Z-Man Fishing Products, a family-owned company that quietly grew from a lure parts supplier into an industry innovator, is marking its 30th anniversary this week, solidifying its influence in both recreational and professional angling.
The company, which began in a small South Carolina facility manufacturing silicone skirts for other lure makers such as Strike King and War Eagle, has built its reputation on a series of market-shaking innovations. Visionary entrepreneur Jerry Zucker — the “Z-Man” himself — always had bigger plans.
In the early 2000s, he envisioned a new type of fishing lure made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a material that was 100 percent non-toxic, incredibly durable, and naturally buoyant. While most soft baits were made from plastisol at the time, Jerry Zucker saw the potential for something tougher, cleaner and more effective.
How Z-Man Became a Household Name
At the heart of Z-Man’s ascent is a proprietary material the company calls ElaZtech. Developed two decades ago, the TPE material was a departure from the industry standards at the time for soft-bodied fishing lures. The resulting material was up to 10 times more durable than traditional soft plastics — a claim that resonated with anglers frustrated by lures that would be destroyed after a single catch.
“My father’s vision was to create something fundamentally different and better,” said Jonathan Zucker, chairman of Z-Man and son of the founder. “That spirit of innovation, coupled with a commitment to our team and the environment, remains our guiding principle.”
While the company finalized its ElaZtech formula in 2005, its brand recognition grew significantly through two key developments. The first was the acquisition of the ChatterBait, a bladed jig originally invented in a garage by Ron Davis. After the lure gained a cult following on the professional bass fishing circuit in 2006, the Davises, unable to meet surging demand, turned to Z-Man, their skirt supplier, for manufacturing help. Z-Man eventually acquired the patent, transforming the home-brewed invention into a category-defining product.
The second breakthrough came with the popularization of the Ned Rig, a finesse fishing technique that paired small, buoyant ElaZtech baits with specialized mushroom-shaped jigheads. The subtle presentation proved exceptionally effective, driving widespread adoption among freshwater bass anglers and cementing ElaZtech’s place in the tackle trays of freshwater fishermen. This success was validated on a national stage in 2021, when a Z-Man lure was used to win the Bassmaster Classic.
What the Future Holds
This combination of material innovation and market-savvy product development has fueled steady growth. Z-Man recently completed an expansion of its headquarters in Ladson, South Carolina, now a 75,000-square-foot facility housing its manufacturing, distribution, and corporate offices for its 150 employees. The company also emphasizes its environmental stance, linking the durability of its lures—which it argues reduces plastic waste—and their non-toxic composition to a core value of stewardship.
Z-Man’s commitment to conservation is woven into its DNA, reflecting founder Jerry Zucker’s belief in Tikkun Olam—a Hebrew term for repairing and improving the world. The company has implemented solar energy systems, launched recycling initiatives, and actively supports organizations like Captains for Clean Water and Release Over 20. Z-Man also funds marine research at the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station.
And Z-Man lures continue to break records and win tournaments. In the last year, a 175-pound cobia caught on a 7-inch Scented Jerk ShadZ and HeadlockZ HD jighead shattered the previous IGFA world record by a staggering 40 pounds. In freshwater, a 17-pound snakehead was caught in Florida using a ChatterBait, setting a new all-tackle world record for the species.
“As we celebrate 30 years, we honor the vision of my father and the dedication of every team member who helped build this company,” said Zucker. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what’s ahead. We’ll continue to do what got us where we are today—innovate, support our anglers, invest in our team, and protect the waters we all love.”
