Hello
Wanted to give my two cents.
When I started fishing lake erie-west end- there were only two baits the erie derie and wiggle warts being used.now you can get so many conflicting views on gear it can be confusing,like most people you will develop your own way of fishing and baits and colors also.Right now I am a hardcore reef runner fan,I have done so well on reef runners i really dont use allot of other baits,I also have done well with rapala deep tail dancers especially the the purpulecent color,color dose matter and it changes time to time.I remember going out with a box full of colors and catching 16 walleyes and 14 coming on one color ,I guess just be open minded try different depths and colors until you repetiviely catch fish,I dont change for one fish,but if i get two on the same set up I do start changing and if that continues i change a few more,I always keep one near bottom and another up high.I quit using crawlers only because i caught more trash fish than with lures and i got tired of dealing with them.I have never used spoons but i can tell you i have seen charters running all spoons and running fast I would guess at least 3-4 mph and just having fish on continuosly,so i certainly wouldnt rule them out.I am from Michigan and I have started fishing the reef area around port Clinton and the bass Islands area,also the Huron area in late fall right up to fridgid weather and done well,as far as numbers I do Believe Ohio waters is best,plenty in Michigan but if you want consistency and numbers I think Ohio.I have a 21 ft boat sleep on it and have stayed over night at sister Island many times,I love the protection of an island ,at least one side will be protected,might have to move at night but you will be safe.I personally believe Lake Erie to probably be the best Walleye fishing in the world and if you do anything nearly right you will catch some walleye.planers boards and clip weights are something you really need,the further you get from the boat the better you do.I use walleye boards the inline ones and love them,the clip weights will put you at any depth you choose-clip right on the line.
Tom