I think my jig sinks too fast and feels like it’s just plowing up the bottom of the lake. What am I am doing wrong?

There could be many reasons for this problem. The first one might be how you are handling the line. If you are jigging for walleye using the rip jigging movement, you have to know the depth of the water so you can use a sharp jerk and release, but you need to make another jerk before the jig hits the bottom. Of course, rip jigging is usually use when you are trolling at a slow pace or even when you are drifting. You need to keep a steady jerk in and release to keep from hitting the bottom.

Another thing you could be doing wrong is using the wrong weight. If you feel you have a plummeting bait, try using one that has a little less weight. You may need to make adjustments for different water currents. If the current is strong, you need something heavier, while the water that is calm with no under current might just need a little weight jig. You never want to hit bottom when fishing for walleye, because they are not bottom scavengers, they strike by inhaling the water and food around them, which means, stay about six or more inches off the bottom. Shorten your line for the depth.

If you keep these few things in mind, you should be able to fish for the walleye and not hit the bottom. You want a gradual sink, rather than a quick drop. Walleye need time to see the bait and watch for a second before striking.