Newbie to the forum and Erie

[Tree Frawg]

Hello all!

Looking to start fishing the west side of Erie for the first time next weekend andcould use some advice since I really only fish Walleye in Michigan lakes 10-12ft (I am in Ohio). So I have questions about my rigs, boat and fishing style when it comes to fishing Walley in Erie.

My rigs are 6.6-7 ft medium or medium light rods with size 30 spinning reels spooled with 8lb braid or fluorocarbon.
-Are these going to be too light?

Fishing style is trolling (preferred) using some sort of number 7 or 8 Rapala such as an xRap, ShadRap etc. If that isn't producing then using floating jigs off the bottom with leaches straight down and slip bobbers. I do have planer board setup but have never learned how to use them.
-Are the crankbaits to small?
-Will leaches work?
-How deep to need to expect to fish?


Boat is a Lund Tyee 5.3 (17.5) deep V. 90 main and 10 kicker. Great boat and have only had concern about being in the water once at Lake ST Clair watching the waves crash break walls shooting in the air 10-15 ft.
-Should I have any concerns in Erie? I know that 20 mph winds are going to make some fairly bigwater but like I said I’ve never fished Erie so don’t know what to expect for sure.

Since Im going in bigger water and it appears a few to several miles out I am going to get a handheld marine radio.
-Any recommendations on a reliable one that wont break the bank?

Thanks