This purple Split Tail TrailerZ is affixed to a red 1/16-ounce Gopher Tackle Mushroom Head Jig and a No. 4 Mustad hook.
March 16, 2015
By Ned Kehde
Z-Man Fishing Product's Split Tail TrailerZ was not designed for Midwest finesse anglers to affix to a 1/16-ounce mushroom-style jig. Instead, it was designed as a trailer for Z-Man's ChatterBait or for a variety of spinnerbaits. Consequentially, most Midwest finesse anglers have overlooked it.
But as 2015 unfolds, some Midwest finesse anglers in northeastern Kansas will make a conscientious effort to use it — especially as a substitute for a finesse worm.
The head of this four-inch bait is flat with a minor indentation. Its torso is cylinder-shaped and 1 1/2 inches long. The back of its torso is divided into five subtle sections, and each section is demarcated with a minute notch. The torso's belly is smooth. Its tail is forked or split and 2 1/2 inches long. The top of the portion of the tail is rounded and graced with the same slight notches that are on the back of its torso. The bottom of the tail is flat and smooth.
It is not impregnated with salt, which pleases scores of Midwest finesse anglers, who like soft-plastic baits that are extremely buoyant, and that is because a buoyant bait enhances these anglers' ability to execute what they call a no-feel retrieve. When it is rigged on a 1/15- or 1/16-ounce mushroom-style jig, such as Z-Man's 1/15-ounce Finesse ShroomZ jig, anglers can employ all six of the standard Midwest finesse retrieves.
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In addition to being buoyant, the Split Tail TrailerZ is exceptionally flexible, which allows its torso and two tails to gyrate almost incessantly during all phases of a retrieve.
Because they are manufactured out of ElaZtech, they are extremely durable. In fact, they are so durable that most Midwest finesse anglers might be able to tangle with 100 or more largemouth bass with the same Split Tail TrailerZ before it is too tattered and torn to use.
It is available in 10 colors: Black, Blue, Chartreuse/Gold Flake, Green Pumpkin, Hot Chartreuse, Orange, Purple, Red, White, and White Pearl.
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A package of 10 can be purchased for $2.99 at several online retailers.
