canal lure fishing

Hi all, Ive just started trying a bit of canal lure fishing with my lad and I have to say I though we would have plenty of perch action on small lures with the odd jack pike/ zander but not a nibble. We are using small jigs just a few CM long. We have tried Hanbury, Tibberton with no real joy. Any tips on lures, retrieves or is there just not many perch and pike in the canal these days? the canal had next to no visibility in the water, is that normal?

Thanks,