Z-man buoyancy

Saltwater Inshore Discussion
1

Wanted to share something i have noticed and thought it would make a good topic for discussion. We all know that Zman baits are buoyant, i.e. if unweighted they will float.

Recently I have been experimenting with the Zman baits much more than ever, and have observed something that I think most folks neglect to notice. In particular, the effect of the buoyancy on sink rate. For example, if you compare a Gulp jerk shad and Zman jerk shad (same size) on a 1/4 oz jig head, the Zman sink rate will be slower. This is even more so if you go to a 5" plastic, and even more so if you add a paddle tail due to drag.

I have noticed that for the type of fishing I do (trying to get a reaction bite) that you have to fish the Zman slower for the same size jig head. I have not yet tried going to a heavier jig.

2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.sswaonline.com

2

Yep, significantly slower sink rate Dave. I don’t like fishing a much heavier jig head and use 1/4 and 3/8 oz almost exclusively.

The other thing I noticed is you can fish them on an un-weighted hook below split shot with great results.
http://youtu.be/8aj4czwkMws

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

3

Try using a unweighted trigger hook on the steak Z. You can walk the dog with it.

“The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” </font id=“size2”>
“Go Big or Go Home!” </font id=“size2”>

4

also use zman crab, shrimp, streakz etc on a stand up jig head