Zoom Bait Company's origin in 1977 marked a pivotal moment in fishing lure history. Founded by Ed Chambers, a genuine fishing enthusiast, inventor, and entrepreneur, Zoom embarked on a mission to provide effective yet affordable fishing lures. Ed's vision was clear: every angler, regardless of budget, should have access to premium-quality baits.
The roots of this iconic company can be traced back to Ed's garage in Watkinsville, Georgia, a humble space where the magic of Zoom began. It was here that Ed, using a 55-gallon drum and a trolling motor, mixed plastisol with the ingenuity of a true innovator. This garage, filled with the scent of plastisol and dreams, became the birthplace of Zoom's first baits, and the company continues to operate from Watkinsville to this day. It was a testament to Ed's dedication and inventive spirit, laying the foundation for a legacy that would stretch far and wide in the fishing world.
The game-changer for Zoom was undoubtedly their Zoom Worm. This was no ordinary soft plastic worm; it had a lifelike allure and performance that rapidly captivated anglers' hearts. This worm was the catalyst that put Zoom on the map, paving the way for future innovations. Notably, the accidental discovery of the iconic green pumpkin color, a happy accident during a color change from watermelon to pumpkin, highlighted Zoom's serendipitous approach to innovation.
As Zoom evolved, they consistently pushed the envelope, introducing a variety of soft plastic baits, each meticulously designed to mirror the movements of natural prey. Notable among these were the Super Fluke Jr and the Super Fluke – soft plastic jerkbaits that became a sensation, especially with bass fishermen. Their realistic appearance and tempting movement made them essential in many anglers' tackle boxes. I vividly recall my teenage and pre-teen years, fishing in ponds, where I proudly caught my first 4lb, 5lb, 7lb, and 8lb bass using Glimmer Blue or Baby Bass Super Flukes.
Today, Zoom boasts an impressive lineup of over 75 different bait styles, annually producing around 500 colors. Despite this vast array, not every color has stood the test of time. Over the years, Zoom has phased out around 20 colors due to poor performance, lackluster retail success, or discontinued pigments. Many of these were likely dye-based, posing challenges like color bleeding. Despite several hours of scouring for a comprehensive list of every bait and color Zoom has ever offered, the sheer volume of their innovations makes such a compilation elusive.
Zoom has always seemed to very in-tune to what anglers want, using feedback to refine their baits and come up with new ideas while keeping costs reasonable. As a kid and teenager, I was able to afford 2 packs of Super Flukes and a pack of Trick Worms for under $10, with enough left over for a pack of hooks, making it possible for me to fish with artificial lures so extensively growing up.
Zoom's baits have been trusted by generations of anglers at this point, and even though I make my own jerk baits, you would be hard pressed not to find a few bags of glimmer blue super flukes in my tackle bag. For myself, and many alike, Zoom played a pivotal role in our hobby as anglers, and introduced us to new methods, colors, and fishing styles that others could not.
Iconic Zoom Baits
Over it's decades of existence, the Zoom Bait Company has become synonymous with iconic soft plastic baits that have left an indelible mark on the fishing industry. Anglers around the world have relied on these baits to consistently entice strikes and land trophy fish. Let's take a closer look at some of the most iconic Zoom baits that have become favorites among anglers.
The Zoom Worm, the bait that started it all, remains a staple in tackle boxes everywhere. Available in various sizes and colors, this versatile bait is known for its lifelike appearance and irresistible action. Whether Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or used on a shaky head, the Zoom Worm has proven to be a reliable choice for targeting bass and other species.
Another legendary Zoom bait is the Super Fluke. This soft plastic jerkbait has revolutionized how anglers fish for bass. Its realistic profile, combined with a subtle kicking action, mimics injured baitfish and triggers aggressive strikes. Whether rigged weightless, on a jighead, or used as a trailer, the Super Fluke has consistently produced exceptional results on the water.
Zoom's Brush Hog is a creature bait that has gained immense popularity among bass anglers. With its multiple appendages and textured body, the Brush Hog creates a commotion in the water that attracts attention from predatory fish. Whether flipped into heavy cover or dragged along the bottom, this versatile bait excels in triggering strikes in a variety of conditions.
For those targeting finicky and pressured fish, the finesse worm known as the Zoom Trick Worm is a game-changer. Its slender profile and subtle wiggling action make it a go-to bait for finesse techniques. Whether drop-shotting, wacky-rigging, or neko-rigging, the Zoom Trick Worm consistently fools wary bass into biting.
To sum it up, Zoom Bait Company has made a significant mark in the fishing world. Their journey from the humble Zoom Worm to a diverse array of innovative baits showcases their deep understanding of anglers' needs and their dedication to excellence. I feel that we, as bait makers, can learn a lot from Ed Chambers, and the empire he created. Indeed, Zoom's journey is the stuff of fishing legend, an enduring testament to the art and science of bait making.
