Operation cont'd: Thanks to ElaZtech’s high buoyancy, Jose and the Z-Man team of engineers were able to incorporate a dual line-through harness and a substantial amount of internal weight. This not only improves casting distance but also ensures the bait swims with an upright posture - even during slow retrieves, on the fall, or when worked along the bottom.

One of the major benefits of ElaZtech is how soft it is. On strike the bait can easily fold up in a fish's mouth

The Shadtron's stability pairs well with its rounded boot tail, which delivers a moderate swimming action at all speeds. It doesn’t have an ultra-wide swing or an overly aggressive kick, but it’s also not as subtle as some traditional soft swimbaits. Instead, it strikes a balance, producing a natural, consistent kicking motion. What impressed me most was its ability to maintain that action even on very slow retrieves.
 

The Shadtron's moderate tail movement, even at low speeds, gave me the confidence to slow-roll the bait during the colder winter months - when lethargic bass are less likely to chase and even harder to convince to commit.

For most of my testing, I fished the Shadtron with the included top hook - a sharp, aggressive sickle-style hook. The 3/0 size pairs well with the 4.5” bait, while the 5/0 hook sits cleanly in the larger 6” version. I found that when fish swiped at the bait and got hooked on the edge or lip, the hook could slide out and keep them pinned. On deeper bites, where fish tried to engulf the bait, the lure’s soft ElaZtech material compressed easily, allowing for solid hook penetration while keeping fish secure.

Another benefit of the line through design is it helps keep fish pinned by allowing the body to slide up the line during the battle. This is important when fish don't engulf the lure and just get a piece of the hook

I didn’t spend much time fishing the bottom treble hook configuration, as I primarily wanted to test the included black nickel sickle hook. However, I appreciate the added flexibility it provides. The top hook setup is the better option for weedless presentations, making it ideal for targeting fish at various depths with minimal snag risk. On the other hand, the bottom treble hook rigging becomes more appealing in open water, especially when fish are aggressively feeding or competing for bait. In these situations, a treble hook can improve the strike-to-hookup ratio.

On the belly two rings help hold treble hooks in place at the line through point
 

While the Shadtron is designed with shad-imitation in mind, I found it effective even in lakes without shad populations. Its streamlined profile can easily mimic a variety of baitfish, including different sunfish species. Additionally, the rounded boot tail’s moderate kicking action makes it a solid choice for drawing interest from fish holding near structure or cruising over flats.

The Shadtron is great for bass and stripers. I could see using the treble hook configuration when fishing for stripers that often like to slash at bait

Price and Applications: When it comes to soft-bodied swimbaits, the Z-Man Shadtron is quite affordable compared to other baits of similar size. However, there isn’t a true apples-to-apples comparison given its unique combination of features. With Z-Man’s proprietary ElaZtech material, ultra-realistic finishes, an innovative dual rigging system, and a cleverly designed reusable storage package, the Shadtron offers a ready-to-fish solution at a very reasonable price - $12.99 for the 4.5” version and just $3 more for the 6”.

The retail pack doubles as a reusable sleeve to separate and protect the Shadtron from reacting with other plastics. Genius.

Like other Z-Man baits, the Shadtron is built for durability, holding up well over time. You're far more likely to lose one to a snag than to wear it out from normal use. Proper storage is key, though. Keeping the bait in its reusable sleeve isn’t just about preventing it from reacting with traditional plastics - it also helps maintain its integrity. I noticed that baits left out in the open would dry out slightly, becoming stiffer than those stored correctly in the provided reusable package.

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: While there are more realistic soft-bodied swimbaits on the market, none offer the same combination of affordability, durability, and flexible rigging options as the Z-Man Shadtron. Its biggest advantage is that it’s truly ready to fish straight out of the package and performs well at all depths and retrieval speeds. With two sizes and multiple sink rates, it simplifies the process of matching the hatch and getting the bait exactly where the fish are.

The Shadtron LT is a quality bait that offers multiple rigging options at a great price. It is yet another great showcase of how Z-Man's ElaZtech material, and the buoyancy and durability it provides, is great for different bait types

Having followed Jose Chavez’s work with 13 Fishing and Savage Gear, I’ve come to expect well-designed swimbaits from him. With Z-Man, he has the added advantage of working with ElaZtech - a material that enhances both durability and action -along with the company’s high-quality manufacturing and finishing processes. While ElaZtech does require special storage considerations, Z-Man addressed this by including a reusable clamshell that keeps the baits protected and separated from traditional plastics. The Shadtron isn’t just a great-looking bait - it’s also a lot of lure for the money. For anglers seeking a durable, natural-swimming soft swimbait that excels on slow retrieves and in cold or deep water, it’s a solid choice that delivers both performance and value.