Try to use the lightest jig that stays close to vertical and on the bottom. This allows you to slowly and steadily yo-yo the jig up and down. An occasional pause followed by reeling twenty feet and then free-spooling to the bottom draws strikes when nothing else will. Often times, when my arms have grown tired, I lower my B2 Squids and Crippled Herring to the bottom, reel up 10 feet and put the rod in the rod holder with a safe, but loose drag. The simple action or drift of the boat will trigger strikes from enough salmon to cause you to temporarily forget about big B.C. butts until one bites your line.
Color depends on the angler and the fish.
Choose a color, fish with it and see if the fish respond. If not, change colors. A longer rod only increases the fish s leverage, which undoubtedly will gouge your mid-section unnecessarily and cause you to strain your back. It s better to have a rod that s too short than too long. A fighting belt and lower back support belt will ensure you have a more comfortable fight.