Thread: How do YOU fish a gotcha plug?

I'm more of a jerkbait guy since that's what I grew up using for bass. What is your preferred retrieve for fishing a gotcha plug? Rod tip up or down, speed, jerks and pauses, how close to the bottom, and how much do you vary your retrieve from day to day?

Brandon, gotcha plugs are versatile baits. You can allow them to sink to the bottom, or at least deep, when the fish are deep. Rip it up like a spoon to the top and repeat. They have a built in side to side action that allows you to work them without retrieving them too quickly to the pier. It's a matter of timing. If you've fished the old zara spook for bass, the action/retrieve is about the same, only the gotcha goes further on the side move.

Sometimes the fish want them really fast. If you aren't getting bit and someone nearby is, then try to see what they are doing on the retrieve, all else being the same. I use 50 lb flouro leader....but sometimes you can get away with wire.

At all times, stay alert. Those things come unplugged sometimes from the fish and go flying -- and when the spanish gets to flopping around it can flop a hook in you faster than any bass you've ever had a hold of....and those gotcha hooks don't turn loose of skin very well.

I try to keep a 7/8 oz chrome and red, chrome and yellow, and a 1 oz solid white. They also make a smaller version, a 5/8 oz red and chrome. I don't use the feathered one but others probably do with success.

Good luck to you.

Thanks. I've used a zara spook alot so that action is familiar. I did use one this spring, but only had one fish on. Normally I use nothing but artificials, but this time I did really well on shrimp, fishbites, and gulp shrimp. Going to okaloosa this fall and would like to get some spanish.

I like to use it like an 'Alabama Rig' ;-) lol



j/k
what Rich said +1
Sometimes a pause when it nears the surface will illicit a strike.
Otherwise open the bail to let it fall and repeat...

Hmm....... Think it might be best to stick with one......

It's all in the flick of the wrist

Like I'm trying to keep it away from them most times,

Leave it on the one rod in the cart, and use a jig, or tiny ly, or sometimes a bubble....if none of those work I'll change to the gotcha rod ..... rod pointed down hanging over the rail (back breaker) with a slight pull & reel cadence so it goes side to side....same as my jigs

It is easy to get 'worn out' quickly trying to impart a lot of rod action on a Gotcha, or jig or any plug for that matter.
A method I find requiring much less 'exercise' is to cast the lure out and as it is sinking, drop the rod tip about 15 to 20 degrees below the horizon. Then rotate my wrist (right hand) about 45 degrees so the reel handle (held in my left hand) "points up". I quickly turn the handle one rotation and pause, and repeat this motion until I can see the lure. If a fish is following I may roll my hand back over and jig the lure without reeling. If nothing is following, I open the bail to let the lure sink and repeat.
This method covers more of the entire water column in my retrieve without exerting myself nearly as much.
hope this helps!...

I use the jerk and reel technique until my hand cramps or my arthritis kicks in. This getting old ain't for sissies.