Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Pro-Lure-Fishing-Tips » Shad FryZ Bream and Bass
Shad FryZ Bream and Bass
By Michael Wright
Shad FryZ, just one of the latest releases from ZMan, is a true micro finesse bait. There are varying hue options, including Firetreuse, Bumblebee, Coconut Ice Glow, Electric Chicken, Pearl, Smelt and Space Guppy, to match or stand out from the bait. At 1.75 inches, the body has a baitfish profile that resembles a tiny poddy mullet. Looking topside at the bait, predominant features include a large eye on either side of the head area and a top centre slot for the hook point. The tiny, four-part, segmented paddle tail, combined with ZMan’s ElaZtech construction, provides a super tight swimming action. In fact, closer inspection of the paddle tail reveals a similar design to the ZMan HerculeZ, so this soft plastic ultimately performs as a versatile micro swimbait.
The Shad FryZ is best fished on a TT HeadlockZ Finesse jighead and I have been fishing it on a 1/16oz size 1 hook. I find that this provides enough weight to get the tail vibrating nicely on the drop in a saltwater inlet. Ideally, the chosen weight will depend on your fishing location. Three other options for rigging include the TT HWS, NedlockZ and HeadlockZ Finesse UV jighead.
The HWS (Hidden Weight System) compliments the micro bait as this jighead can be sneakily concealed inside the plastic and I find this most effective around the usual haunts such as pontoons, jetties, and boat hulls. The NedlockZ is a standout winner on the flats, as the small tail sits upright and attracts the attention of any hungry predator. Lastly, the newly released HeadlockZ Finesse UV jigheads make your soft plastic presentation pop, with varied hues in these painted heads to match the Shad FryZ. My personal favourite is the Orange UV head colour as this really makes the Shad FryZ in Firetreuse colour shine and the fish respond aggressively to this combo.
The Shad FryZ has been effective in any colour though, and they are super effective when attracting predators that are often focused on very small jelly prawns. Mainly due to its micro size, small profile and enticing, whole body action, which grabs the attention of aggressive species. When chasing larger species that are zoned in on small bait, I would recommend stepping up to the Headlockz HD jighead in a size 2 hook. These jigheads are built with a brutally strong Mustad black nickel, chemically sharpened hook, that enables anglers to stop bigger rampaging fish from charging back to cover when using small plastics.
The ZMan Shad FryZ is not only appealing to the saltwater species. I’ve had success on the bass. In fact, they’ve been smashing them! Most likely they represent a little gudgeon, or similar freshwater baitfish. This micro sized plastic will appeal to a wider range of freshwater fish however, such as redfin perch, golden perch, trout, estuary perch and up north jungle perch and sooties.
For both a freshwater and saltwater angler the retrieve styles can vary, however personally I prefer the following two retrieves as they have proven the most productive. The first is a slow roll, rigged with a Shad FryZ on a 1/8oz jighead weight, as the weight allows the plastic to swim lower in the water column. I also like to use a 1000 size spinning reel for slow rolling because the smaller reel size picks up less line per revolution of the reel handle, meaning the plastic is moving at a slower consistent speed.
The second retrieve is a more standard plastics approach. Cast, wait until the plastic has reached the bottom, follow this with two short jigs, and then let the plastic fall to the bottom and repeat the process. This basic technique works very well with the little Shad FryZ as it imitates a dying baitfish. Also, don’t be afraid to let the plastic sit on the bottom motionless for around 5-10 seconds as this will allow any followers adequate time to come and investigate... and have a nibble.
When finesse fishing, a stealth approach to nabbing the target species requires a perfectly matched rod, reel, and line combination to get the best results. I use a TT Copperhead 7’ spin rod, paired with an Okuma JAW-20 spin reel, and this modest outfit definitely gets the job done. The Copperhead 1-3kg spin rod has a nice crisp feel, for a medium action rod, and the 24T carbon blank offers sensitivity and strength. The standout feature of this rod is by far the Fuji K Series guides with Fazlite rings and the cool fluoro orange aesthetics, that pair nicely with the little JAW reel.
The Okuma JAW is a small, compact reel, that is built tough and yet light, with its graphite body. The ergonomic handle guarantees ease of reeling, a smooth action and it is a joy to fish, without blowing the budget. The reel’s numerous, durable features have provided me with reliability and dependability, even in the most testing of conditions.
To compliment this combo, it’s important to select quality line to be able to deliver finesse presentations effectively and I opt for 6lb Platypus Pulse X4 Braid in White. You can fish lighter; however, I usually just change my leader size rather than my mainline. Many anglers that fish the flats will also use a straight through fluorocarbon line, offering excellent line clarity when casting to spooky fish in gin clear water. In these conditions, I would recommend a slow rolling retrieve, rather than a jig or whip, as the noise of the line being whipped off the surface can even be enough to scare the fish.
The ZMan Micro Finesse BaitZ range is proving a quality and successful addition to many anglers’ tackle kits. With the varied hues available, that can be matched to a selection of colourful jigheads, these tiny plastics are becoming an increasingly popular option for when the fish are feeding on smaller prey. There will always be a season, time, or place when you will need to downsize your bait. As well as their effectiveness in the salt, the ZMan micros are also hugely successful in the freshwater scene for trout and skinny water fishing for bass, jungle perch and sooties.
When fishing with the range of ZMan Micro Finesse BaitZ, keep in mind that elephants eat peanuts! Next time you head out fishing, throw a couple of packets of ZMan 1.75” Shad FryZ into the kit... they won’t disappoint.
Until next time, tight lines...
Michael Wright