Gear Review: Z-Man TRD TicklerZ

What is it?

Z-Man TRD TicklerZ

What sets it apart?

Nothing wrong with anatomically detailed baits designed to match the hatch, but Z-Man goes 180 on that theory with the TRD TicklerZ, a minimalist bait that doesn’t imitate any particular forage. Instead, this bait’s mission is to simply suggest aquatic life with a profile that fits the general size, shape and movement of something a bass would want to eat. Paired with a Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ jig head, this bait’s ready for finesse duty.

How do I use it?

Z-Man’s newest addition to the Ned Rig style of baits, the 2.75-inch TRD TicklerZ is available in 18 colors, including exclusive Sprayed Grass, Twilight and Mood Ring. Made for buoyant presentation that sits upright with tentacles lazily flaring, the TicklerZ should do a good job of enticing the bites while avoiding snags. Resembling a shorter version of the Z-Man Hula StickZ, the TicklerZ features a smooth skin with small bumps resembling the surface of a crawfish carapace.

How much?

$4.49 (8 pack)

More Information:

www.zmanfishing.com

Angler’s insight:

A cool technique that someone smarter than me came up with pulls one of those tentacles forward and sticks it on the hook point for a weedless presentation. Like all Z-Man baits, the TRD TicklerZ is going to stand up well to even tough environments and, ideally, lots of bites. This is thanks to the company’s proprietary ElaZtech material that yields soft, pliable baits that are significantly stronger than traditional soft plastics. Also unique, the non-toxic ElaZtech contains no PVC, plastisol or phthalates.