RE: great lakes
A good depth finder with speed and temp,Down riggers,planer boards,6-8 rods,many of the guys use a temp guage on the down rigger ball.
Lures,spoons,J-plugs,cut bait rigs, fly,squid. You'll need dodgers,for your cut bait rigs.
I'd go on a couple carters first suck some knowledge off the guides.
Don't forget your ship to shore radio.
Dipsey divers.