Gotcha (fishing lure)

The Got-cha plug is a fishing lure used primarily for saltwater fishing. The lure is round and elongate, roughly the size of a cigarette. It tapers slightly in diameter from its larger front end to its narrower rear end. The front of the plug is wedge-shaped, with the apex of the wedge on the bottom of the lure. The Got-cha plug is heavy for its size, and this combined with its narrow diameter allows the lure to be cast a long way. Several hook configurations are available, the most popular being a two-treble setup where neither treble is dressed.

Got-cha plugs are sinking lures which are built to operate under the water. The line tie is placed on top of the lure, just rearward of the plug's head, thereby putting the majority of the lure's weight to the rear of the line tie. This combined with the wedge-shaped front end causes the lure to dive, and when manipulated properly dart back and forth beneath the ocean's surface. The lure is one of a very few that can be effectively fished from piers and bridges, as the extreme distance from the fisherman to the water in these instances creates big angles that make most diving lures useless.

The Got-cha plug is fairly easily manipulated. Once the lure hits the water and sinks for a moment the user simply reels and twitches his rod tip, and the lure in turn darts back and forth. Retrieve speed and rod manipulation can vary depending on the conditions and what the fish are after that day. As long as the lure is darting back and forth it is being fished correctly. Though popular on boats and jetties, the Got-cha plug really shines on fishing piers whenever Spanish mackerel and bluefish are around. Lines of people can be seen during these times standing shoulder to shoulder, steadily casting and working Got-cha plugs, a practice known as "plugging". Those walking the pier must exercise extreme caution when passing these lines, as the twin treble hooks of the lure combined with its heavy weight can make them extremely dangerous, and seeing people impaled by one or more trebles is not uncommon in the midst of 'plugging'.

Got-cha plugs are available in a variety of colors, but by and large the red head, white body version is the choice of pluggers on piers. Chartreuse is another popular choice, while red head/chartreuse body, and plain white comprise the list of most commonly used Got-chas.

SeaStriker, the maker of the Got-Cha Plug: http://www.seastriker.com/gotcha/