How To Rig Z-Man Lures For More Strikes
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Retrieving Lures, Weekly News: 8-18-19
Here’s a question that comes up often:
Why do Z-Man lures seem to have different action than other soft plastics, such as those made by DOA and Gulp?
The answer:
Z-Man lures are more buoyant than other soft plastics.
They’re made out of a different, more elastic, and less dense material.
This affects how they move through the water, which should affect how you should rig them.
Want to see how I like to rig Z-Man lures to catch more fish?
Check out the video below!
Secret Z-Man Rigging Tip [VIDEO]
Download the Inshore Fishing Manifesto here
Get the ZMan Slam Shady Paddletail here
Get the 4/0 Owner TwistLock Hook here
Conclusion
Are you going to be rigging Z-Man lures differently now?
Have any other questions about Z-Man lures?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if you know someone who uses these lures, TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Testing fishing ZMan Curly Tails and Paddletails using a Carolina Rig. I want the plastic to suspend above the bottom at around 6-12 inches and when I retrieve the bait should dart down then slowly rise. I’m targeting bottom dwelling fish that hide in the mud and sand. Weedless 4/0 hooks with no weight. Seems to do what I want just wanted to get your thoughts on the rig. Trying something new instead of Texas rigging them. Also thought it would be a good rig for trolling plastics and keeping out the weed. Thx
Great rig for that, especially with the Zman baits that will float up. I will definitely get some underwater footage of that as well and analyze how it looks.
What have U found to be the best length paddle tail?
A 3.5″ to 4″ paddle tail works great all year long. Smaller baits will work all year, but larger baits (5″ or more) will be more appealing in the late summer and into fall.
Great tip
Thanks Richard!
The Z-Man soft plastics should come with a warning label. Caution: Contents may melt when removed from container. It’s very unfortunate the ElaZtec plastic reacts on contact with other plastics.
There is a warning label on the back of the packages saying not to mix them with other plastics and to keep them in the original packaging.
Hey Tony…….most of the time I’m fishing in 2-3 feet of water with a weedy bottom, so I prefer the lighter weight with the ZMan. The slower the sink rate, the better.
Thank you for the feedback Gary! The first time I realized I was having an issue was when I was using Gulp Jerk Baits for snook and ran out. I switched over to the Zman Jerk ShadZ using the same hook and wasn’t getting the same action or results. Changed hook weights and almost immediately started catching fish again. It will definitely vary depending on conditions and target species, but just important to be aware of the difference in buoyancy of the baits to adjust accordingly.
Wow I never thought of that because even though I have some z-man baits I never really used them that much but I have been starting to more I like a lot of there colors that are a great fit to the dark waters I fish here in the Jax st Aug area thanks for the info and as usual all you do????
No problem Steve!
Tony, this is what we need! Short and sweet and catch more fish. These little tips are rich information. You are awesome and you’re really helping us have more fun. Thank you so much!!
Thank you for the awesome feedback Dave! No problem!
Good info
Thanks John!
Heck yeah. Great video Tony. I have noticed a difference especially when trying to hug the bottom. Same weight had to fish the Zman way slower to stay down. Will change that immediately. Never thought about buoyancy until you said it. Thanks. Salt Strong.
No problem Thomas!