Hot-N-Tots

[Bruce]

Has anyone experienced a Hot-N-Tot that won't dive? My friend and I both recently had difficulty getting some of our Hot-N-Tots to dive; they just planed out on the top as we trolled. We tried bending the diving lip, to no avail. It wasn't particularly choppy either, which sometimes seems to cause this. Any suggestions?

[Chris]

I've used hot-n-tots my whole life and never have had a problem with them not going under, but first off you shouldn't ever have to bend the diving lip, to fine tune adjust it simply bend the 1/2 inch snap left or right depending on the direction the lure is running. some time I've had to almost made a C with it to run correctly, once the lure is set, it should run staight down and ever once in awhile kick out to the left or right, that is what triggers the stikes.

[Tom (Mich)]

Bruce, I've trolled a bazillion hot n tots in my day and I've never had one that didn't dive. Sometimes they track to the right or left, but they always dove. Maybe you have a bad one, but since you used the word "they" I assume you meant plural. Sorry I couldn't help.

[Smitty]

I have only seen this 1 time, and the problem then was that there was a small hole in the lure (probably a pike tooth hole) and it did the same thing you are talking about. Covered the hole with a little nail polish and it worked great again.

Long shot, but worth a try.

[John [Ohio]]

Bruce,it is very frustrating when a new hot tot planes on its back. I either bend the lip down, or add a splitshot about 12" from the lure. I hope this helps.

[Eyemadman]

You either have a defective one or there is a hole in it ( same thing ). As per the previous posts I agree 100% with them the only tuning you have to do is with the clip and not the lip. To achieve this place the lure in the water whichever way it is running, either left or right SLIGHTY bend the clip the opposite way, do this until the lure is running " true ".

[Neal/CO]

I just resently purchased a half dozen Hot-n-Tots. I am new to these lures. Can anyone tell me how deep the 1/4 oz size will dive with 100 feet of line out? Thanx in advance.

[Czar]

How fast are you trolling your tots? They have a tendency to do that when trolled to fast.

[vetspet(ind)]

happens to me allthe time...i fish lake michigan and have all kinds of hotntots....i think it happens when i go too fast....i put an in line sinker and they do much better....all three sizes do it on me...never figured out why except when i seem to go too fast...steve

[SUPERTROLLER]

Neal, without my PRECISION TROLLING book of dive curves handy ( I'm at work ); I believe it to be 14 ft. A liittle deeper if you're running fireline. We have used these lures extensively over the past 5 yrs. and they are our #1 producer of big fish. We use them mostly in a muddy lake but have had good success with them on clear lakes when on vacation. Don't give up on them -- they'll come through for you. (2.0 to 3.0 mph)

[Eyemadman]

Neal/ Co you have just purchased a lure that someday they probably will discontinue or ban because it is so deadly on all game fish! There are times in the year they will not touch it but there are others they will jump in the boat to getem! The 1/4 oz model with 100 feet of line out will go to 12ft, the deepest you can get this lure with no weight would be 15-16ft. If I can get away from the office for the western get to gether Ill bring out some " hot colors " to try. good fishin.

[Neal/CO]

I am really looking forward to the Get-together. I am hoping lots of anglers from all over the country can make it. It will be a great opportunity to meet and pick the brains of alot of good anglers. I am a trout and Pike fisherman, who has just got serious about becoming a better Walleye fisherman in the last 5 years. I still have alot to learn.

[B2]

Hey folks I just dicovered H & T last year.
What are your favorite colors?
I am going up to Lake o' Woods on the 20th of July
for a trip. Any recommendations?
How about Lake Vermilion in MN?

Thanx

B2

[Bruce]

Neil,
I'm also from the front range, and several weeks ago when NeeNoshe was hot, Hot-N-Tots were what they were hitting on; in fact, that was where we had the difficulty with them diving. I've caught walleyes on Hot-N-Tots from CO to Ontario; it's an excellent crankbait. I usually let out approx 75' to 100' of line trolling with firewire, and find it will usually dive between 12-15', depending on speed. Another good one is Wally Divers; I've caught everything from crappie to walleye on them. In fact, those two, plus Shap Raps are ALWAYS my crankbait of choice.

Good luck,
Bruce
Aurora