Growden1,
I will chime in with a little help... I don't know if your fishing for larger char or smaller? It does make a difference in which fish your targeting for sure.
Smaller fish (below 6 lbs. on average), I have had some good success with FRESH bait. Not pre cooked shrimp, or 12 month old herring, etc... There is a big difference when you use something they really find attractive and stinky bait your cat wouldn't eat. The other thing is to use a smaller diameter line. 2-4 lb. test is the norm, anything above this is rope and fish will shy away from rope. If you use a camera and the fish are shy, try pointing it down and not on the level of the strike zone. Experiment with the jigging styles either fast or slow, since most fish will be tentative this time of year slow gets it done most often... You said you were using split shot? Don't! Go with a weighted jig and stay away from leaders, snaps etc. If you need more weight use a heavier jig perferably a slim-er jig that will cut water better. Forager minnow style jig will get you deeper without the resistance and they'll let you free fall your jig naturally. Tie directly to your jig and keep them neutral in color unless it's low light outside then try glow style jigs. Fresh bait, light line, no camera in their face, jigging speed, direct tie your jig etc... THink Walleye! (if you've ever fished them.)
Bigger fish Anything over 6 lbs. I'd stick with the lighter line 6 - 8 in fluorocarbon. Direct tie your lures, (styles are all varying on every lake up in Fairbanks.) and WATCH YOUR GRAPH!!!! Larger lures that imitate larger ciscos and whitefish. Winter fishing is a challenge for those monster char out of Harding... I can tell you that it's very close to laker fishing and that's about it, (I fish them more in the summer via boat outta there.)
I hope this helps? Let us know how you do!
Barleydog
