Z-Man Report
Z-man has delivered a new, specialized lure designed for forward-facing sonar (FFS) enthusiasts.
The new 3.8-inch Z-man Graph ShadZ was created to reflect a vibrant sonar signal, leading with stunning realism and an array of high-performance underwater motions that appeal to the most challenging bass, walleye and other species.
“All elements of the Graph ShadZ exist to reflect a solid sonar return signal and to move and react in ways that coerce strikes from today’s toughest bass—suspended and cover-oriented fish that see tons of lures and constantly surround themselves with clouds of bait,” suggests Z-Man pro Luke Clausen, an FFS fan since day-one.
Radical Line-Through Design
The sculpted Graph ShadZ head has a line-through design. “Among the biggest obstacles anglers face with interactive sonar presentations—moping, Damiki or hover rigging— is having to reposition the knot on the eyelet after every cast to maintain a natural lure angle,” explains Director of Product Development Jose Chavez. “Our objective was to give anglers a perfectly balanced lure that hovers horizontally, rather than unnaturally nose- or tail-down.
“Not only does our minimalist through-head channel and chin line-tie eliminate the need to reposition the knot, but a special non-abrasive conduit also protects the line from damage, hiding the knot entirely beneath the head. The result is a clean, streamlined baitfish clone that performs a powerful, eminently repeatable presentation—and reduces the need to frequently retie.”
To rig the Graph ShadZ, simply run the line through the tubular opening, out and back through the eyelet. Commence tying your favorite knot (Z-man suggests an improved clinch, Trilene, Uni or San Diego Jam knot.) Before cinching up, moisten the knot and pull tight, rotating the knot on the eyelet until it’s recessed inside the jighead. Ready to rock.
Precision Powered Head
The Graph ShadZ baitfish head features a flattened, tapered profile featuring fishy 3D eyes and chiseled jaw and gill anatomy. “By sculpting the head to taper outward from the nose, you get a solid sonar return from various angles, which shows up slightly better than a ball-shaped jig,” notes Chavez.
The Graph ShadZ color-matched head marries with its durable, buoyant ElaZtech® body, bolstering the lure’s horizontal balance and visual appeal.
“Although the lure comes in three weights (3/16-, 1/4- and 3/8-ounce), each head is molded from a different formula of precisely alloyed metals for a uniform side profile,” notes Chavez. “In other words, while the 3/16 is the lightest in weight, it marries perfectly with the Graph ShadZ’ durable ElaZtech body—as do the 1/4- and 3/8-ounce heads—for the same consistent presentation, action and sonar reflection.”
Arming each jighead is a 3/0 medium-wire, black nickel, sickle-shaped needlepoint hook. The body features a molded hook channel, while the hook shank sports a dual molded split-grip and wire bait keeper, creating a tight cohesive jig-bait connection. A notch in the body’s chin aligns with the jighead eyelet, assuring perfect bait alignment, every time.
Motion-Driven Body
The lure’s soft, flexible ElaZtech body frees the tail section to move and kick in a natural, uninhibited range of motion.
The Graph ShadZ vertically forked tail shudders and darts in tantalizing fashion. A thick lower lobe produces an accentuated quivering motion.
FF Sonar Science
To achieve optimal sonar reflectivity and on-screen visibility, Z-Man consulted with leading sonar engineers. “We’ve applied a lot of sonar science to the design, including the exact lure attributes needed to create positive user experiences in terms of actually tracking the lure on the display,” says Chavez.
Foremost among key sonar precepts, the Graph ShadZ body features a hollow “air bladder,” which sonar interprets as a live fish, producing the strongest signal possible. To augment its sonar visibility, the Graph ShadZ baitfish torso bears textured scale patterning, which traps air and releases bubbles, easily detected by the transducer.
How to Fish It
Z-Man pros Luke Clausen and Seth Feider each extol the lure’s ability to descend rapidly to fish depth. Here, the Graph ShadZ leans on its buoyant ElaZtech body, jighead profile and optimized line angle to pendulum, swing and ultimately, loiter in the strike zone for extended looks from discerning bass.
“On freefall, the lure does a really cool death spiral,” notes Bassmaster Elite Series angler Seth Feider. “It falls fast to depth, but does so in a random quick-darting motion that’s way more realistic than the straight do-nothing drops of most other lures.”
“What’s really cool is what happens to the lure when you give it little shakes of the rod,” suggests Clausen. “Those signals transmit straight to the chin eyelet, which provides a different pull point and a lot of body roll and flash. You can also make the lure slash and walk-the-dog, using longer rod pulls during the retrieve.
“When you pick up tension on the lure, the Graph ShadZ pendulums and hovers at that precise depth,” he adds. “That’s a key consideration with live sonar—to keep your bait in the strike zone, or just suspended directly above the fish.”
Available in October, the 3.8-inch Z-Man Graph ShadZ dons ten color patterns and three weights (3/16-, 1/4- and 3/8-ounce), each with color-matched heads and bodies.
Suggested retail is $6.99 per pack (includes one spare body). For more info, visit www.zmanfishing.com.