Luke, Sure you can use a shot above the jig. I happen to like it about 8' up because it is easier to avoid wind knots on the long casts with the power pro line I use.
With a kayak you can alter the method a lot. I have put the shot as high as 4' with my 8 1/2 rod. to get that slow fall of the jig and still have the use of the float. The kayak as my float tube allow for that "up colse" fishing. Mike