jet divers verses using plugs as divers

[jawbreaker]

I have used both jet divers and plugs as divers when backtrolling bait and have caught fish with both. However, on several occasions my plug divers have out performed the jet diver. When fishing with a buddy of mine we would put the jet diver on one side of the boat and the hot-n-tot on the other. Using the same bait, the hot-n-tot rod caught 4 silvers to the jet divers 1 silver. Then we switched sides of the boat and the hot-n-tot rod caught for more silvers and the jet caught 2 more. Conclusion, the hot-n-tots crush the jets 7-3 in regulation play. No replays or recounts needed here....is there anything to this or is it just a fluke. thoughts and feedback on this

[Pirate]

JB
Excellent post since I use jet divers for steelies quite a bit primarily because I feel they dive deeper and I want to be on the bottom. The hot-n-tots have a good following too and I believe they would be more effective because of the action they impart to the bait. My question is, in your experience do the hot-n-tots dive as deep and what size do you use and recommend. Thanks


------------------
B

[Richter]

NorthriverB,

The regular size hot-n-tots work well for most steelhead water. If your targeting salmon in a deep hole, you will need to use the Magnum hot-n-tots to get deep enough. In the past, I fished both hot-n-tots and jet divers. I now only use hot-n-tots. The hot-n-tots always outfished the jet divers!

Take Care, Rich

[Hookset]

I've always liked the Hot-N-Tot for a diver, even just running alone plug fishing. It was the first plug I ever saw used for steelhead. Back in the late 70's, a guide started applying this technique using the Hot-N-Tot and kept it very secretive and didn't share with anyone. His limits and success was hard to keep quite and the word gradually got out. The rest is history I suppose.

As I understand it, Storm Lures does not make the large magnum Hot-N-Tot anymore, can anyone confirm this? I purchased several at discount during the close out of this plug. Anyone know for sure?

The success has got to be in the extra action the plug imparts. Jet divers don't swing side to side, the air chamber and the larger diving bill keeps the plug running straight. Hot-N-Tot's have a contoured body that swings and shudders and the diving bill contour helps creat action, not just depth control. Silvers like a faster troll and more action in baits, stands to reason the plugs work better on Silvers then Ho-N-Tot's. My guess is jet divers would work just as well on Chinooks, maybe better since you can swicth divers for varried depths.

good post,

hook

[Hookset]

I messed up, sorry. I tried to say the Hot-N-Tot should work better for silvers then usning divers because of the increased action. Silvers like more action when taking bait and lures.

hook

[Drachir]

Great Post Topic!
I have fished for years, using Hot-n-Tots as divers, and have found them to be very good and consistent producers, especially for Steelhead & Silvers. The main reason I like them is the action they impart to your bait offering, and the fact that they give you a good indication as to how well the diver is working due to the wiggle on the rod tip. I do have a tip for you, I have found that the plug will get hit sometimes,and the rod will go down hard, only to come up empty, and a bait that is untouched. I therefore have gone to painting all my Hot-n-Tot divers Black, and leave the bill un-painted. I have had much better luck this way, and catch lots of fish with this set-up. Just my litte tip, take it with a grain of salt,it works for me.

[jawbreaker]

I personally have only used the magnum hot-n-tot. I suppose the smaller size would work well in shallower water but I haven't tried that yet.

[Richter]

Hookset,

You can still get Magnum Hot-n-Tots. Fishermen's Marine Supply and GI Joes (Delta Park) both usually carry them. FMS had lots of them when I was in there on Thursday.

Rich

[Fearsnofish]

I've been looking for the magnum Hot-n-Tots.
Hope there's still some left at FMS. I too heard they quit making them. Thanks for the info Richter.

------------------

[FISHFINDER]

Being a drift-gear fisherman all of my life, I am curious to find out what is being referred to as "bait" when using these methods. Thanks.


FF

[jawbreaker]

fishfinder, The "bait" we were using was some "home-cured" eggs.

[WheresMyBobber]

This is my first post on this great site. Thanks to all who take the time to post their info.

I agree that this is an interesting topic, and is one that my fishing partners and I have discussed many times in the past. For the last few years, we've used Jet Divers instead of Hot & Tots, but we're starting to go back to the Hot & Tots because of the reasons discussed here. We've had too many fishless trips when using divers, when we should have been catching fish but weren't. After switching back to Hot & Tots, we've had fewer of these types of days. I too believe it has to do with the action imparted by the Hot & Tot. Plus, it's easier to tell that your gear is working right when using a Hot & Tot.

Jet Divers certainly have their place in your tackle box, and work great for deeper water, but Hot & Tots are my first choice for the shallower water.

Here's a question: what's the deepest water anybody here fishes with the Magnum Hot & Tots? 15 feet?

Thanks again

------------------
ND

Welcome to Ifish WMB. I have fished the Mag HnT in northern rivers getting a large combo of big egg cluster and Spin N Glo ticking the bottom in up to a max of 14 ft. depths with 25 lb. mono mainline. With thinner line and smaller baits I think you could tick bottome in up to 16 to 17 ft.? In that case you could fish holes up to 20 ft. deep with the Mag version because fish will come up off bottom a ways to check out your offering, particularly with the sound/vibration of th HnT attracting them. I rarely fish deep enough water for steelhead to use other than the standard size HnT though. The Mag is great for colored water 'nook fishing. - RT

[Hammer Bob]

Is the magnum h-n-t you are referring to the 3 &3/4 inch 1/2 oz. size?? Sounds like I need to try this technique out on some Sacramento Late-fall run kings which are running now!!

Hi Bob. How's it going? - Yes, get some for the late running Sac 'nooks. I don't know the weight or lengths but I think it may say Magnum on the package. It is the BIG one. The standard HnT's also work in up to 10' to 12' of water for nooks, especially if you use the thin superbraids for mainline. And of course it's great for steelies. Take care. - Steve

[Roeboat]

I give another vote for Hot n' tots. The magnums dive to 15 feet with 20 pound test. The medium sized plugs don't dive anywhere near as deep making them ideal for many rivers. They are very productive in the normal 6-10 foot range . I paint all of the plug flat black and then put a small square of lure tape on the upper tail. This makes it very easy to see the plug in low light when you are letting it out or checking it. As for bait, the rig I use is sand shrimp/spin n glow and maybe add a small dab of eggs to make a "Cowlitz Cocktail". Send the plug out the same distance as your other plugs. The bait will be downstream another 4-5 feet. That way you won't get tangles and it adds to your "Wall of plugs".