Z-Man Report
While we’re not ready to unmask the enigmas of Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech material, suffice to say the new TRD FattyZ possesses some legit softbait superpowers.
Watch as the tail rises, ripples and breathes in the underwater currents. It’s an impressive action to behold, and as anglers are discovering, it’s especially enticing to selective bass.
The same naturally buoyant formula that elevated the original Finesse TRD™ to epic status now breathes life into Z-Man’s freshest new fish catcher.
Perhaps finesse fishing pioneer and Z-Man insider Drew Reese said it best: “ElaZtech baits like the TRD FattyZ exhibit the underwater angle all lure companies have been trying to achieve since the early 1900s . . . to create a bait that doesn’t lie flat on bottom, but that rises up on its own and moves like something truly alive.”
The 3.25-inch TRD FattyZ’ features a slinky silhouette. Anglers have aptly described the TRD FattyZ’ action as squirrelly, nervous, twitchy—all great descriptors for such a versatile finesse bait, equally energetic no matter how you rig it: Ned, Neko, dropshot, wacky, you name it.
Z-Man pro Luke Clausen believes it’s one of the more coveted, yet least talked-about tournament softbaits today—and a perennial winner on national kayak-bass circuits. Clausen, who has won the Bassmaster Classic and Forrest Wood (FLW) Cup, recalls the thinking that propelled the FattyZ profile into bass fishing stardom.
“For years, while everyone was throwing skinny worms, I knew anglers would benefit from a fatter profile bait with more tail action,” notes Clausen. “ElaZtech was the perfect vehicle to bring the bait to life.”
Amplifying both the original FattyZ and the new finesse sized TRD FattyZ, Clausen calls out the bait’s meatier head and torso section, which accommodate a traditional Finesse ShroomZ™, a slightly larger NedlockZ™ EWG (Clausen’s favorite) or 2/0 Pro ShroomZ™ jighead.
“The TRD FattyZ differentiates itself with a slender waist (midsection), which then transitions back to a bulbous, always-active tail,” continues Clausen. “That slim midsection acts like a door hinge, freeing the TRD FattyZ material to swing and undulate freely. Try it as a finesse wacky rig or shaky head.”
Laying the TRD FattyZ flush in his palm, Clausen nods at its smooth, flat underside, sculpted and shaped to “spiral and glide” on the fall.
“I’m a big believer in baits that spiral on the fall. The TRD FattyZ’ flat underside produces a cool circular spiraling and gliding motion that becomes even more effective around pressured bass. Give the bait a twitch or two to make it hunt randomly before its spiraling action kicks in. And, for dropshot fishing, this same flat underbelly stabilizes the bait when you nose hook it but still gives it that mesmerizing gliding action between rod shakes.”
Available now at outdoor retailers nationwide or at zmanfishing.com, the new 3.25” TRD FattyZ features ten potent finesse patterns, including laminate colors like PB&J and Goby Bryant.
Suggested retail is $4.99 per 8-pack.