Sumlures Cotocas

Sumlures’ Cotocas is a floating minnow designed primarily for surface presentations, based on the balsawood “minnow-pop” created by Sam Yamaoka in 1988. It measures 70 mm in length, weighs 6.0 g, and is equipped with #8 hooks. Its rear-weighted body shape and distinctive floating posture give it greater castability than its size would suggest. Featuring a fixed-weight, silent design and a head that firmly catches water, it can produce a flat-flank action over a short travel distance, as well as a diving motion with bubbles clinging to the head.

The basic techniques are a straight retrieve and small, continuous surface actions. In calm or windless conditions, a light, subtle head-bobbing retrieve that mimics a struggling insect is effective. In choppy conditions, it can also be made to dive more aggressively and work through the bubbles. With line tension maintained during twitches, it can be worked through the approximately 40 cm layer below the surface over a short travel distance, while a standard retrieve makes it swim approximately 30 cm below the surface. Because its splashdown is relatively soft, it can also be effective to wait a few seconds after landing—or until the ripples disappear—before beginning the retrieve. An ultralight to light-action rod, 8–14 lb line, and a snap connection are recommended. For a stable surface retrieve that creates a consistent wake, direct connection to the line is also intended.