· When using minnows as bait, select a short shank jig like the Hotwire Jig by Stopper lures. A short shank jig allows better control of the bait and the Hotwire includes a wire "barb" for holding plastic tails on the jig.

· When fishing with live minnows, using a stinger hook will increase your hookups. Avoid stiff wire stingers. Use a long, light mono stinger with a #8 or 10 treble hook. The longer stinger allows you to hook the treble near the minnows tail and leave a loop of slack line. This slack allows the minnow to swim more naturally.

· When fishing plastics such as Berkley Power Minnows, choose a long shank jig with a spear shaped head such as the Stopper Lures Stick’r Jig. This head design cuts the current better and the long shank hook insures more hookups.

· Anytime you are vertically jigging, use a jighead with the line tie on top of the head. This design hangs horizontal and decreases snagging. Use a jig with the line tie on the nose if casting or dragging a jig.

· Vary your jigging motion. Sometimes the fish like an aggressive "pop", sometimes a slow lift-drop works best. If the fish are sluggish, lift your jig about 3-4 inches off the bottom and leave it there, returning to quickly find the bottom every 10 seconds.

· When spring runoff or a storm muddies the water switch to a heavy jig with a rattle or a propeller. Tip the jig with a large, bulky plastic body and a minnow. This large, noisy profile is easier for the fish to find and hit.

· Experiment with minnow type and size. Always carry a variety and let the walleye tell you which one they prefer. Some days only one type and/or size of minnow will produce fish. Also be sure to carry and try crawlers and leeches.

· Without a doubt spinning gear is the best for river jigging. Spinning tackle handles light line better and is much more comfortable to jig with all day.

· Your river jigging rod should be the best rod you own. A 1 piece medium or medium/heavy action, high quality graphite rod with a fast tip around 6’ is a great choice. I prefer the Fenwick Techna AV #AVS60MHF or the Berkley Series One SOS601MH.

· Match your rod with a high quality spinning reel. Make sure the reel has instant anti-reverse for sure hook sets. Choose a smaller size, but avoid ultra light reels since they don’t have enough line capacity to keep your line from becoming kinked. My favorite is the Abu-Garcia Cardinal 702 featuring a Center Drag for better control

· Choosing the right line will make vertical jigging much more successful and enjoyable. Berkley Fireline in 6 lb or 8 lb test is my personal favorite. I prefer the Glow Green color so I can watch my line 3-6" under the water to keep my jig perfectly vertical. If you prefer monofilament, choose a low stretch, thin mono like Berkley Sensation in 6 or 8 lb test.