Z-Man Kicker CrabZ™
The Z-Man Kicker CrabZ™ is a revolutionary soft plastic crab imitation that perfectly replicates the sideways swimming action of a fleeing crab—one of the most irresistible meals for redfish and other inshore predators. Winner of the ICAST 2022 Best in Category Award for Saltwater Soft Lures, the Kicker CrabZ™ features a lifelike crustacean profile with detailed legs, antennae, eyes, and claws, plus an innovative kicker claw that creates natural movement and vibration at every retrieve speed, including on the fall. Constructed from legendary 10X Tough ElaZtech® material, this buoyant bait naturally holds its claws in a defensive posture while dramatically outlasting traditional soft plastics. Available at Frank & Fran's and ships nationwide.
What This Gear Is Commonly Used For
- Targeting redfish, black drum, sheepshead, speckled trout, flounder, and other inshore predators
- Fishing grass flats, oyster beds, marshes, and shallow shorelines
- Weedless presentations around heavy cover
- Bottom dragging, slow swimming, and sight-fishing applications
- Rigging on weedless hooks and specialized jigheads
Why This Gear Is Useful on the OBX
- Imitates one of the most common natural food sources found throughout the Outer Banks—small crabs
- Sideways swimming action closely matches the escape behavior that triggers aggressive strikes from red drum
- Buoyant ElaZtech® material naturally positions the claws in a defensive posture for a realistic presentation
- Innovative kicker claw creates vibration and movement during retrieves and while falling
- Keeled belly improves stability for smooth, natural swimming action
- 10X Tough ElaZtech® construction withstands repeated strikes from powerful inshore gamefish
Where This Gear Is Most Often Used
- Outer Banks marshes and grass flats
- Oyster bars and shell banks
- Shallow tidal creeks
- Sand flats and shorelines
- Coastal estuaries and inshore sounds
Product Features
- ICAST 2022 Best in Category Award winner for Saltwater Soft Lures
- First-of-its-kind sideways swimming crab imitation
- Realistic crab profile with segmented legs, claws, antennae, and eyes
- Unique kicker claw produces lifelike movement and vibration
- Legendary 10X Tough ElaZtech® construction
- Naturally buoyant material holds claws in a defensive posture
- Keeled belly enhances retrieve stability
- Dorsal hook pocket and hook slot for easy weedless rigging
- Streamlined shape improves casting distance and accuracy
- Available in 10 proven inshore color patterns
Product Specifications
- Brand: Z-Man
- Model: Kicker CrabZ™
- Product: Soft Plastic Crab Imitation
- Material: 10X Tough ElaZtech®
- Body Style: Realistic sideways swimming crab profile
- Rigging Options: Pro BulletZ™, SnakelockZ™, and ChinlockZ™ jigheads
- Rigging Features: Dorsal hook pocket, hook slot, and keeled belly
- Recommended Use: Inshore saltwater fishing for redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, trout, and other crustacean-feeding predators
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kicker CrabZ™ different from other crab baits?
The Kicker CrabZ™ is the first soft plastic designed to accurately imitate the natural sideways swimming action of a fleeing crab. Its unique kicker claw creates lifelike movement that closely resembles real crustaceans.
What fish can I catch with the Kicker CrabZ™?
It's highly effective for redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, and other inshore predators that regularly feed on crabs.
How should I rig the Kicker CrabZ™?
It pairs perfectly with Z-Man® Pro BulletZ™, SnakelockZ™, and ChinlockZ™ jigheads. The built-in hook slot and dorsal hook pocket also make weedless rigging simple and effective.
Why is ElaZtech® beneficial for crab imitations?
The naturally buoyant ElaZtech® material allows the claws to stand upright in a defensive posture, creating a more realistic presentation while providing exceptional durability against repeated strikes.
Is the Kicker CrabZ™ a good bait for fishing on the Outer Banks?
Absolutely. Crabs are one of the primary food sources for Outer Banks red drum, black drum, and sheepshead, making the Kicker CrabZ™ an outstanding choice for marshes, oyster beds, grass flats, and shallow coastal waters.
