I personally don't ever put something that is buoyant below my slip weight while float fishing because under slow water conditions it can actually make the hook float straight up against the line....not good.

When the water is real cold they will still take a jig without any problem. One thing you might try tho is downsizing some, go to a 1/8th ounce size jig or even smaller. Or as you mentioned go with straight eggs, worm, or shrimp....always hard to beat these.

RM