Floating jig head for walleye question

[Paddywacker]

I am new to walleye fishing in rivers. I have rigged a floating jig head on a 18" leader behing a 1/2 sinker, similar to carolina rig that I am very familiar with, and my question is, what is a good bait to put on jig head? Night crawler? Minnow? Is the leader length too short or long? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[rooster]

that would depend on the bottom structure. large rocks would need a longer leader. you would normally tip floating jig heads with leeches, but a half night crawler works good also. On the cumberland river below the dam you have a lot of trout that like the crawler. If it is spawning time for sauger,(now) a crappie minnow is a pretty good bet. dave

[Paddywacker]

that would depend on the bottom structure. large rocks would need a longer leader. you would normally tip floating jig heads with leeches, but a half night crawler works good also. On the cumberland river below the dam you have a lot of trout that like the crawler. If it is spawning time for sauger,(now) a crappie minnow is a pretty good bet. dave

Thanks, I decided to try the floating jig head because the twister tail grubs I have been throwing are burying in weed beds, thought the floating jig head might work. I'll try both the half crawler and minnow this weekend. Thanks again.

[rooster]

let us know how they work and how you do.

[Paddywacker]

Most definitely. I would love to post a photo of a 10 lb.'er! I'm not getting my hopes up, but looking forward to trying the live bait on the jig, know a few pools where walleyes have been caught this time of year.

[coombro]

Thanks, I decided to try the floating jig head because the twister tail grubs I have been throwing are burying in weed beds, thought the floating jig head might work. I'll try both the half crawler and minnow this weekend. Thanks again.

I use just a chunk of night crawler. I feel to much meat might throw off action of my jig. In my opinion a pinch is all it takes.

[Paddywacker]

I tried it all morning , had one bite, used half a crawler. Will try just a pinch next time. Do you guys use a twister tail too, or just live bait only on the floating jig head? I let it sit in the current for up to a minute before sliding the rig a foot or two along the bottom, when I felt rocks or wood, I'd leave it longer, shaking the rod tip a little more trying to get a strike. The only bite I had was when it was sitting still and it was a light tug.