Great video Wyatt! I was introduced to the Got-Cha early on in my saltwater fishing education, as I asked Florida fishermen what to use during the spring Spanish Mackerel run. They work really well, and they are a go-to lure for me at the pier. Hurricane also makes a low cost version of this design, but with eyelets and split rings to make hook change out easier.
You can replace the hooks with a little effort. I used small bolt cutters to cut off the trebles, and installed new split rings and single, in-line hooks.
Another great video as usual. Excellent content. This is also my go-to lure. I use split rings and VMC inline hooks. It tracks true with little to no change in action. After the color has been chipped off I simply dismantle and sand the lure smooth then paint it with cheap dollar store nail polish and finish it off with a couple coats of clear coat. Rewire with #9 wire and use (Google it) Mustad FTCBB-0.1-12U Fastach Clip W/Ball Bearing Swivel Fishing Terminal Tackle, Black, Size 0.1, and clip-on my favorite VMC hooks. It looks and lasts better than new. If the hook sits too low for your taste then simply snip off the solid welded ring attached to the long quick clip and replace it with a split ring and attach your hook. My hook ratio has increased by 50% with the long quick clips. It makes a huge difference with the short bites. Save the quick clip. Play with your lures. No such thing as a wrong way to retrieve it. What worked one morning on an incoming tide may not work the following morning on an outgoing tide. You need to adapt and find what works. Keep up the great work SS.
Fantastic thanks for the extra details (make/model/sizes). I'll try the Mustad Fastach (W/Ball Bearing Swivel) as I like swapping in lures throughout the day depending on location and conditions. I tend to use Tactical Anglers Power Clips (75lbs) but never used a Gotcha lure as might not be the best for it (never tried a got-cha anyway). Split rings are a welcome especially if I want to swap out for barbless inline hooks from time to time for easier catch & release. @saltstrong would be nice if you could do a DIY vid on this as well :) to boost/repair this lure!?! @davcar some pics?
Wyatt, FYI you can replace the hooks. I used a pair of cheap bolt cutter and cut the treble hooks off, then used a split ring with an inline hook....works great.
Hi Wyatt...great Vid! I've done some online legwork and haven't been able to find any reference to the 'Got-Cha' vs the old Porter Sea-hawk. In the 70's I always had several 'Sea Hawks' in my tackle box. The Sea Hawk had the simplicity, effectiveness and versatility as is touted by the Got-Cha, as well as, very similar design. Given the similarities, I plan to put aside my old school stubbornness and give the Got-cha a cast. Again, great informative vid! (BTW, There is a tutorial vid on 're-hooking' the Got-Cha.)
This lure works great on the Chesapeake Bay with breaking fish late summer early fall. Cast into the breaking fish or to the side, count 5 seconds, then reel/jerk in. Bigger fish deeper which include Spanish mackerel and stripers.
You can change the hooks in two ways: either you cut the wire and replace both hooks with the new wire, or you can cut off just hooks, and replace them with double hooks directly on existing wire, because they don't need any split rings.
It's super easy to replace the hooks on a Got-cha plug, cut the wire and discard, replace with #10 fishing wire. There is a great video on how to replace the hooks.
the wire that keeps the hooks attached is a single piece that also creates the top attachment loop. you can just cut it and rip it out and replace it with the type of hooks you prefer.
You can replace the hooks, if you use some diagonal pliers to cut the old hook off, then you can put the split ring on the middle or the tail part of the bait then you just attach the hook on the splitting and there you have it.
I just hooked one of the biggest fish of my life on the plug. I’m not sure what it was because it took me under the bridge with the current but it was huge.
We’re you able to see it at all? Had the same thing happen to me where the monster ran up under the bridge and snapped the line. I fought it for about 10 mins then realized it was a huge stingray!
Offshore angler, a house brand of bps, has a similar copy ,but, with hangers and split rings... If I'm not wrong , I guess the name of that is "Hot Shot".
Hooks easily changeable. Cut the original hooks off, and replace with open eye trebles. Just close the eyes with pliers. Been doing it for 25 years when striper fishing in the surf up north. I ditch all rear trebles and use a single siwash style on the back. Dehooking a fish with multiple trebles just causes damage to the fish, and possible damage to you, lol.
Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.
Can someone explain to me how to setup my rod for lures do I just tie it to the line? Do I need to use swivels spilt shots a weight or am I good to just tie it to my line and throw out? Thanks in advance.
We use braid with a leader, then tie the jighead to the leader with a non-slip loop knot, then put the soft plastic on the jighead. The knot will depend on what lure you're using. We don't recommend swivels. Feel free to check out www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tips/ and use the search...we have a ton of articles and videos that you might find helpful.
yo Salt Strong stupid idea can't you just cut off those hooks with a cutters get a split ring pliers thread on some split rings and place your singles on it?
