Reeling in New Talent
Reeling in New Talent
Z-Man® Supercharges Marketing Team with Anglers-Turned-Creators
Ladson, SC (September 24, 2025) – As fall settles over South Carolina and the weather begins to cool, Z-Man Fishing Products is turning up the heat with continued focus on expanding its product lineup and brand storytelling. To support this momentum, the company has supplemented its marketing team with two strategic hires: Jonathan Dietz as Community Manager and Christian Conley as Media Manager.
Dietz, a Pennsylvania native and lifelong angler, brings a tournament fishing pedigree and a passion for content creation. His competitive fishing career began at the age of twelve in youth fly fishing tournaments, where he earned multiple gold medals at international events, including the FIPS Youth World Fly Fishing Championship. While studying Fisheries Science at Penn State, Dietz transitioned into tournament bass fishing, eventually competing in the Bassmaster Opens, MLF Invitationals, and MLF Toyota Series. In 2023, he qualified for the Bassmaster Classic, notching an impressive 13th place finish.
Dietz joined the team as a pro staff member in 2022 after consistently relying on Z-Man baits including the Finesse TRD™, ChatterBait® JackHammer™, and Palmetto BugZ™ and proactively reaching out to the company. His growing interest in content creation and educating anglers through social media led him to pursue a deeper role in the industry.
In his new position, Dietz will lead Z-Man’s engagement with pro staff, fishing guides, content creators, and brand ambassadors. With experience in both tournament fishing and social media storytelling, he’s uniquely equipped to strengthen Z-Man’s community ties and expand its voice across platforms.
“When I got the email from Z-Man about joining their pro staff a few years back, I was so excited I called all my buddies,” says Dietz. “Now, stepping into a role where I can help guide the contributions of the pro team and influencers—that’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to use fishing as a way to change people’s lives, and this gives me a whole new avenue to do that.”
Conley, originally from Connecticut and a graduate of the College of Charleston, joins Z-Man after eight years working at medical universities and six years moonlighting as a fishing content creator. His journey began with a childhood obsession with fishing, fueled by bluegill and bass fishing in neighborhood ponds, wading the Farmington River for trout, and annual striped bass trips in Maine.
After two years of working a nine-to-five desk job, Conley found himself in need of a creative outlet outside the office and began filming pond-hops, kayak trips, and inshore adventures throughout the Lowcountry and sharing them via YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Known for his authentic and visual storytelling style, Conley built a loyal following by blending technical insight with relatable, on-the-water experiences—quickly turning a casual hobby into a legitimate influencer marketing side hustle.
In a shift from coordinating medical research and ensuring FDA compliance, Conley now leverages both right and left brain to oversee Z-Man’s social media strategy, press communications, media relations, and creative campaigns across digital and traditional platforms. His deep familiarity with Z-Man’s product line—especially in the kayak and inshore space—brings a user-driven perspective to the brand’s content and messaging.
“Joining Z-Man feels like coming home,” said Conley. “I’ve been fishing their baits for years, and now I get to help tell the story behind them. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I already feel like my voice matters here. I’m excited to help shape how we connect with anglers and share what makes Z-Man so special.”
“Jonathan and Christian bring a diverse set of skills, fresh perspectives, and passion for fishing along with strong ‘boots-on-the-ground’ background in engaging anglers through social channels,” remarks Z-Man Brand Manager Ryan Harder. “Their energy and creativity will help drive Z-Man’s continued growth and connection with anglers everywhere.”