elaztech
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:04 AM, MIbassyaker said:I have yet to try a soft bait by Zman I didn't like, but the ones I use most are TRD, ZinkerZ, Hula StickZ, and TurboCrawZ. Not sure I'd buy $150 of them, though.
Great variety, thanks. I was just getting excited, guess it would be wasteful to spend that much on them. Guess I'll need to add some different goodies as well.
bowhunter63 reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:04 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:What size, color, weedless or not shroomz do you use
1/10 shroom head and green pumpkin color 90 percent of the time.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:04 AM, MIbassyaker said:I have yet to try a soft bait by Zman I didn't like, but the ones I use most are TRD, ZinkerZ, Hula StickZ, and TurboCrawZ. Not sure I'd buy $150 of them, though.
If you don't mind could you recommend a variety of colors.
bowhunter63 reply :
I know alot of guys who use Mega Strike with great results.I like it and strike king coffee scent.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:10 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:If you don't mind could you recommend a variety of colors.
I use 3 colors -- green pumpkin, canada craw, and coppertreuse....but I'm not so sure that I actually need more than green pumpkin.
ABW reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:24 AM, MIbassyaker said:I use 3 colors -- green pumpkin, canada craw, and coppertreuse....but I'm not so sure that I actually need more than green pumpkin.
You can't use the dyes on the plastic so its justifiable 
cgolf reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:27 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:I know you can't dip in JJ's but does anyone rub mega strike on them
I have used liquid mayhem scents with no issues and great results. This stuff is a gel too and lasts a long time
RyneB reply :
Nobody mentioned the ShadZ. It's also a killer bait on a mushroom head. Also a awesome drop shot bait
MIbassyaker reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 11:34 AM, ABW said:You can't use the dyes on the plastic so its justifiable
Well, there you go.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I like the ZinkerZ-coppertreuse, PB&J, pearl, purple haze, black and blue, pink, and pumpkin orange.
TRD-Canada Craw, PB&J, black and blue, junebug, coppertreuse, green pumpkin goby, and green pumpkin orange
Turbo CrawZ-Bama Bug, Black and blue, The Deal, and pearl.
3.5" BatwingZ-black and blue, sapphire blue, green pumpkin
Palmetto BugZ- black blue flake, bama bug, California craw
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 5:21 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I like the ZinkerZ-coppertreuse, PB&J, pearl, purple haze, black and blue, pink, and pumpkin orange.
TRD-Canada Craw, PB&J, black and blue, junebug, coppertreuse, green pumpkin goby, and green pumpkin orange
Turbo CrawZ-Bama Bug, Black and blue, The Deal, and pearl.
3.5" BatwingZ-black and blue, sapphire blue, green pumpkin
Palmetto BugZ- black blue flake, bama bug, California craw
Great, thanks so much.
Preytorien reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:27 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:I know you can't dip in JJ's but does anyone rub mega strike on them
Heck ya! A TRD with Megastrike on it is one of my lethal weapons. Usually catches when nothing else will.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Four inch super finesse worm (Strike King elaztech is the same thing) coppertreuse, pb&j, pumpkin w/ red flakes, watermelon w/ red flakes.
Here's a helpful tip on rigging the elaztech products. If you have tried to put the head of the worm on any type of holder, barbed or screw type, you know it's impossible to get the holder to puncture the head. I use a safety pin and a candle. Open a safety pin and bend it so it is straight except for the coil, which acts like a heat sink to disperse heat.
Heat the point over a candle, then melt a hole about an inch deep into the center of the worm. That will allow you to slide the nose of the worm over any holder. Use a drop of super glue to hold it in place. If the hook has a spring type of holder, you'll have to pinch the top coil closed, and bend the closed coil so it points at the tip of the hook, or the center of the bend, depending on how you rig it.
You can then slide the worm over the holder. Again, use super glue to secure it to the holder and the jig head.
Done properly (it will take a bit of practice), it will last until you lose it. I've caught over fifty fish on the same bait. Even pickerel cannot ruin it.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 9:37 PM, Preytorien said:Heck ya! A TRD with Megastrike on it is one of my lethal weapons. Usually catches when nothing else will.
Great, thanks. Definitely gonna try that. Were you able to hit any water during our warm spell.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/29/2015 at 10:26 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Four inch super finesse worm (Strike King elaztech is the same thing) coppertreuse, pb&j, pumpkin w/ red flakes, watermelon w/ red flakes.
Here's a helpful tip on rigging the elaztech products. If you have tried to put the head of the worm on any type of holder, barbed or screw type, you know it's impossible to get the holder to puncture the head. I use a safety pin and a candle. Open a safety pin and bend it so it is straight except for the coil, which acts like a heat sink to disperse heat.
Heat the point over a candle, then melt a hole about an inch deep into the center of the worm. That will allow you to slide the nose of the worm over any holder. Use a drop of super glue to hold it in place. If the hook has a spring type of holder, you'll have to pinch the top coil closed, and bend the closed coil so it points at the tip of the hook, or the center of the bend, depending on how you rig it.
You can then slide the worm over the holder. Again, use super glue to secure it to the holder and the jig head.
Done properly (it will take a bit of practice), it will last until you lose it. I've caught over fifty fish on the same bait. Even pickerel cannot ruin it.
Great idea, once I get everything in front of me I'll give it a try.
Bass Turd reply :
Don't forget it's best to store Z-Man Elaztech plastics in their original packaging. They don't play well with other plastics or conventional tackle storage trays.
cgolf reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 2:23 AM, Bass Turd said:Don't forget it's best to store Z-Man Elaztech plastics in their original packaging. They don't play well with other plastics or conventional tackle storage trays.
I have had decent luck with plano boxes. I do just get a cheap box and drill holes in it to store rigged baits. On some level you may be right, the box is getting a bit deformed, but the baits are good. I will say though that I have been using the small plano double sided box to store cut Zinkerz in and have not seen that box deform at all. I wonder if that uses a slightly different plastic?
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 2:23 AM, Bass Turd said:Don't forget it's best to store Z-Man Elaztech plastics in their original packaging. They don't play well with other plastics or conventional tackle storage trays.
Thanks, for mentioning this. In my quest for Z-Man knowledge I remember seeing this mentioned in one of their videos.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 3:04 AM, cgolf said:I have had decent luck with plano boxes. I do just get a cheap box and drill holes in it to store rigged baits. On some level you may be right, the box is getting a bit deformed, but the baits are good. I will say though that I have been using the small plano double sided box to store cut Zinkerz in and have not seen that box deform at all. I wonder if that uses a slightly different plastic?
Im keeping the chatter baits & skirt jigs unpackaged in Plano boxes, soft plastics I keep in original packing in their own box. Interesting bit of information, I used to crappie fish about 8 years ago, kept all the soft baits in Plano type boxes and several years went by until I recently pulled them out to see what I had and I noticed the lids and dividers were warping. It wasn't until I learned about what elaztech does to plastics that made me wonder if the same thing didn't happen over a longer period of time from those crappie baits. Just a thought.
cgolf reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 5:59 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:Im keeping the chatter baits & skirt jigs unpackaged in Plano boxes, soft plastics I keep in original packing in their own box. Interesting bit of information, I used to crappie fish about 8 years ago, kept all the soft baits in Plano type boxes and several years went by until I recently pulled them out to see what I had and I noticed the lids and dividers were warping. It wasn't until I learned about what elaztech does to plastics that made me wonder if the same thing didn't happen over a longer period of time from those crappie baits. Just a thought.
The two boxes shown were filled at the same time, but only one is deforming, it is kind of weird. The top view shows the chatter bait that really deforms it, while the Zinkerz really don't do a whole lot to it. The chatterbait is really old, so I wonder if the earlier versions of elaztech were made a bit different from what is out there now? The deformed box also stayed in my truck all summer, but out of the sun.
cgolf reply :
This is my current worm binder for my bagged plastics. Not sure if it is even made anymore, but was just happy to finally use it. Looking to fill the other side next year.
if this stuff is in the bag, can they be stored with other bagged plastics?
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 7:20 AM, cgolf said:The two boxes shown were filled at the same time, but only one is deforming, it is kind of weird. The top view shows the chatter bait that really deforms it, while the Zinkerz really don't do a whole lot to it. The chatterbait is really old, so I wonder if the earlier versions of elaztech were made a bit different from what is out there now? The deformed box also stayed in my truck all summer, but out of the sun.
In that video I saw about the elaztech they talked about how it would deform the standard Plano type case over time, believe it was 1 or 2 years. There is a clear case they said wouldn't be effected by them, forgot who makes it.
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 7:38 AM, cgolf said:This is my current worm binder for my bagged plastics. Not sure if it is even made anymore, but was just happy to finally use it. Looking to fill the other side next year.
if this stuff is in the bag, can they be stored with other bagged plastics?
From what I understand if it's kept in the original Z-Man bag it won't/shouldn't effect the other baits.
PennBass reply :
I don't think anyone mentioned the Razor Shadz that's now in stock at TW. It's a bit pricey, but as long as you store them right they'll last you a while. I have it on the back of a chatterbAit and it dances like crazy in the water.
Preytorien reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 12:25 AM, Midwest Fisherman said:Great, thanks. Definitely gonna try that. Were you able to hit any water during our warm spell.
I got out some, but nothing in still water worth mentioning. I wade the White quite a bit for smallmouth and had a couple good trips the week before Christmas. Oddly they were hitting a 1/4oz spinnerbait. Usually those TRD's do very well, but they weren't having any of that. What about you?
Midwest Fisherman reply :
On 12/30/2015 at 7:52 PM, Preytorien said:I got out some, but nothing in still water worth mentioning. I wade the White quite a bit for smallmouth and had a couple good trips the week before Christmas. Oddly they were hitting a 1/4oz spinnerbait. Usually those TRD's do very well, but they weren't having any of that. What about you?
I was hitting our pond almost every day and catching at least one every trip. There was one day I caught 3 within 10 minutes. They were hitting small chatter baits and shad cranks. On Christmas Day I hooked a good size fatty (for me) on a chili craw lipless crank, I had about 2 cranks of the reel before I would take the bait from the water and I just had the bait in site when he slammed it, scared the crap out of me..
Midwest Fisherman reply :
Thanks again to everyone for all the input. Here is what I ended up getting.
bowhunter63 reply :
Good selection there
Torn Thumb reply :
So what is everyone doing with the elaztech trailers that come with the zman chatterbaits? Is it a standard thing to unrig chatterbaits and jigs for storage? My first one picked up dye from a senko and melted. (Mixed box of random baits with no dividers)
Basically trying to figure out how to store the chatterbait rigged with the included trailer safely. I can't picture keeping the package around for long.
J Francho reply :
Just give them their own compartment.
Torn Thumb reply :
On 10/27/2016 at 10:08 PM, J Francho said:Just give them their own compartment.
Won't it just react with the plano ? If so I might just get a dedicated box or remove the trailer and put it in a small bag when I'm not being lazy.
J Francho reply :
The only time I had trouble with them is when they touched other baits.
Paul Roberts reply :
They can also warp plastic (even poly) boxes. I put them in zip-locks, then they can go in any compartment -even with other worms.
MBB Nate reply :
I'm pretty sure I've caught more bass on a 1/15oz pumpkin finesse shroomz and a green pumpkin with blue flake shadz this year than I have all lures my entire life. And the best part is I am still on one pack of jigs and one pack of shadz.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
For all those you bought, I think you all set for life with Z-Man?.
MBB Nate reply :
On 10/28/2016 at 5:07 AM, JustJames said:For all those you bought, I think you all set for life with Z-Man?.
Still needs some Shadz!
Robert Riley reply :
I like the craw trailers, but dear god do NOT mix them with your other trailers. They appear to melt and become a somehow brittle blob of plastic, without any necessary heat.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Ive heard good thing about finesse shad. All I want now are zinkerz and finesse shad and I should be good to go too.
Torn Thumb reply :
I'm definitely going to have to stock up on some zman stuff this winter, thanks to this thread any the many other ones like it. Any other shroom style jigheads to recommend aside from zman brand?
NYWayfarer reply :
On 10/28/2016 at 11:53 AM, Torn Thumb said:I'm definitely going to have to stock up on some zman stuff this winter, thanks to this thread any the many other ones like it. Any other shroom style jigheads to recommend aside from zman brand?
VMC makes mushroom jigheads. I actually like them better than the shrooms from Zman.
Zman TRD, ZinkerZ, Hula StickZ and ShadZ are all winners in my book. I find the TRD so versatile it is swiftly becoming my favorite bait. I ned rig it and drop shot it for all day action on the water. One bait lasts all day unless snagged or shaken off the hook by an angry bass.
Yeajray231 reply :
Yea I use VMC for alot of the specialty hooks.
IndianaFinesse reply :
On 10/28/2016 at 11:53 AM, Torn Thumb said:I'm definitely going to have to stock up on some zman stuff this winter, thanks to this thread any the many other ones like it. Any other shroom style jigheads to recommend aside from zman brand?
I've tried the VMC jig heads before, but have been unable to find one with a small enough hook to allow half of a zinker-z to have the right shimmy and shake. I would suggest trying the mushroom jigs from gopher tackle, they let you choose from a wide variety of hooks and hook sizes and almost any weight you can think of. Including some of my favorites like the 1/32 and 3/32 ounce, which z-man does not carry. It was the only jig head that Midwest finesse fisherman used before z-man came out with the shroomz, and the majority still do use the gophers because of the hook and weight selection in addition to being more affordable.
If you're just starting out with the ned rig, I would recommend starting out with mostly 1/16 ounce heads with either a #4 hook or a #2 hook. Also you should pick up a few 1/32 ounce heads for days they want a slower fall and also some 3/32 ounce heads for windy days, but the majority of the time I'm using a 1/16, followed by the 1/32 and then the 3/32 ounce jig head. Don't get a whole bunch of heavy jig heads with big hooks like so many have made the mistake of buying, stick with weight under 1/8 ounce with hooks no bigger than #1.
Torn Thumb reply :
Sweet. Thanks.
ibobpeb reply :
Diezel Minnowz - I've had great success using them on a t-rig 1/4 - 3/8 oz bullet weight, with 1/0 wide gap hook, rigged weedless.
Chatterbait Elite in Bluegill color and Black Red color. I add Keitech FAT as trailers. It's a confident bait when I want to catch big ones.
Shroomz head with TRD worm - I'm not a fan as majority people are. They produce too many dinky sized bass but they work. Worth picking up some if your pond/lake has a lot of smaller fish.
Z-man Skirts - Pick some up if you like to make your own jigs. Lots of color combinations.
That said I wouldn't spend more than $50 total on them. I have so many unopened packages of Z-man stuff because they're so durable and last fish after fish, you won't need to replace the bait for awhile. That ElaZtech material is no joke.
fishwizzard reply :
On 10/31/2016 at 11:40 PM, ibobpeb said:Diezel Minnowz - I've had great success using them on a t-rig 1/4 - 3/8 oz bullet weight, with 1/0 wide gap hook, rigged weedless.
What brand of 1/0 hook are you using? Looking at the ones I have I don't see how the gap is wide enough to allow a good hookset.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 10/28/2016 at 12:56 AM, Paul Roberts said:They can also warp plastic (even poly) boxes. I put them in zip-locks, then they can go in any compartment -even with other worms.
ziplocks are the best bet , i use the '' snack bags ''
as far as Zman baits i use , i only use the finnesse wormz on an Owner ultra shakey head , threw it a few times and still have the same bait on the Ultra head . as far as putting one on a CPS screw keeper , it takes a little patience and finnesse but once it's on you don't have to take it off 
J Francho reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 3:42 AM, Bunnielab said:What brand of 1/0 hook are you using? Looking at the ones I have I don't see how the gap is wide enough to allow a good hookset.
The baits are really soft, and get out of the way, but 1/0 seems too small to me too. I like a 3/0 or 4/0 Owner Rig'n Hook for these, if I'm going weedless, but mostly I like the J-Will heads with the strong hook. I prefer to use an open hook, if I can get away with it.
blckshirt98 reply :
Overstock Bait has some Z-Man stuff discounted heavily right now if you want to try some of their stuff out -
http://www.overstockbait.com/Z-Man-Sale-More-s/2273.htm
fishwizzard reply :
On 11/1/2016 at 8:30 PM, J Francho said:The baits are really soft, and get out of the way, but 1/0 seems too small to me too. I like a 3/0 or 4/0 Owner Rig'n Hook for these, if I'm going weedless, but mostly I like the J-Will heads with the strong hook. I prefer to use an open hook, if I can get away with it.
I have never tried the Rig'n Hook, but have messed around with a few other EWG hooks with little luck. While elezatech is soft, it also seems "grippy" and I have had a bunch of incidents where I get a hit, set the the hook, feel the weight of the fish for a bit, but then nothing. Upon reeling the lure in the plastic has either twisted around the re-hooked it's self, or is just still skinhooked. How ever I was using a ML rod and thin hooks, maybe I need more strength and a thicker hook.
I have had great luck with the Minnowz on jigheads, but love a way to get them to work on a light t-rig or a bellyweighted swimbait hook.
J Francho reply :
Something about the Owner "T" shaped cutting point that gets through the baits. I like to push the hook clear through the bait, and then pop it back inside the plastic. Not something I'd do with conventional plastisol baits, though.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 11/2/2016 at 12:59 AM, blckshirt98 said:Overstock Bait has some Z-Man stuff discounted heavily right now if you want to try some of their stuff out -
http://www.overstockbait.com/Z-Man-Sale-More-s/2273.htm
most of the stuff is already sold out 
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