Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Pro-Lure-Fishing-Tips » Plastic Addiction - Enter the GOAT
Plastic Addiction - Enter the GOAT
By Jeff Wilton
I have a problem and I’m admitting it to you all right now. You see, I just can’t stop thinking about skipping plastics to those crimson devils, the mighty mangrove jack. For years now I have been rigging various shaped and coloured plastics onto hooks and attempting to make them disappear ten metres under the overhanging mangrove edges. This problem of mine was starting to affect my home and work life, where my mind would wander off to a skinny snag ridden creek and nervous baitfish scattering as loud smacks, way back in the mangroves, could be heard.
The good news is that I slowly have started controlling this problem of mine… well, that was until something happened that made me spiral out of control again. Now, if you’re reading this and you yourself have a topwater fishing obsession, then I suggest stopping now. I don’t want to be reason you start spending more on gear and spend less time at home or work. Not to mention the twitching arms, cold sweats and those glassy eyes that come with fishing related addictions.
Over the years my topwater baits for jacks have consisted of 3” MinnowZ, 2.75” Finesse FrogZ and 4” Pop FrogZ all from ZMan. These baits were so easily rigged on TT ChinlockZ jigheads, mostly unweighted although on the odd occasion the 1/12oz models would also be used. All the above plastics are fish catching weapons and although I used them for mangrove jack and barra here in North Queensland, I know they would be deadly on a whole host of species around the country.
To give you an insight into my little problem… on my wall at home I have a picture of my wife and daughter… and next to it I have those above plastics sitting proudly. In my fishing corner of the shed I have several draws of soft plastics, 90% of which are those above baits. They mean a lot to me.
Now, back to my problem, something new came out. Yes, I know it should have been an exciting moment but for me I didn’t know how to feel. Was this new plastic going to mean less time with my favourites? Was this new plastic going to put the others to shame? Do I even need any other topwater skipping plastics? Without even seeing it in real life, I knew from the picture that it was potentially going to be the ultimate topwater skipping plastic for jacks.
The ZMan GOAT had arrived in three fish catching sizes and plenty of colours, that screamed ‘eat me’. I remember checking the post box three times a day as I waited in anticipation. I may have slept but I tossed and turned every night until that package arrived.
Finally! The day came when a box of goodies arrived on my doorstep and like a kid in a candy shop, I ripped that box open. Packets of soft plastics falling on the floor… heaven. Although all sizes will be great for catching fish, I was most keen on the 3.75” GOAT as that size is, in my opinion, the perfect jack snack.
I clearly remember getting one out of the pack, holding it and examining every part. The first thing I noticed was it had a bit of weight to it = weight helps skipping! Secondly, the body was streamlined, with nothing hanging off it = perfect for skipping! Next, the body had depth, meaning the hook passed through lots of plastic, which should mean less sliding down the hook shank and thus less snagging from exposed hook points = less fear of snagging when skipping deep! As usual the guarantee of ZMan plastics being a durable 10X Tough ElaZtech is a great feeling, knowing that each plastic can catch several fish without having to change to a new one.
The real test, as we all know, is rigging them up and getting out on the water for a swim. I made this happen ASAP, which is nothing unusual as I am on water at every given opportunity. Sneaking into my favourite creek and hitting spot lock on the electric motor to rig up was very exciting. A 4/0 TT ChinlockZ jighead, tied with a loop knot to 30lb leader, was the business end and that 3.75” GOAT came out of its pack and fitted perfectly.
I was somewhat nervous getting ready for my first cast as I had dreamt of this moment for many weeks… and didn’t want to be disappointed. For this story I will say that the first cast was spot on (but to be honest I think I mucked it up badly). That GOAT skipped away like a stone. Now, anyone out there that enjoys the odd skip cast will understand that feeling of achievement, when that plastic disappears exactly where you wanted it to go!
I was super impressed. The slimmer profile meant I could sneak it through smaller openings than say the good old Pop FrogZ. In fact, they skipped so well that I found I overshot them many times and had to relax a little on the cast. The plastic would slide down the hook on the odd occasion, but that’s normal and can’t be helped when skipping. Best of all, it came as no surprise that the jacks loved them. They smashed them hard and hook up rates were excellent.
Another benefit of ZMan plastics is that they are buoyant, which makes it easier to retrieve at different speeds. The GOAT was no different and worked great buzzed back at speed or slowly paddled out, even with the odd pause thrown in.
The versatility of these plastics will set them apart from the others as they can also be rigged on other jigheads to be worked throughout the entire water column. Turned on their side opens up a completely new way of rigging them, with a different action again.
Got a spare spot in your tackle box for another soft plastic option? If not… make one! The GOAT range will not disappoint and best of all they look so good that even when a fish doesn’t eat them, watching them paddle back is very addictive.
Cheers, Jeff
Gearing Up:
ZMan 3.75" GOAT
TT Lures ChinlockZ - 4/0
TT Lures ChinlockZ SWS - 4/0