Ladson, S.C. (July 9, 2026) – Z‑Man® pushes ribbed swimbait performance forward with the new Octane MinnowZ™, built around an innovative SWAG™ tail and the unmatched advantages of ElaZtech® material. This combination produces natural, stable swimming action at any retrieve speed, backed by the lifelike feel and exceptional durability that define ElaZtech® baits.
Trusted by bass, walleye, and inshore saltwater anglers alike, ribbed swimbaits have become a staple for their ability to excel across techniques and conditions. Whether fished on a jighead, used as a trailer on a swim jig or ChatterBait® bladed jig, or rigged on an umbrella rig, the Octane MinnowZ™ elevates the versatility of this proven category.
SWAG Tail, Speed-Stable Swim
At the heart of the Octane MinnowZ is Z Man’s exclusive SWAG tail, a hybrid wedge and paddle design that produces a strong, consistent kick whether crawled slowly, steadily retrieved, or burned back to the boat. Paired with a ribbed body that increases water displacement and emits subtle vibration, the bait maintains a natural, true tracking swim across a full range of retrieve speeds.
“One of the first things anglers are going to notice is the SWAG tail,” said Z-Man Director of Product Development Jose Chavez. “You can fish it as slowly as a traditional wedge-tail swimbait and still get outstanding action, but when you speed up your retrieve it continues to track true without blowing out. That gives anglers one swimbait they can fish effectively whether they’re crawling it or burning it.”
The thoughtful design extends well beyond the tail. Sculpted eyes, a molded gill plate, realistic scale pattern, and a raised dorsal fin create an authentic forage profile, while integrated dorsal and belly hook slots simplify weedless rigging and enable clean hooksets.
ElaZtech Softness, Superior Strength
Constructed from supple ElaZtech superplastic, the Octane MinnowZ features a flexible body that enhances its natural swimming motion and encourages fish to hold on longer after the strike. Its 10X Tough durability allows anglers to catch fish after fish on a single bait, spending more time fishing and less time replacing torn plastics. The result is remarkable resilience and dependable performance cast after cast.
That combination of action and durability is why Bassmaster Elite Series pro Seth Feider keeps the Octane MinnowZ in his lineup all season long.
“I can fish it slow around shallow cover, swim it through open water, or change retrieve speeds depending on what the fish want,” Feider said. “It gives fish a different look, and because it’s ElaZtech, I can keep fishing the same bait long after most swimbaits would’ve been torn up.”
Available Fall 2026 in 2.8-inch (6-pack), 3.3-inch (5-pack) and 3.8-inch (5-pack) sizes, theOctane MinnowZ is equally at home on a Ball HeadZ™ or Finesse EyeZ™ jighead, pinned to a ZWG™ Swimbait Hook, or paired with an EVO™ Swim Jig or ChatterBait Elite EVO. The Made-in-USA Octane MinnowZ is offered in twelve pro-selected colors, including Z-Man staples Bad Shad and The Deal and new color patterns White Back Shad and Baby Gill.
For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com or see it in action at ICAST, booth #4808.
