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Few anglers would argue that a jig presentation is one of the most effective walleye fishing tactics there is, whether pitched, vertically jigged, or even slow trolled. Walleye jigs in general are thought of as pretty simple lures, both in
design and function, but never let it be said that walleye anglers are ever satisfied with the status quo.
As a fraternity, we’re notorious for taking a good presentation and tweaking it into a better one. That’s one of the things that makes fishing such a great sport. There’s always a better way to “doll up” a lure to help trigger more fish.
When it comes to head designs, jigs run the gamut from the basic “ball” style to shapes that mimic baitfish.  Some shapes are made to work better in current, others are better suited to slither through weeds.
The ‘ole stand-by ball-headed jig is as versatile and deadly as they
come, however, particular scenarios call for a change. 

Northland Standup Fireball Jig

Northland  Lip Stick Jig

If, for instance, you find you’re getting bites, buthaving a tough time hooking-up on fish, “stand-up” style jigs like Northland's Lip Stick Jig and Standup Fireball Jig are handy to have in your tackle box

LONG SHANK JIGS
Long shank jigs are best suited to vertical presentations. When you’re fishing a jig directly below the boat, and a fish bites, a long-shank hook will increase your odds of hooking that fish because of the “cam-action” imparted on hook-set. Walleye anglers, savvy to the vertical jigging game, are quick to set
the hook as soon as they feel ANYTHING resembling a bite.The longer shanked jig gives fishermen more hook to contact the fish’s mouth where a short shank hook might be pulled away from the walleye more easily. This is also true when Jig Trolling, because you still keep the jig fairly vertical ... at about a 45º angle from the rod tip.

SHORT SHANK JIGS

Northland Fire-Ball. Jig

On the other hand, horizontal tactics, like pitching jigs to shallow cover, means you’re pulling the jig as you retrieve it, and since shallow walleyes are typically aggressive, a compact, short-shank, wide gaped jig like the Fire-Ball., is more apt to be sucked in and make contact.

DRESSINGS
Jigs are almost never fished without some sort of “dressing”, be it livebait, plastic, or a combination of the two.In years past, it was thought that livebait like minnows, leeches and crawlers were the only way to adorn a jig to get a walleye to bite. However, with technology being what it is today, “new-age” plastics imbedded with taste and scent enhancers, are tempting more and more
walleyes every season.  Not all plastic baits are going to work the same. A plastic body made to attract bass will not be the best choice if you’re after ole’ marble eyes.
The key to getting the most from plastics, is to use those especially formulated for walleyes. Berkley Power Baits offer a line of walleye formulated plastics that not only mimic the real thing in smell and taste (to a walleye anyway), but are made very soft and flexible, so their action closely imitates that of live bait.

Berkley Power Jig worm

Berkley Power Minnow

For several seasons we have talked about the triggering capabilities of Berkley's Power Jig worm on the back of a jig. The new Power Minnows are another great jig dressing that are a “must have” addition to your walleye tackle box this season.

“Add on” attractors are quickly gaining popularity among walleye anglers looking to enhance their jig fishing presentations. These would include such items as Northland Tackle’s well known Buck Shot Rattle Rings. The addition of sound to a jig can be especially helpful in deep, or off-colored water

Northland  Buck Shot Rattle Rings

Northland  Buckshot Rattle Spin

The Buckshot Rattle Spin combines a rattle chamber with a spinner blade, to add not only sound, but also flash and vibration to a jig. Like the Buck-Shot Rattle Ring, the Rattle Spins slide over the jig’s collar and sits below the hook

Northland  Thumper Spin

Northland  Thumper Tail Spin

Northland also offers spinner only “add ons” with the Thumper Spin and Thumper Tail Spin..

Northland Fire Light Glow Sticks

One more “add on” that you really need to check out is Northland’s new Fire Light Glow Sticks. In dark water, down deep, or at night, these little beauties could mean all the difference between a walleye seeing your bait, or you going home empty handed. Glow Sticks are specially formulated with the chemical Kailume, and literally glow “like a stick of fire” for up to eight hours, attracting fish and triggering bites.

Put the right jigging presentation together and jig fishing really doesn
’t get any more simple ... Simply fun that is!