[fishinbob]

I've noticed my gotchas don't sink as much when I'm fishing them. Is it the type of line I'm using (I use mono) or am I just jerking the lure wrong?

 

[1BadF350]

Depends on size mono. Ive used 10lb mono and 20lb braid with no problems.
You do have to throttle your retreive for desired depth or jig a few times and let sink

 

[IPNURWATER]

They have different weights on gotchas plugs get a heavier one

 

[Drumdum]

I've noticed my gotchas don't sink as much when I'm fishing them. Is it the type of line I'm using (I use mono) or am I just jerking the lure wrong?

What lb test are you using??

 

[Solesolace]

I've had the exact opposite problem when using mine. They sink straight to the bottom and get caught up/snagged on all kinds of crap.

 

[fishinbob]

I am using 15lb test.

 

[Drumdum]

Using 12 or even 10 with a floro leader of 25-30 would be better jmho.. Although 15 should work out fine,I'm thinking you are using the smaller gotchas.. I use 6lb fireline and have used 10lb test fireline,with the smaller gotchas and will have them come out of the water on me if I don't check my speed of retrieve.. If using regular sized gotchas without actually seeing you work the jig,I have no idea what the problem is...

 

[fishinbob]

Using 12 or even 10 with a floro leader of 25-30 would be better jmho.. Although 15 should work out fine,I'm thinking you are using the smaller gotchas.. I use 6lb fireline and have used 10lb test fireline,with the smaller gotchas and will have them come out of the water on me if I don't check my speed of retrieve.. If using regular sized gotchas without actually seeing you work the jig,I have no idea what the problem is...

I think it could be the problem on my end. I think I work them too fast, and jerk the rod more and not reel as fast. I thought maybe my line had something to do with it. Thanks for the info guys!

 

[pmcdaniel]

Are you retrieving with the rod tip up or down? Tip down seems to work better at keeping them in the water for me. Also make sure you aren't pulling too long. All you need is a short jerk on the plug to get it moving.

 

[IPNURWATER]

The plug Action is more of a left to right movement if your rod tip is down and your popping the rod downward on movement. (Most preferred method by the majority aka for blues Spanish etc)If your rod tip is up towards the sky. And your popping the tip of the rod up then the plug movement is up and down which would not be the best movement for blues Spanish but great action for fish the bite on the drop like trout or striper . bounce them,off the bottom you will get flounder on the but will lose many in Rocky or structure areas.
This is how I use gotchas depending time of year And what Im after.


Tip -If using briad add a 2ft peice of Mono leader and it will give better action of the gotcha with less effort

 

[fishinbob]

I've mostly had my rod tip up when retrieving them. I think that's the problem.

 

[Drumdum]

I've mostly had my rod tip up when retrieving them. I think that's the problem.

There are times when having your rod tip up is a good thing,like when the jig is near the pier,and you want the jig to dance right there by the pilings... Although,holding the rod down can make the jig move the way you want it to move after casting it.. Also,different depths as IPNUWATER says CAN MAKE a difference.. I've caught specks,flounder,and even drug it along the bottom like an artificial worm for bass to catch grey trout using different depths and actions...

 

[DaBig2na]

My choice is Suffix Superior in ten lb clear with a 30 lb mono leader. I keep the Rod tip down during the first part of my retrieve then when I can see the plug riding close to the top I open my bail and let it sink and jig up and down when it is close to the pier. I repeat this a couple of times until it the plug is too close. I've caught the biggest Spannish I've ever caught within 25 ft of the pier jigging from the bottom.