ElaZtech® formulation injects new Z-Man® TRD FattyZ™ with impulsive energy
Ladson, SC (February 5, 2025) – How can a bait that’s so soft, supple and lively also withstand dozens to hundreds of strikes without waving the white flag?
While we’re not ready to unmask the enigmas of Z-Man’s proprietary, made-in-the-USA ElaZtech® material, suffice to say the new TRD FattyZ™ possesses some legit softbait superpowers. Beyond its radical fusion of soft yet impossibly sturdy, the finesse sized TRD FattyZ’ possesses a natural affinity toself-activate and effectually fish itself.
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.”
Superpowers aside, the 3.25-inch TRD FattyZ possesses a simple elegance reflected in its minimalist, slinky silhouette and in its underwater endurance. 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, who designed the original 5-inch FattyZ™, 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, whose career features both Bassmaster Classic and Forrest Wood (FLW) Cup world championships, recalls the thinking that propelled the FattyZ profile into bass fishing stardom. “For years, while everyone was throwing skinny worms, I knew we could benefit from a fatter profile bait with more 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’ malleable ElaZtech material to swing and undulate freely. Try it as a finesse wacky rig or micro shaky head. It’s a subtle but freaky action, and seeing it once, you understand why bass eat the bait without hesitation.
Clausen drops a tip: “That fatter tail section is perfect for adding am attractor rattle, too. For me, the Z-Man Rattle-Snaker® makes injecting ElaZtech baits with rattles and nail weights a breeze.”
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. “Whether for forward-facing sonar fishing or tossing a Ned, Neko or shakyhead, 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.”
BONUS BAIT MOD: Imbued with a 25-percent salt solution for positive taste/scent, extra casting weight and to offset its buoyancy, the TRD FattyZ can be customized to achieve different sink rates and action levels. To amplify tail buoyancy and underwater energy, stretch the back half of the bait until it begins to shed salt grains. Or, to change its posture on a dropshot (tail up or tail down), simply stretch either end of the bait to increase its buoyancy. Give it three or more good stretches until you observe salt leaving the bait’s body.
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. MSRP $4.99 per 8-pack.
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