New Z-Man® Graph ShadZ™ paints sturdy forward-facing indicators, swims with unhinged motion
Our fascination for forward-facing sonar (FFS) tracks straight again to the rationale we fish, or extra to the purpose, the rationale we like to sight-fish. It’s unimaginable expertise, a software that extends the adrenaline rush of sunglassing the shallows, increasing that euphoric feeling method past the banks.
Over two years in the past, Z-Man launched into its most formidable lure venture to this point, melding the science and artwork of fishing right into a singular, important FFS lure. We’ll depart deep dives into acoustic waves and echolocation to the sonar engineers. Suffice to say, the brand new 3.8-inch Graph ShadZ™ was created to mirror a vibrant sonar sign, main with beautiful realism and an array of high-performance underwater motions that attraction to essentially the most difficult bass, walleye and different species.
“In the beginning of this venture, we had been already digging deep into sonar science, consulting with among the greatest engineering minds within the enterprise,” displays Z-Man Director of Product Improvement Jose Chavez. “We knew this new idea would require some against-the-grain innovation, however the aim by no means wavered from giving anglers an easy-to-fish lure that confirmed up persistently on sonar whereas interesting to the predatory impulses of freshwater gamefish. The Graph ShadZ is a distinct animal, an incredible lure designed to convey the adrenaline rush of sight-fishing to the sonar display and past.”
“All parts of the Graph ShadZ exist to mirror a stable sonar return sign and to maneuver and react in ways in which coerce strikes from at the moment’s hardest bass—suspended and cover-oriented fish that see tons of lures and continuously encompass themselves with clouds of bait,” suggests Z-Man professional Luke Clausen, an FFS fan since day-one.
For Z-Man, the two-tiered design equation posed an fascinating problem: Tips on how to make the lure reply the ping of sonar whereas additionally liberating it to maneuver organically and erratically and to stay perpetually within the strike zone?
Radical Line-By Design
Addressing lure mechanics and motion first, Z-Man sculpted the Graph ShadZ’ head with a groundbreaking line-through design. “Among the many greatest obstacles anglers face with interactive sonar shows—moping, Damiki or hover rigging— is having to reposition the knot on the eyelet after each solid to take care of a pure lure angle,” explains Chavez. “Our goal was to offer anglers a superbly balanced lure that hovers horizontally, relatively than unnaturally nose- or tail-down.
“By reorienting the eyelet, we devised a killer resolution for addressing a number of key points past bait posture, he explains. “Not solely does our minimalist through-head channel and chin line-tie get rid of the necessity to reposition the knot, however a particular non-abrasive conduit additionally protects the road from injury, hiding the knot solely beneath the pinnacle. The result’s a clear, streamlined baitfish clone that performs a strong, eminently repeatable presentation—and reduces the necessity to incessantly retie.”
To rig the Graph ShadZ, merely run the road by the tubular opening, out and again by the eyelet. Begin tying your favourite knot (we recommend an improved clinch, Trilene, uni or San Diego Jam knot.) Earlier than cinching up, moisten the knot and pull tight, rotating the knot on the eyelet till it’s recessed contained in the jighead. Able to rock.
Precision Powered Head
Offering higher stability, motion and sonar reflectivity, the Graph ShadZ’ exacting baitfish head encompasses a flattened, tapered profile that includes fishy 3D eyes and chiseled jaw and gill anatomy. “By sculpting the pinnacle to taper outward from the nostril, you get a stable sonar return from varied angles, which reveals up barely higher than a ball-shaped jig,” notes Chavez.
The Graph ShadZ’ agile, color-matched head marries seamlessly with its sturdy, buoyant ElaZtech® physique, bolstering the lure’s horizontal stability and visible attraction. “Though the lure is available in three weights (3/16-, 1/4- and three/8-ounce), every head is molded from a distinct formulation of exactly alloyed metals for a uniform facet profile,” notes Chavez. “In different phrases, whereas the three/16 is the lightest in weight, it marries completely with the Graph ShadZ’ sturdy ElaZtech physique—as do the 1/4- and three/8-ounce heads—for a similar constant presentation, motion and sonar reflection.”
Arming every jighead is a 3/0 medium-wire, black nickel, sickle-shaped needlepoint hook. To allow fast re-rigging, the physique encompasses a molded hook channel, whereas the hook shank sports activities a twin molded split-grip and wire bait keeper, creating a good cohesive jig-bait connection. A notch within the physique’s chin aligns with the jighead eyelet, assuring good bait alignment, each time.
Movement-Pushed Physique
Empowering its erratic, random vary of movement, the lure’s comfortable, versatile ElaZtech physique frees the tail part to maneuver and kick in a pure, uninhibited vary of movement.
An unconventional, action-driven departure from conventional paddle or break up tails, the Graph ShadZ’ vertically forked tail shudders and darts in tantalizing trend. A thick decrease lobe produces an accentuated quivering movement. “To predators, it’s a non-threatening, acquainted baitfish silhouette and a fluid but erratic swimming motion that communicates a inexperienced mild to eat,” notes Clausen. “Fish it like a hover rig, swimbait, jerk minnow or varied combos, all throughout the identical retrieve.”
FF Sonar Science
To attain optimum sonar reflectivity and on-screen visibility, Z-Man consulted with main sonar engineers. “We’ve utilized a number of sonar science to the design, together with the precise lure attributes wanted to create constructive person experiences when it comes to truly monitoring the lure on the show,” says Chavez.
Foremost amongst key sonar precepts, the Graph ShadZ physique encompasses a hole “air bladder,” which sonar interprets as a dwell fish, producing the strongest sign potential. To enhance its sonar visibility, the Graph ShadZ baitfish torso bears textured scale patterning, which traps air and releases bubbles, simply detected by the transducer.
Creating higher on-screen visibility, the Graph ShadZ’ flat-sided head and physique present an expanded floor space for detection from any angle.
Tips on how to Fish It
Z-Man execs Luke Clausen and Seth Feider every extol the lure’s potential to descend quickly to fish depth. Right here, the Graph ShadZ leans on its buoyant ElaZtech physique, jighead profile and optimized line angle to pendulum, swing and finally, loiter within the strike zone for prolonged appears from discerning bass.
“On freefall, the lure does a very cool loss of life spiral,” notes Bassmaster Elite Collection angler Seth Feider. “It falls quick to depth, however does so in a random quick-darting movement that’s far more real looking than the straight do-nothing drops of most different lures.”
“What’s actually cool is what occurs to the lure while you give it little shakes of the rod,” suggests Clausen. “These indicators transmit straight to the chin eyelet, which gives a distinct pull level and a number of physique roll and flash. You may also make the lure slash and walk-the-dog, utilizing longer rod pulls throughout the retrieve.
“While you decide up rigidity on the lure, the Graph ShadZ pendulums and hovers at that exact depth,” he provides. “That’s a key consideration with dwell sonar—to maintain your bait within the strike zone, or simply suspended immediately above the fish.”
Mixing the “Science and Artwork of Fishing” right into a single potent FFS lure, the brand new Graph ShadZ is already leaving A-level impressions— on forward-facing sonar screens and livewell weights alike. Out there in October, the three.8-inch Z-Man Graph ShadZ dons ten tournament-tailored patterns and three weights (3/16-, 1/4- and three/8-ounce), every with color-matched heads and our bodies. MSRP $6.99 per pack (contains one spare physique).
For a primary take a look at the brand new Graph ShadZ, go to Z-Man on the 2024 ICAST present (sales space #4808 or on the On the Water media expo, Tuesday, June 16, 10am to 2pm.) Or for product updates, go to www.zmanfishing.com.
About Z-Man Fishing Merchandise: A dynamic Charleston, South Carolina primarily based firm, Z-Man Fishing Merchandise has melded forefront fishing deal with with science and expertise for almost three many years. Creator of the Authentic ChatterBait®, Z-Man can be the famend innovators of 10X Robust ElaZtech® softbaits (Made within the USA), among the many most coveted baits in fresh- and saltwater. Z-Man is without doubt one of the fastest-growing lure manufacturers worldwide.
