Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure Review

First Impressions of Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure

The Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure is the newest creature bait from Z-man, designed by B.Lat, aimed at anglers who like to pitch into heavy cover and haul out the big ones. Creature baits are a staple in any serious angler’s tackle box, and this 4.5-inch offering promises to be a game-changer with its unique design and the use of Z-man’s signature ElaZtech material.

What brought me to the Gremlin was a persistent problem: I needed a bait that could effectively navigate dense vegetation and timber, attract aggressive strikes, and, most importantly, survive the abuse that comes with fishing in such environments. I was looking for something tougher than the standard soft plastics.

Unboxing (or rather, unpackaging) the Gremlin revealed a bait that felt immediately different. The ElaZtech material gives it a unique texture—almost rubbery, yet surprisingly durable. The design is intricate, with numerous appendages and a ribbed body, promising plenty of action in the water.

I’ve used similar creature baits like the Zoom Brush Hog and the Strike King Rage Craw. I chose the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure because of the promises of increased durability and unique action imparted by the ElaZtech material.

My first impression was definitely one of excitement. The bait looked well-designed, felt incredibly durable, and I couldn’t wait to see how it performed in the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure on a recent bass fishing trip to a local lake known for its thick weed beds and submerged timber. I primarily fished it on a Texas rig with a 3/8 oz tungsten weight, pitching it into the heart of the heaviest cover I could find.

The Gremlin performed admirably in these challenging conditions. It slipped through the weeds with relative ease, thanks to its streamlined profile, and the ElaZtech material held up remarkably well against snags and abrasions. The water was clear, but the air temperature was cool, around 60 degrees, and the Gremlin held up well in the cooler water.

The Gremlin was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package. The bait’s buoyancy also seemed to help it stand up on the bottom, presenting a more enticing target for lurking bass.

The only slight issue was that the ElaZtech material can be a bit more challenging to rig straight compared to standard soft plastics; however, once rigged correctly, it stayed in place exceptionally well.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure has proven to be impressively durable. While other soft plastic baits would be torn to shreds after a few fish or snags, the Gremlin has held up remarkably well.

I have noticed minimal signs of wear and tear, even after catching multiple bass and dragging it through heavy cover. The color hasn’t faded, and the appendages remain intact.

Maintaining the Gremlin is incredibly simple; just rinse it off with water after use and store it properly to prevent melting with other non-ElaZtech plastics. This bait significantly outperforms other creature baits I’ve used in terms of durability and longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Z-man.
• Lure Type: Soft Bait. This categorization highlights its primary function and target audience of anglers who prefer soft plastic presentations.
• Length: 4.5 inches. This size is ideal for targeting both largemouth and smallmouth bass, offering a substantial profile without being overwhelming.
• Hook Type: Soft Bait. This implies the need for worm hooks, Texas rigs, or similar rigging methods compatible with soft plastic lures.
• Material: ElaZtech. This is perhaps the most important specification, as ElaZtech is known for its exceptional durability, buoyancy, and lifelike action.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the Gremlin’s performance and longevity. The ElaZtech material provides unmatched durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The 4.5-inch length makes it a versatile bait suitable for a wide range of fishing conditions and target species.

Performance & Functionality

The Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure excels at attracting strikes and holding up under pressure. Its buoyancy allows it to stand up off the bottom, mimicking a defensive or feeding creature.

The Gremlin’s strengths lie in its durability, realistic action, and ability to penetrate heavy cover. A potential weakness is the slightly higher price point compared to standard soft plastic baits, however, the increased lifespan more than compensates for this. It definitely meets and, in many ways, exceeds expectations for a creature bait.

Design & Ergonomics

The Gremlin features a ribbed body, numerous appendages, and a streamlined profile. The ElaZtech material gives it a unique, soft texture that feels realistic to fish.

The bait is user-friendly and requires no special rigging techniques, although using super glue to secure it to the hook can extend its lifespan even further.

Durability & Maintenance

Thanks to the ElaZtech construction, the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure is built to last. With proper care, a single bait can withstand dozens of fish catches and countless casts through heavy cover.

Maintenance is minimal; simply rinse the bait after use and store it separately from other soft plastics to prevent melting or deformation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but its versatility allows for numerous customization options. It can be rigged on Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, jig trailers, or even weightless for a different presentation.

The Gremlin is compatible with a wide range of hooks and weights from various brands, giving anglers the freedom to tailor their presentation to specific conditions.

Pros and Cons of Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure

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Who Should Buy Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure?

The Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure is perfect for anglers who frequently fish in heavy cover, targeting bass, pike, or other predatory fish. It is also ideal for those who want to save money in the long run by using a more durable and long-lasting soft plastic bait.

Anglers who prefer using a wide variety of soft plastic baits and are unwilling to separate their ElaZtech baits from standard plastics may want to consider other options. Anyone looking for an inexpensive, disposable bait for casual fishing might find the Gremlin’s price point a bit high.

A must-have accessory is a good quality worm hook, preferably one with a bait keeper to hold the ElaZtech material securely.

Conclusion on Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure

The Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure is a top-tier creature bait that delivers exceptional durability, realistic action, and versatility. While it may be slightly more expensive than traditional soft plastics, its longevity and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.

The price is justified by the bait’s ability to withstand abuse and continue catching fish long after other soft plastics have fallen apart. I would highly recommend the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure to any angler looking for a durable and effective creature bait for fishing in heavy cover.

Give the Z-man Gremlin Soft Bait Lure a try and experience the difference that ElaZtech can make in your fishing game! You won’t be disappointed.