Big Woody:

Have "float fished" summer runs for 8+ yrs., didn't know what I was doing in the beginning. Fished large jigs, black, reds, orange, and many other colors......but you know..I still caught fish. Used level wind reels then, 9' winter run rods....all that has changed....NOW USE..10-10 1/2 4-10 lbs. Rods.....Shimano 200 Spirex or Symetre reels, 10 or 12 pound line, limp(soft). Do not "pinch" any lead on my leaders, use slinkies, that I make....1, 2, or 3 BB size shot, punch holes in both ends of the "cord", thread leader, thur 1 hole, around the slinky body, then thur the other hole.....love this, cause I can then slide the slinky,up or down the leader. Works very well and have gotten many others to change. Would tell you the colors I now catch most of my summer or winter runs on...but then I'd have to kill you........They sure wouldn't be in black, purple, pink/white, reds...hehehe!!!
Also recommend that you do a search on jig fishing, cause this has been talked about "lot's"

Good luck!!!! Jig do work.....super!!!!

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"