Z-Man Bait LockerZ Safeguards and Systematizes a Mountain of ElaZtech and other Softbaits
You already do your best “work” there. Might as well make it official, your boat is your real office. You’ve got your desk and your executive chair (a.k.a. casting platform and swivel seat). You’ve got your business computer (fish finder), plus all your pens, laser pointers, and pencils (fishing rods). Heck, you’ve even got your red Swingline stapler and a big roll of tape (fishing line) that holds everything together. All that’s left is a well-organized filing cabinet stocked with every essential file—make that, bait— you’ll ever need.
On the best-bait front, Z-Man’s got your back. Their radical ElaZtech baits have powered-up your soft plastics game to pro-level heights. Why not also give anglers the ultimate bait-file—a.k.a. the most valuable softbait tackle bag you’ve ever owned? The Z-Man Bait LockerZ is just that: the perfect softbait storage case and the one bag smart enough to house and systematize an extravagant pile of soft plastics.
“As most anglers have learned, binder-style totes and other tackle bags offer a minimal—and often, disorganized— storage space for soft plastics,” says Z-Man president and expert angler, Daniel Nussbaum. “We crafted the Bait LockerZ first and foremost to make it super easy to finger-walk through dozens of bait packs with ease, allowing you to access that hot shape and color in seconds quickly. Slide the package back in the LockerZ, and your baits stay organized and in tiptop shape for the longterm.”
Tailored to precisely encase the width of standard-size 7-inch zip-lock bags of ElaZtech or other baits, the Bait LockerZ includes four removable Velcro dividers, yielding five separate, personalized bait compartments. Bait bags stand upright, flat, and organized, easily identifiable, and accessible. The Bait LockerZ supports ElaZtech baits stored in their original packages, effectively preserving their natural, original shapes without compressing or deforming them. Comfortably housing up to 50 packs of ElaZtech or other soft baits, the LockerZ effortlessly transports more than enough baits for any tournament, weeklong vacation, or day trip.
To lock water out and prevent the lid from blowing open, a tough, robust top enclosure stays shut, thanks to powerful magnetic flaps. This intelligent arrangement also provides easy-to-open, zipper-free access to your bait collection. During transport, dual snap enclosures further safeguard the LockerZ’ valuable contents. A rugged, rubberized bottom panel prevents moisture entry and grips all types of boat decks: a convenient lid handle and nylon shoulder strap ease bag transport.
For additional interior storage, five clear storage compartments isolate hooks, jigheads, and lures, while two larger interior enclosures fit bigger items. A spacious exterior mesh pocket safeguards more essentials such as tools, leader/line spools, or jumbo bait bags.
Acknowledging the needs of kayak anglers, Z-Man built the Bait LockerZ to fit perfectly in place behind a kayak seat or other designated storage footprints. “My Bait LockerZ fits like it was made to sit between the backrest of my Hobie seat and the storage crate,” notes Ryan Harder, Z-Man sales manager, and another resident Z-Man angler. “It’s so easy to flip the bag onto my lap while I run down the lake, finger-walking through bait packs until I find the right creature bait, swimbait, or jig trailer.
“Right now, I store most of my ElaZtech collection in three of these bad boy bags—one for saltwater, one for clear freshwater lakes, and a third loaded with super-bright colors for muddy water. I’ve also found the Bait LockerZ to be ideal for hopping in your buddy’s boat, loading up on baits for every situation you might face on unfamiliar water.”
“I’ve kept a prototype of this bag in my boat since March, and it’s holding up to the sun and salt like a champ,” adds Nussbaum. “I think anglers who use one will immediately agree: The Bait LockerZ is hands-down the best way to carry and keep organized a big stash of soft plastics. We all own a ton of baits. But give me a bag that grants instant access to that one bag of hot baits and I’m a happy camper.”
Constructed from a durable 600 denier waterproof canvas, the Z-Man Bait LockerZ is built to withstand the aquatic elements and organize up to 50-packages of ElaZtech baits. Sized and shaped like an oversized lunchbox, the Bait LockerZ measures 18” (L) x 9” (W) x 7” (H). Available now at retailers everywhere or at www.zmanfishing.com, MSRP $59.99.
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.