A StarZ Is Reborn

Z-Man’s unrigged PrawnStarZ LB elevates rigging options, realism, and strike response

Ladson, SC (July 10, 2026) – In a world where saltwater predators are getting smarter and more selective, only the true stars shine beneath the surface. After the blockbuster 2024 debut of the original pre-rigged PrawnStarZ, which claimed the coveted Best in Category Award for Saltwater Soft Lures, Z-Man returns to the spotlight with the next chapter in the saga.  The all-new Z-Man® PrawnStarZ LB (loose body) is primed to turn heads when it hits the spotlight at ICAST 2025. 

This year’s release offers a versatile 3.5-inch unrigged version of the shrimp that stole the show. Built on the same hyper-realistic PrawnStarZ profile, the loose body version offers anglers rigging flexibility to match cover, current and water depth, making it ideally suited for every application from shallow water sight fishing to probing deep passes and drop-offs. With a segmented body that delivers fluid motion, legs that quiver on the fall, an upswept tail that flaps and pulses on every twitch, and ultra-detailed hand-painted color schemes, it’s designed to look and move like the real thing—and maybe even better.

According to Jose Chavez, Z-Man’s Director of Product Development and diehard inshore angler, “We wanted to give anglers the freedom to rig this bait however they fish—from exposed-hook jigheads in open water to weedless presentations in thick grass. That’s why we sculpted the nose to be streamlined and rounded—it slides cleanly through vegetation without fouling, which is crucial when you’re targeting fish on shallow grass flats.”

Engineered for quick and intuitive rigging versatility, the PrawnStarZ LB incorporates a molded channel in the nose for precise, straight hook alignment and a recessed dorsal pocket to conceal the hook point when conditions dictate a snag-free presentation.  Whether it’s pinned to a Z-Man Trout Eye or HeadlockZ jighead, or rigged weedless using a Weighted ZWG Swimbait Hook or Texas Eye Jighead, this crustacean imitation is a natural wherever redfish, seatrout, flounder, snook, tripletail, and juvenile tarpon patrol.

Constructed from 10X Tough ElaZtech®, the PrawnStarZ LB is built to withstand relentless strikes and harsh saltwater conditions. This proprietary material is not only incredibly durable—resisting nicks, tears, and bite-offs—but also is naturally buoyant, enhancing the bait’s lifelike posture and affording precise depth control throughout the water column. Anglers can fish the PrawnstarZ LB longer, harder, and with more confidence, knowing it won’t quit before the bite does.

Chavez adds, “The PrawnStarZ LB is all about durability and adaptability, but its realism is what really makes it shine. We spent a lot of time dialing in the tail mechanics and leg placement to make sure it looks alive even when it’s just falling through the water column.  Just watch those legs vibrate, and you’ll understand why this bait outfishes any other shrimp on the market.”

Lowcountry guide and accomplished tournament angler Capt. Stephen Flook has already put the bait to work on his home waters with outstanding results. “This thing’s a trout and redfish magnet,” he said. “I’ve been throwing it around oyster bars and grass edges, and the way it falls and flutters—it’s like ringing the dinner bell. I love that I can rig it weedless and still get that natural action. It’s perfect for clients who want to fish confidently without hanging up every cast.”

Offered in twelve meticulously hand-painted colors designed to match the subtle shades of real shrimp as well as proven patterns preferred by saltwater guides working Gulf and Atlantic coastlines, the PrawnstarZ LB checks in at a $9.99 MSRP per 3-pack. Coming Fall 2025.