Lowcountry roots and confirmed efficiency outline new partnership
For Elite Collection professional Patrick Walters, the choice to align with Z-Man Fishing Merchandise was rooted as a lot in belief and geography because it was in efficiency on the water.
Walters, one among skilled bass fishing’s most constant and methodical rivals, has partnered with Z-Man to signify the ChatterBait® model, formalizing a relationship years within the making. The transfer connects one of many sport’s most versatile anglers with a lure that has turn out to be a fixture throughout fisheries nationwide—from shallow grass and tidal rivers to expansive Tennessee River impoundments.
The partnership additionally carries a definite Lowcountry really feel. Walters lives roughly 45 minutes from Z-Man’s headquarters, enabling hands-on collaboration that few Elite Collection professionals can match.
“This was an absolute no-brainer for me,” Walters mentioned. “Wherever you go and no matter sort of lake you fish, you in all probability have a ChatterBait tied on. Once you consider effectively masking water for bass fishing, you mechanically consider a ChatterBait.
”Since its introduction, the ChatterBait bladed jig has reshaped how anglers method energy fishing. Its means to mix vibration, flash and profile right into a single, excessive‑effectivity presentation—and to set off response strikes when bass are scattered or not actively feeding—has made it probably the most trusted instruments in fashionable match fishing.
For Walters, that versatility and reliability match seamlessly along with his analytical method to match fishing. Identified for preparation and adaptableness, he locations a premium on gear that performs the identical method each time.
“There are numerous imitations on the market available on the market,” Walters mentioned. “I make some extent to purchase each single new lure that comes out. You would possibly assume that’s hyperbole, however it’s completely not. I’ve purchased all the ChatterBait imitators and fished them. When my private cash is on the road, I all the time throw a Z-Man ChatterBait.”
Consistency, he says, is what separates the unique from the alternate options: “Every one is identical. Every one has high quality elements. Whether or not it’s two years previous or contemporary from the package deal, it’s going to run proper. They merely get bit and catch a bunch of fish.”
That confidence exhibits within the baits he depends on most: the ChatterBait® JackHammer™ for its fast startup and searching motion, the ChatterBait® Elite EVO™ for its refined efficiency, and the downsized ChatterBait® MiniMax™ when circumstances name for a tighter, finesse‑pushed profile.
Proximity solely strengthens the partnership. With Z-Man’s operations lower than an hour from his dwelling, Walters can contribute on to product testing, content material creation, and on‑the‑water growth.
“It feels nice to work with an area firm,” he mentioned. “In the event that they want me, I’m proper down the street. If I would like something, they’re close by and able to assist. Whether or not we’re testing merchandise or filming movies, we will get high-quality content material executed shortly and effectively.”
The partnership additionally displays a way of regional satisfaction—a Lowcountry angler working hand‑in‑hand with an area firm whose merchandise have turn out to be fixtures nationwide.
All through his Elite Collection profession, Walters has constructed a popularity for maximizing alternatives, managing danger, and trusting instruments that earn their place on the deck. The brand new sponsorship merely formalizes what followers and rivals have lengthy acknowledged: the ChatterBait bladed jig is a cornerstone of his match technique throughout seasons and fisheries.
Because the 2026 season will get underway, anticipate that connection to be on full show. When the second issues most, there’s little doubt what might be tied on Walters’ line.
About Z-Man Fishing Merchandise: A dynamic Charleston, South Carolina primarily based firm, Z-Man Fishing Merchandise has melded vanguard fishing sort out with know-how for practically three a long time. Z-Man has lengthy been among the many trade’s largest suppliers of silicone skirt materials utilized in jigs, spinnerbaits and different lures. Creator of the Authentic ChatterBait®, Z-Man can be the famend innovators of 10X Powerful ElaZtech® softbaits, among the many most coveted baits in fresh- and saltwater. Z-Man is among the fastest-growing lure manufacturers worldwide.
