StandardLeadhead Jig vs. Carolina Rigged Floating Jighead (Which is better?)
You'll probably get a lot of different answers from a lot of different people. Floating jigheads have become very popular and a standard.
Leadhead Jigs
Floating Jigheads
1. The cost is less than floating jigs.
1. Most guys snag fewer fish.
2. They are easy to use.
2. The jig swims with current; a more natural presentation.
3. You don't need a swivel or an eggsinker to fish it.
3. Most guys have fewer snags than lead.
The bottom line is fish with what you are most comfortable and confident with. A Carolina Rigged Floater takes some time to get used to. It has a much different feel than lead. Whichever you prefer, bring a surplus.
The Cast Before casting, make sure that you are not going to snag other anglers. Aim towards 10-11 o'clock to the middle or the edge of the current break in the hole you are fishing. DO NOT cast up stream or down stream. If you do this, you are going to snag other lines. Let the weight hit bottom and then lift your rod until you feel the weight ticking the bottom. Follow the line downstream with your rod upward being aware of hesitation or slack in the line and then set. There is no need to reel in your line during the drift as you would do with a crank bait or spinner. Let the current do the work. In windy conditions you may have to adapt and hold your rod down towards the water and increase weight.
The Set Set on anything that might be remotely close to a hit. Since your rod is up at this point, snap the rod back quickly until it is straight up in the air. You will know right away if it's a fish.
The Play Playing and landing a walleye, or other species can be quite challenging in current. Keep pressure on the fish at all times. Any sudden slack in the line could allow the jig to slip out. When the fish gets near, use your net or grab it.
The Retrieve Don't let your line drift too far downstream. A good drift ends at or near 2 or 3 o'clock depending on your position in the hole. Often times anglers will let their lines drift until they are hooking waders down stream. Reel up line quickly at the end of a drift to stay out of other lines.
The Snag Snags are just part of the run. There are a few ways to deal with snags. If you keep getting snagged in the same spot repeatedly, move to the right or left a few steps. This often is the easiest way. Another way is to cast over or before the area that harbors the snag. Also try to let out slack line and let it ride the current until it becomes taunt and there is a bow in the line towards the jig, then sharply rip your rod back towards you keeping your rod level with the water.
This flash file illustrates 3 fisherman fishing together successfully.
This flash file illustrates 3 fisherman fishing together unsuccessfully.
Lead Head Jigs If you plan to use the standard lead head jig and tail combo, bring several different sizes of jig heads. For most conditions, 1/2 to 3/8 oz. is sufficient, but there are times when more or less is necessary. It's also possible to put a few spit-shot 1 foot above the jig to give a little added weight, but this increases hang ups.
Carolina Rig Weight Selection Weight selection is very important. You want to feel the bottom at all times. Experiment with different size egg sinkers until you are ticking the bottom and your line is moving with the current. Have a selection of 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. egg sinkers. A true Carolina rig is rigged correctly when the weight is free sliding. The best all around size floating jig is #2 with a 3" grub tail.
Line Selection A heavier monofiliment line is a better choice for this type of fishing for a number of reasons. Light line just doesn't hold up well to the wear and tear of the jagged bottom. Light line also breaks down in some cases when a fish is hooked down river, and you have to "horse" it back upstream. It's a tremendous amount of water pressure and the drag of the fish. Heavy lines act like parachutes that keep your line moving and off the bottom. A light line acts like a knife cutting right through the water, sending your jig straight to the bottom and into the rocks (see diagram). How about Super Lines? When they break off into a snag, the excess broken line gets caught up and forms horrific snags. It's nearly impossible to break out of. Alot of people like it and use it.
Rod Selection Your cheap K-Mart Rod Riot rod, just won't hold up to the vigors of walleye river run fishing. It might last a while, but chances are that the stress put on your rod will ultimately crush it. Try to get a decent medium action graphite spinning rod with a length of 6-7 feet.
Reel Selection Choose a spinning reel with a quality drag and larger extended spool for long casts and extra line capacity. Find one that is well balanced with your rod. A spare spool is handy when you loose line from break-offs. Having to leave your spot and walk back to the car is a nightmare and chances are your spot won't be there when you get back.
Wader Selection Waders are your savior in a near frozen river. Get a cheap pair and get cold, really cold. 3-5 mm neoprene boot foot waders are the best. Make sure you are cinched at the waste, just in case you should fall in. Take it from me, if you fall in the water is really, really cold.
Misc. Equipment A Camera, just in case you catch a monster "?". A net is optional, I don't use one. They tend to get in the way of other fisherman. Pliers for misc. tasks. If you think you need something, just bring it. Here's a tip from Bob Long, Jr. An item regarding tackle: a wading staff and cleats for the bottom of the wading boots will increase your enjoyment and effectiveness many times over.
