Got-Cha Fishing Lure Review: Is This The Best Plug For Pier Fishing?

[@d.faulkner8210]

Just a thought,You could cut those hooks off and use split rings to attach your favorite hooks,great video,thanks for sharing..

[@kevinalt8437]

Doesn’t swim right after that, and it makes bubbles in the water that the blues and Spanish will attack before your bait

[@txdocprich_8404]

@@kevinalt8437 I don't understand why split rings would change the action. I'm guessing you've tried it though...

[@donb1661]

I put split rings and single hooks on it and it catches fish.

[@aquawarrior4567]

Done it works fines

[@gonepostal1995]

Exactly what i was thinking and i'm glad i checked the comments first before posting.

[@scottpm6519]

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.

[@sunshinecycling]

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.

[@davcar872]

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.

[@j.z.9162]

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?

[@mikepound9808]

I cut off the front set of trebles since the 2 sets often tangle in each other. I don't feel that I lose any more fish because I do that.

[@garyf4517]

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.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MHFROX]

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.)

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@greggerblonski3766]

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.

[@BlueLineFishing]

My all time favorite lure to throw in the surf. Catches those mackrel and big trout too!

[@raymondgodfrey8409]

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.

[@ronvahey]

Have used them for years pier fishing. Catch a lot. Including a nice size King Mackrell a couple years ago.

[@outdoorslife8466]

you can actually replace the hooks fairly easily you just need some #10 wire and two hooks and pliers

[@Unplugged704]

Great review! What’s a good rod to fish those plugs?

[@UserUser-zm3fo]

Best lure for anything with a forked tail.

[@browngaddyoutdoors]

True! Although I have caught trout and red drum on it though...

[@austinchambers2288]

You can change the hooks by cutting the treble hook off and put a little key ring on and can swap to different hooks 👍🏼

[@DARK-qh1xw]

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.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the tip!

[@burningbend]

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.

[@ericcorse]

This style of plug has been around 50 years that I know of and they work great for plugging off a pier.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@leola899]

My favorite pier! Thanks for the lesson.

[@nonevarda]

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.

[@gb8265]

I caught 9 bluefish and like 7 ladies and 7 crevalle within 2 hours using the silver one, it lost all the head paint but it is still catching fish

[@benedicthenriksson8160]

I love using the gotcha plug! I've caught so much on them!

[@mirandamaher9465]

You can rehook a Gotcha. You have to cut the trebble hooks off at the eyes, then add snap rings with better trebbles.

[@Jagdpantherl]

ive replace hooks on gotchs plug alot. i cut the hook eye and then use split rings to attach the new hooks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevemerritt3141]

Think I’ll Buy a couple and try the split rings. What kind of single hook?

[@mirandamaher9465]

I use the silver and chartreuse, we catch everything on them.

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

I'll be on the Skyway and Pass-A-Grille on June 7. Testing this thing out.

[@nicholaslovett6248]

Any luck?

[@kamarte]

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".

[@yepyep7036]

Hey does it ever need a lead weight from a long pier ?… and what weight and how plz

[@386fishing5]

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.

[@AdamN-uq9fy]

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!

[@AnthonySmith-en6im]

Great info on spanish lures. Thank you

[@MrVanTeacher]

you could cut the hook rings with a little 8" "lock" cutter. then put on ring and hook👍

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@15trucklt83]

Wire cutters and split rings. You can replace those trebles with singles.

[@Saltstrong]

Definitely!

[@joewalton399]

You could cut the hooks off put split rings in and this would allow you to change the hooks ?

[@killerdestroyer8786]

Someone gave me 1 because they bought a bunch for 1 dollar each and I liked it so far ive only used it once

[@jedipokemob3940]

How did he buy them for 1 dollar each

[@killerdestroyer8786]

@@jedipokemob3940 it was on discount because that store was closing

[@jedipokemob3940]

@@killerdestroyer8786 dang that’s a really good deal glad he bought some

[@motorewe2090]

Hahaha Johnnie Mercer Fishing Pier in Wrightsville Beach i fish there often and the gotcha plug is the #1 lure used there

[@jaimemorales9935]

YES SIR ! It really is !

[@yiayang3403]

Are there got cha plugs with metal bodies? I'm new and was told 1oz metal body are the best to use. All I can find online are plastic bodies.

[@shawnewing1175]

If you buy some split rings and inline hooks just use wire cutters to remove the treble hooks

[@Saltstrong]

Agreed!

[@saleen12]

What rod would you recommend for a 4k reel using gotcha plugs, bubble rigs or xraps for macks/ladies/blues and baby jacks?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@saedfajardo8956]

Do you add any weight?

[@craigthompson1431]

Is curtain weights better than others

[@billylutz909]

You can replace the hooks. You just have to rewire it and it’s fairly easy

[@michaelinraleigh]

What knot are you using?

[@jelly_fishing]

Nice video - can you use this anytime or are there specific times or best weather to use these?

[@anthonylewis9572]

When is a Good time to Fish for Mackerel around myrtle beach. I'll be there in July

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@drem.9016]

I gotta get me one of these, I've gone out multiple times this year & have not caught a keeper, even when using shrimp. I'm at my wits end...

[@natehowell793]

There in florida keep that in mind and shrimp is only good for smaller fish

[@chrism8013]

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.

[@KC-lj4iv]

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.

[@Saltstrong]

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.

[@kevinwynne9]

are you still using that All Star Inshore? If so how is the 7' ml spinning

[@tedthilly1934]

Just cut the hooks and add a small split ring I do it works good

[@vaughanjattan7475]

Is it okay to use a swivel to attach the leader to the main line when using a gotcha plug or should you use an Albright knot

[@Raxtz]

I’m late but I wouldn’t recommend a swivel. The Spanish and blues will target the swivel and cut you off even faster

[@sclkdrk09]

Split the hooks open with wire cutters, remove hooks. Split new hooks with wire cutters, crimp new hooks on lure.

[@rottyweiller1282]

Found a utube video on how to replace the hooks on a gotcha lure.

[@kelvinwilliams6999]

What lure would you recommend as an upgrade to the Got-Cha?

[@Saltstrong]

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.

[@ACRBunny]

Wyatt where did you get that hat

[@mikeferretti7422]

I see its only 1oz, any issues w casting from the surf, In the past I have had issues trying to cast 1oz lures and not going far enough

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@jonkenny593]

bass pro has their own rigs with split rings.

[@silasferraro6972]

I saw you on the pier😀

[@Plantasea]

Missed the part where you actually showed how to rig this??!

[@emiliano..607]

the one i have has a single hook and treble hooks

[@thevernonposse]

I've caught fish on one with no color at all lead grey

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@presidentsniper4462]

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?

[@Julianuribe23]

I got spooled by a Cobia when using one haha

[@crazykajun914]

Thanks

[@alive4082]

These are under $3 at walmart btw

[@jamesanderson7261]

Bubble rig with a McDonald straw (challenge )

[@RealMenReel]

All you need is a bolt cutter....cut off the stock hooks then add split rings and new hooks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@redfishbluefish965]

Swap the hook out with a single hook: cut off the tri hook with side cutters, add a ring and a single hook...

[@franksanbower8258]

Should be easy to add hooks just click the old hooks off add split rings and new hooks

[@khwanjolly8262]

Yes you can replace the hooks this sounds more of a sales pitch 😅

[@Saltstrong]

👍

[@buckychildress9475]

You can change hooks out simple rebuild. If you don't want to I will take all your old ones

[@catim]

Anyone try these on West Coast yet??

[@topendchuck]

Before the gotcha came the seahawk which was 10 Times better.

[@thevernonposse]

White slugo on a jig head

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@felipemullerfishing2383]

👏👏👏👏🎣🎣🎣

[@brianbaker9738]

CUT THE OLD HOOKS OFF PUT NEW ON WITH SMALL SNAP RINGS