Z-Man® Forges ZWG™ Weighted Swimbait Hook Embracing ElaZtech®
If anglers have learned anything about ElaZtech®, that seemingly alien superplastic formula endowed with unmatched smoothness, action and longevity, it’s that bait performance is raised to another level when paired with the right specialized hook or jig head. What catches Ned rig bass more than a Finesse TRD™ / Finesse ShroomZ™ combo? Or catch more saltwater slams than a DieZel MinnowZ™ swimbait on a DieZel Eye™ jighead? Sure, ElaZtech shines on traditional hooks too. But when a Z-Man bait and hook come together to create a fish catching systemLure movement and maximum fish-to-bait ratios ascend to unparalleled heights of awe.
Creating a next level soft bait to jig tandem, the new Z-Man ZWG™ Weighted Swimbait Hook aligns, grips and holds ElaZtech and other conventional soft plastics, pour after pour. Completely custom and forged to specification, the ZWG hook makes rigging soft lures easy, securing baits in place with specialized fore and aft “keepers.” For dead center and ballast alignment, a slim profile weight mounts the hook shank. Weights such as “1/8” or “3/16” are clearly marked and stamped on the lead, offering easy identification for strategic hook selection.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the angler’s experience on the water, simplifying the rigging process, elevating bait performance, and helping extend the life of a single ElaZtech bait, even beyond its already bulletproof nature.” says José Chávez. , Director of Product Development for Z-Man. “The new ZWG hook immediately increases the angler’s success, simply by shortening rigging time and effort, keeping baits perfectly locked in place for the long term.”
To position the hook point perfectly straight and parallel to a chosen soft bait, a low-visibility silicone bead holds the curve of the hook flush with the bait. The bill effectively removes the requirement to rig bait with Texpose, freeing up the angler to use Texas/weedless gear or Texpose, if preferred. The specialized “sticky” bead grips and holds the bait in place, maintaining an optimal, natural presentation at all times.
Stationed on the neck of the eyelet, a molded plastic retainer with a sharp conical barb makes mounting the ElaZtech even easier, locking the nose of the bait securely, nice and tight to the eye. Together, the specialized keeper combo increases hooking ratios and prevents baits from slipping off the hook, should a strike miss. The double guard system holds the head and body of the bait firmly to the hook, preventing movement of the bait during critical stages of its presentation.
Focusing on the lethal weapon itself, the ZWG features a double-pronged hook point that perpetually maintains its wicked sharpness. The business end begins with a traditional taper, progressing to acutely angled sharp edges that preserve the integrity of the penetration. Custom forged from strong steel and finished with corrosion resistant black nickel plating, the hook’s advanced mechanics functionally close the rigging circle with select soft plastic offerings.
Paddletail lures like the new Mulletron™ and Scented PaddlerZ™, soft jerks like the Scented Jerk ShadZ™, and specialized shapes like the Turbo FattyZ™ and GOAT™ series are comfortably at home on a ZWG. Or use your imagination for even more killer combinations.
“Everyone knows the incredible benefits of ElaZtech superplastics,” says David Walker, Z-Man pro and MLF competitor. “But put a bait like the DieZel MinnowZ or even a topwater bait like the GOAT ToadZ™ on a ZWG hook and its performance and longevity become undeniable.
“Not only does this cool new hook make rigging time easier and shorter,” Walker notes, “but its dedicated handlers lock and hold the arrow baits, every time. No slipping off the hook or wasting time continually repositioning the hook tip on weedless rigged baits. This is a high-end hook design that brings out the best in your favorite ElaZtech baits, extending their life even further, if that’s possible.”
“The ZWG hook reflects the fact that Z-Man really listened to the needs of expert anglers,” suggests Capt. CA Richardson, Z-Man professional angler and FlatsClassTV host. “The keepers are strategically and cleverly designed to lock both the nose and midsection of the bait against the steel. They are completely hidden within the bait, making the hook very resistant to snags and preventing it from picking up weed. The keel weight is also placed slightly forward, towards the eye of the hook, producing longer casts with the “weight forward”.
“Easy hook weight identification also allows me to quickly match my ZWG to depth and water conditions,” Richardson adds. “Just today, in shallow water, we boarded a 30-inch Snook, ‘tickles the belly’ of a Mulletron swimbait with a 1/16-ounce ZWG.
“Finally, look no further for generic hooks that just don’t get the best out of ElaZtech’s super plastics or even traditional soft lures.”
Available in 3/0 (1/16-, 1/8-, 3/16-ounce), 4/0 (1/16-, 1/8-, 3/16-ounce), and 5/0 (1/ With sizes 8, 3/16, ¼ ounce), the new ZWG Weighted Bait Hook creates a smooth linear and secure bait connection, and creates endless innovative bait and hook possibilities. ZWG 3-hook packs (MSRP $6.49 per pack) will be available in October. For more information, visit zmanfishing.com.
About Z-Man Fishing Products: A dynamic company based in Charleston, South Carolina, Z-Man Fishing Products has been fusing cutting-edge fishing tackle with technology for nearly three decades. Z-Man has long been one of the industry’s largest suppliers of silicone skirt material used in jigs, spinnerbaits, and other lures. Creator of the original ChatterBait®, Z-Man is also the renowned innovator of 10X Tough ElaZtech® soft baits, among the most sought after baits in freshwater and saltwater. Z-Man is one of the fastest growing lure brands in the world.