We were using primarly purple jigs with berkley gulp 3" emerald shiner. I use my bass fishing gear which includes 7ft medium St. Croix and 10lb test florocarbon. The biggest keys we found last year is to stay away from the packs of boats and always keep tension on your line. Anything out of the norm and set the hook. Last year was my first year of getting the Lake Erie "itch" and we hit it for a month straight around Easter. Also if your not getting bit don't be scared to move. Can't wait till March!!!!