Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait Review

First Impressions of Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait is a relatively new offering in the saturated world of soft plastic fishing lures, promising versatility and durability thanks to Z-man’s signature ElaZtech material. This 4.25-inch bait boasts twin action tails, a segmented body, and that ever-important “thumping action” that anglers crave. My initial intrigue stemmed from its claims of being a multi-tool in the tackle box – a bait that could function as a jig trailer, flipping bait, swimbait, or even a topwater offering.

For years, I’ve been searching for a single creature bait that can adapt to various conditions and presentations, saving precious tackle space. The sheer number of soft plastic options can be overwhelming, and the promise of the Billy Goat replacing a handful of specialized lures was enticing. Its buoyant ElaZtech construction and unique tail design immediately set it apart.

Upon unboxing, the Billy Goat felt different from other creature baits I’ve used. The ElaZtech material has a unique texture, almost rubbery, and is noticeably buoyant. The segmented body felt well-designed and the twin paddle tails looked like they would generate significant water displacement. Compared to a Berkley PowerBait Creature Hawg and a Zoom Brush Hog, the Billy Goat was noticeably lighter and more flexible.

Ultimately, I chose the Billy Goat for its versatility and the reputation of Z-man’s ElaZtech for durability. I was initially excited by the potential of a single bait to cover so many fishing applications.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait was on a local lake known for its largemouth bass and heavy cover. I rigged it as a trailer on a 3/8 oz. jig and flipped it around submerged timber and weed lines. The bait was easy to rig and the ElaZtech material held securely on the jig hook.

The Billy Goat exhibited an impressive action, even at slow speeds. The twin paddle tails throbbed rhythmically, creating a noticeable vibration. The bait seemed to come alive the moment it hit the water and on the fall the kicking action started immediately. I caught several bass within the first hour.

However, I did notice that the buoyant ElaZtech made it slightly more challenging to keep the bait pinned to the bottom in windy conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait has proven to be remarkably durable. The ElaZtech material has held up exceptionally well to repeated casts, hooksets, and fish fights. Unlike traditional soft plastics that tear easily, the Billy Goat has withstood significant abuse with minimal damage.

I’ve found that a single Billy Goat can last through multiple fishing trips, saving me money and reducing the amount of discarded plastic. Cleaning is simple – a quick rinse with water removes any debris. The bait’s buoyancy remains consistent over time.

Compared to my previous go-to creature baits, the Billy Goat’s durability is a game-changer. I was replacing torn PowerBait or Zoom baits every few casts in heavy cover. This Z-man lure has definitely outperformed my expectations in terms of longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait

Specifications

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait comes in at 4.25 inches in length and is sold in packs of 3. Z-man manufactures it using their proprietary 10X Tough ElaZtech construction. This material is known for its extreme durability and buoyancy. The lure is designed with twin action tails featuring a unique curved paddle design.

These specifications translate directly to on-the-water performance. The 4.25-inch size is versatile enough for both jig trailers and standalone presentations. The ElaZtech ensures the bait lasts significantly longer than traditional soft plastics, and the buoyancy allows for unique presentations like floating the bait over vegetation. The twin paddle tails create a strong vibration and water displacement that attracts fish.

Performance & Functionality

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait excels in its versatility and ability to generate strikes in various conditions. Its thumping action is consistent across all retrieve speeds and even on the fall. The buoyancy allows it to stand up on a Carolina rig or Texas rig, mimicking a fleeing crawfish.

The Billy Goat performs exceptionally well as a jig trailer. Its durability holds up to repeated abuse around rocks and timber. However, the buoyancy can be a disadvantage when fishing in heavy current or when trying to maintain bottom contact with a Texas rig.

Overall, the Billy Goat meets and often exceeds expectations, especially in terms of durability and action.

Design & Ergonomics

The Billy Goat features a segmented, slightly flattened torso that transitions to dual thin-skinned kicking legs. This design allows for a lifelike action and realistic profile. The ElaZtech construction gives the bait a unique feel – soft yet incredibly tough.

The design is user-friendly and requires no special rigging techniques. However, the ElaZtech material can be slightly more difficult to thread onto a hook compared to softer plastics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait’s durability is a standout feature. Its ElaZtech construction ensures a long lifespan, even when fishing in heavy cover.

Maintenance is minimal – simply rinse off any debris after use. Storing ElaZtech baits separately from other soft plastics is crucial to prevent them from melting or distorting.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait does not come with any included accessories, focusing solely on the bait itself. However, its versatility lends itself well to various customization options.

The Billy Goat can be used as a trailer for jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and ChatterBaits. It can also be rigged on a Texas rig, Carolina rig, or even weightless for a topwater presentation. The bait is compatible with a wide range of hooks and weights, allowing anglers to tailor their presentation to specific conditions.

Pros and Cons of Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait

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Who Should Buy Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait?

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait is perfect for anglers looking for a durable, versatile, and effective soft plastic lure. It is particularly well-suited for bass anglers who fish in heavy cover or those who appreciate a single bait that can be used in multiple presentations. Pro anglers will also value its ability to withstand repeated use during tournaments.

Anglers who primarily fish in heavy current or those who prefer a soft plastic that sinks quickly might want to consider other options. Also, anglers who are not diligent about storing their baits separately might find the ElaZtech material challenging.

A must-have accessory is a dedicated ElaZtech storage container to prevent damage to other soft plastics.

Conclusion on Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait

The Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait is an impressive addition to any angler’s tackle box. Its exceptional durability, versatile action, and realistic profile make it a highly effective lure for a variety of fishing situations.

At a price of $2.91 for a 3-pack, the Billy Goat offers excellent value, especially considering its long lifespan. The ElaZtech construction alone justifies the price.

I would highly recommend the Z-man Billy Goat Creature Bait to any angler looking for a durable, versatile, and effective soft plastic lure. It has quickly become one of my go-to baits. Give the Billy Goat a try, and you’ll likely find it earns a permanent place in your arsenal.