SaltwaterGotcha Shrimp
The Gotcha Shrimp is arguably the most popular bonefish fly ever created, beloved for its effectiveness and simplicity. This rubber leg variation adds extra movement and lifelike action that triggers aggressive strikes from cruising fish. The fly's translucent body and subtle flash create an irresistible profile that mimics the shrimp bonefish and permit actively hunt on tropical flats.
Year Round
Intermediate
Bonefish, Permit
Dec 2025
Overview
The original Gotcha was created as a simple, effective bonefish pattern that could be tied quickly and fished confidently on the flats. This rubber leg variation adds lifelike movement that distinguishes it from the standard version. The key to this pattern is building up the body shape with diamond braid and securing everything with a clear epoxy coating that adds durability and a realistic sheen. Tied in various sizes, it can target everything from spooky bonefish in skinny water to aggressive permit on deeper flats.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco TMC 811S, #4–#8
Thread: Clear monofilament or white 140 denier
Eyes: Medium bead chain, silver or gold
Tail: Craft fur or pearl Krystal Flash
Body: Pearl diamond braid or pearl Krystal Flash
Carapace: Pearl Krystal Flash or craft fur, pulled over body
Legs: White or tan rubber legs
Coating: 5-minute epoxy or UV resin
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Shrimp dart in short, erratic bursts across sandy flats and turtle grass beds, pausing to feed on detritus before fleeing when threatened. Their translucent bodies flash with reflected light during escape movements, creating irresistible visual triggers for bonefish and permit hunting protein-rich crustaceans.
Where Trout Eat It: Bottom of sandy or grassy flats, around mangrove edges, in cuts between flats in depths from inches to several feet.
How to Fish It: Cast well ahead of cruising fish and let fly sink to bottom. When fish approaches, use short, quick strips to hop fly along sand because this imitates fleeing shrimp. Pause frequently to let fly settle, as strikes often come on the drop.
Best Water: Sandy bottoms, grassy flats, mangrove edges, cuts between flats where shrimp abundant and bonefish patrol.
Strike Type: Line accelerates suddenly or feel weight as fish takes. Strip-strike firmly to set hook. Bonefish hits can be aggressive or subtle depending on mood.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: 9-10ft leader tapered to 12-16lb fluorocarbon. Stiff fluorocarbon helps turn over weighted fly and provides abrasion resistance. Use weight-forward floating line for most flats situations.
Seasonal Timing: Effective year-round in tropical and subtropical destinations where bonefish and permit found. Peak fishing often coincides with warmer months when flats fish most active. Best when targeting tailing or cruising bonefish and permit because clear water allows fish to see fly from distance.
Pro Tips: Sinking fly rides hook-point up thanks to bead chain eyes. Pearl materials provide flash without being too gaudy, and rubber legs pulse enticingly with every strip. Moderate sink rate makes it suitable for varying depths.
Entomology
Shrimp dart in short, erratic bursts across sandy flats and turtle grass beds, pausing frequently to feed on detritus before fleeing when threatened. Their translucent bodies flash with reflected light during these escape movements, creating irresistible visual triggers for bonefish and permit that patrol tropical shallows hunting protein-rich crustaceans.
- Organism Type
- crustacean
- Life Stage
- general