First Impressions of Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head
The Ned rig has taken the bass fishing world by storm. It’s a finesse technique known for its effectiveness, especially in clear water and pressured conditions. The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head promises to take the weedless capabilities of the Ned rig to another level.
I was looking for a jig head that would allow me to fish the Ned rig in and around heavier cover. Snags were costing me fish and valuable time. My hope was that the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head would address these challenges.
Upon unboxing, the jig heads appeared well-made and sturdy. The EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook was noticeably robust. The molded keeper looked like it would hold soft plastics securely.
Compared to standard mushroom-style jig heads like the original Z-man NedlockZ, or even generic mushroom heads with exposed hooks, the EWG hook is a significant departure. Other weedless options exist, but often sacrifice hook-up ratios for weedlessness. The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head seemingly aims to balance both.
My initial impression was positive, and I was eager to see if the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head would live up to its potential on the water. The promise of weedless Ned rigging with solid hooksets had me excited for my next fishing trip.
Real-World Testing: Putting Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head on a local lake known for its heavy vegetation and submerged timber. I primarily fished it around lily pads and laydowns, targeting bass holding in the shade. The conditions were sunny with a slight breeze.
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head performed admirably in terms of weedlessness. It slipped through cover with ease, rarely snagging on vegetation. However, the hook-up ratio wasn’t as high as I’d hoped.
It took some time to adjust my hookset to compensate for the weedless design. I needed to ensure the hook point cleared the plastic bait before driving it home. Despite the initial adjustment, the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head proved effective once I dialed in the proper technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head has held up remarkably well. The paint on the jig head shows minimal signs of chipping. The hook remains sharp even after numerous encounters with rocks and wood.
The molded keeper continues to hold soft plastics securely, even after repeated casts and strikes. Cleaning is a breeze, simply rinsing the jig head with water after each use. Compared to using exposed hook jigheads, I spend far less time re-rigging after snags.
Having used other weedless jig heads in the past, the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head offers a superior balance of weedlessness and hookset potential. While not perfect, it outperforms other options I’ve tried in similar situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head
Specifications
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is designed for Ned rig fishing in weedy and snag-prone areas. It combines a mushroom-shaped head with a custom, heavy-duty #1 VMC extra wide gap hook. The jig head also features a molded keeper to secure soft plastic baits.
- Manufacturer: Z-man.
- Jig Type: Jig Head.
- Quantity: 4 per pack.
- Hook Size: #1 VMC EWG.
- Available Colors: Green Pumpkin, Black, Chartreuse.
- Weight Options: Same as the original NedlockZ Jighead (specific weights not detailed in the provided information).
The #1 VMC EWG hook is specifically sized to pair perfectly with smaller Ned rig style softbaits. The molded keeper is essential for preventing baits from sliding down the hook shank.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is to present a Ned rig in a weedless manner. It excels in this role, allowing anglers to fish effectively in areas where traditional Ned rigs would be prone to snags. The hook-up ratio is good, but requires a deliberate hookset.
The jig head’s mushroom shape gives the bait a subtle presentation that bass find enticing. It also keeps the bait standing upright off the bottom. The EWG hook provides ample gap for solid hook penetration, even with bulkier soft plastic baits.
While the hook-up ratio isn’t as immediate as with an exposed hook, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the ability to fish in heavy cover. The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head does exactly what it’s designed to do.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is well thought out and functional. The mushroom-shaped head is compact and unobtrusive. The EWG hook is stout and sharp.
The molded keeper is a crucial element that prevents soft plastics from tearing or sliding. The weight distribution is also optimal, creating a balanced presentation in the water. Overall, the jig head feels solid and well-constructed.
There’s no real learning curve with the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head. Anyone familiar with Ned rigging will quickly adapt to this weedless version.
Durability & Maintenance
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is built to last. The paint finish is durable, and the hook is resistant to bending or breaking. With proper care, these jig heads should withstand numerous fishing trips.
Maintenance is minimal, simply rinsing them off with water after each use. The VMC hook maintains its sharpness well, but may require occasional sharpening depending on usage.
The durable construction of the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head ensures it will be a reliable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s designed to be paired with a variety of Ned rig soft plastic baits.
It’s compatible with any soft plastic bait designed for Ned rigging, like the Z-man TRD or similar offerings from other brands. Experimenting with different colors and profiles can help anglers dial in the best presentation for their local waters.
There are no specific customization options for the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head itself, but the wide range of compatible soft plastic baits provides ample opportunity for customization.
Pros and Cons of Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head
Pros
- Excellent Weedlessness: Allows for fishing the Ned rig in heavy cover without constant snags.
- Durable Construction: The paint finish and hook are built to withstand repeated use.
- Secure Bait Keeper: Molded keeper prevents soft plastics from sliding down the hook.
- Sharp VMC Hook: Provides good hook penetration with a deliberate hookset.
- Versatile: Compatible with a wide range of Ned rig soft plastic baits.
Cons
- Hook-Up Ratio Requires Adjustment: Requires a more deliberate hookset compared to exposed hook jig heads.
- Price: A bit more expensive than standard mushroom jig heads.
Who Should Buy Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head?
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is perfect for anglers who frequently fish the Ned rig around vegetation, rocks, or timber. It’s ideal for targeting bass in pressured waters where a finesse presentation is required. This product is especially beneficial for anglers who want to maximize their time fishing and minimize time spent re-rigging.
Beginner anglers looking for instant hooksets might want to start with an exposed hook Ned rig. Those who primarily fish open water won’t see as much benefit from this weedless option.
A must-have accessory is a selection of Z-man TRD soft plastic baits in various colors. Selecting a high-quality fluorocarbon line can enhance sensitivity and reduce visibility in clear water.
Conclusion on Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head
The Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head is a valuable addition to any angler’s Ned rig arsenal. It allows for fishing in areas previously inaccessible with traditional Ned rigs. While the hook-up ratio requires a slight adjustment in technique, the benefits of weedless fishing outweigh the drawbacks.
At $4.277.49 for a pack of four, the price is justified for the added versatility and durability. I would definitely recommend the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head to any angler looking to expand their Ned rigging capabilities.
If you’re tired of losing baits to snags and want to fish the Ned rig in heavy cover, give the Z-man Nedlockz Ewg Jig Head a try. It may just become your new go-to jig head.