Gotcha
Also called Bonefish Gotcha
A Gotcha is a small, lightly weighted flats fly that imitates a shrimp, best known as a bonefish pattern.
- Group
- Saltwater patterns
- Category
- Flies & fly types
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Saltwater
Last updated
What Gotcha means
You’ll recognize a Gotcha by its slim body, small eyes for weight, and a short wing or tail that suggests legs and antennae. Most are tied in tan, pink, or cream, often with a bit of flash.
Guides and anglers use it on shallow flats where bonefish are hunting over sand or sparse grass. It’s usually presented with a short lead, then small strips so the fly scoots and settles like a fleeing shrimp.
Gotchas get tied in a range of weights. Bead chain eyes are common for skinny water. Heavier versions use lead dumbbell eyes for deeper edges or more wind.
Why it matters on the water
Knowing what a Gotcha represents helps with the retrieve. Bonefish often respond to short, nervous movement, then a pause that lets the fly drop back to the bottom.
It also helps with fly choice by bottom type. Lighter, quieter Gotchas land and track better in very shallow water. Heavier ones reach bottom faster on deeper flats and channels, where a fly that never gets down tends to get ignored.
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Read next
- BonefishA bonefish is a fast, silvery flats fish that feeds by tailing and rooting for shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish in shallow saltwater.
- Crazy CharlieA Crazy Charlie is a small, lightly weighted flats fly that suggests a shrimp or small baitfish. It is a common choice for bonefish and other shallow-water species.
- Hook sizeHook size is the numbering system that tells you how big a fishing hook is. For most trout hooks, bigger numbers mean smaller hooks, and hooks larger than size 1 use “aught” sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0).
- ShrimpShrimp are small crustaceans that many flats and inshore fish eat. “Shrimp” also refers to fly patterns tied to imitate their shape, color, and quick darting movement.
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