
Ned Rigging Success with the
Z-Man TRD Crawz

Date: |
3/4/19 |
Tackle type: |
Lures |
Manufacturer: |
Z-Man |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 8.08 -
GREAT
Introduction:
It's safe to say
that the Ned Rig has been one of the hottest things going in bass fishing over
the last several years. When conjuring up images of this finesse technique, most
anglers will envision a tiny stick worm rigged on a little mushroom-shaped jig
head. While that's not inaccurate, this deadly-effective technique has gained so
much momentum that manufacturers now offer a pretty solid selection of different
jig heads and baits ranging from ultra-finesse to larger and heavier
presentations. As one of the most recognized names in Ned Rig fishing, we take a
peek at a new Z-Man bait to hit this segment—the TRD CrawZ.
Z-Man CrawZ
Specifications |
Type |
Soft
plastic |
Class |
Crawfish imitator |
Material |
ElaZtech |
Colors/Patterns |
12+ |
Size |
2.5" |
Baits per pack |
6 |
Resalable bag |
Yes |
MSRP |
$4.49 |

The Z-Man TRD Crawz is a finesse
bait that has a realistic profile
Impressions: Z-Man CrawZ are very small, very
soft baits measuring only about 2.5 inches in total length. While little, these
are some very fishy-looking baits at first glance. Starting at the tail, there's
a small fin on each side that gives the impression of the tail being tucked
under the body just like a fleeing crawfish. The belly of the bait is flat in
comparison to the top, and tiny legs along each side give it an even "buggier"
appearance. Finishing off the bait are small eyes, a short single antennae, and
chubby claws extending out from the head on thin arms. The bait looks and feels
high quality right out of the package!

The baits come in a tray that
protects each bait individually
There are some good colors available, but I chose "The Deal" as it's the perfect
color for the low, clear water I see here on my local Florida waters during the
cooler months. Z-Man advertises a standard 12 colors, but some folks may not
realize that our friends at Tackle Warehouse now offer an exclusive 13th color
called "TW Delta Green Pumpkin" that you'll definitely want to check out.

The TRD CrawZ is probably the
company's most realistic looking craw imitator
Real World Tests: These baits are made from Z-Man's proprietary ElaZtech
material which has no PVC, Phthalates, or Plastisol in it. Non-toxic and
advertised as being 10 times more durable than typical soft plastics, they're
extremely soft, pliable, and yes, durable. However, each package comes with a
warning on the back because this material doesn't mix with typical plastic
tackle boxes and other baits. I just store them in their original bag/tray and
out of hot, direct sun for long periods to keep things simple and safe.

Z-Man offers a wide range of jig
heads like the Ned Lockz HD that pair perfectly with the TRD CrawZ
I fished my test baits mainly on a 1/6oz NedlockZ HD jig head. It features a
little bit stouter size 1 Mustad hook and a nice bait keeper collar. The collar
works well, but to REALLY keep the bait pinned securely, I add a touch of a gel
super glue between the bait and the jig head itself. This squishy, soft plastic
can make rigging slightly different and more challenging at times compared to
typical plastic baits, so do keep that in mind.
On the NedlockZ HD
jig head, the CrawZ looks outstanding. ElaZtech is extremely buoyant so the bait
stands totally upright and the claws flick with even the smallest shakes of the
rod tip.

A TRD CrawZ rigged on the
company's own Ned LockZ HD jighead. Z-Man also has a range of finesse jigheads
with weedless wires
Next Section:
Bass really like the TRD CrawZ...

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