Balzer Shirasu Z-Shad Softbait

Balzer Shirasu Z-Shad — Buoyant Soft Shad Built for Zander and Perch

The Balzer Shirasu Z-Shad (Zander Shad) is a slim, squid-scented softbait that comes alive at the slightest rod movement — making it a reliable choice for spinning and finesse rigs alike.

Slim Profile with a Compact Tail Paddle

The slender body cuts through the water with minimal resistance, mimicking the baitfish zander and perch key in on. The compact tail paddle generates tight, responsive action even at low retrieve speeds, keeping the lure working throughout the entire retrieve without overpowering light takes.

Floating Action Opens Up More Rig Options

The Z-Shad is buoyant by design. That positive buoyancy means it lifts off the bottom between twitches on a Dropshot, Texas, or Carolina rig, hovering enticingly in the strike zone instead of going limp. On a standard jig head it rises on the pause, adding a reactive pulse that triggers reaction strikes — particularly useful in cold or pressured conditions when fish are slow to commit.

Choose the Right Variant

The Z-Shad range covers different sizes, weights, and colours to match conditions and target species. Variants with confirmed specs are listed below — select the combination that fits your water and presentation style.

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Blue Velvet: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; zander and perch in clear or lightly stained water

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Blue Jill: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; zander and perch, versatile light-coloured option

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Lemon Pepper: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; bright attractor colour for murky or low-light conditions

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Green Tomato: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; natural-flash colour for daytime perch and zander

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Hot Brownie: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; warm earth tone for stained rivers and canals

• 6.5 cm / 1.5 g — Motoroil-Chameleon: compact finesse size; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; iridescent colour shift in clear water

• 12.5 cm / 9 g — Blue Velvet: larger profile for bigger zander or pike-perch; Dropshot, Texas, Carolina rig; deeper water and stronger currents

• Additional colour and size variants are available — specs may vary

Facts

• Lure type: Soft shad (Softbait)

• Buoyancy: Floating

• Scent: Squid aroma

• Body shape: Slim with compact tail paddle

• Rigging: Dropshot, Texas rig, Carolina rig; also suitable for spinning on jig heads

• Target species: Zander (pikeperch), perch

• Pack contents: 3 lures per pack

• Available sizes (confirmed): 6.5 cm / 1.5 g · 12.5 cm / 9 g