Z-Man Fishing Products has recently added two new hires to its marketing team to support the expansion of its product lineup. Jonathan Dietz joins Z-Man as community manager, and Christian Conley has been appointed media manager.
Dietz, a Pennsylvania native and lifelong angler, is said to bring a “tournament fishing pedigree and a passion for content creation.” His competitive fishing career began at the age of 12, when he participated in youth fly fishing tournaments, earning 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 a 13th-place finish.
Dietz joined the Z-Man team as a pro staff member in 2022, having relied on Z-Man baits and proactively reached 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 tournament fishing and social media, the company said he is “uniquely equipped to strengthen Z-Man’s community ties and expand its voice across platforms.”
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 desk job, Conley needed a creative outlet and began filming pond hops, kayak trips and inshore adventures through the Lowcountry, sharing them on 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, transforming a hobby into a successful influencer.
Conley now oversees Z-Man’s social media strategy, press communications, media relations, and creative campaigns across digital and traditional platforms.
Z-Man Brand Manager Ryan Harder said the Dietz and Conley “bring a diverse set of skills, fresh perspectives, and passion for fishing, along with a strong boots-on-the-ground background in engaging anglers through social channels.” He added, “Their energy and creativity will help drive Z-Man’s continued growth and connection with anglers everywhere.”
Images courtesy Z-Man Fishing Products / LinkedIn
