65lb or 80lb braid is most common along with a quality leader of heavier strength for casting . For fall casting- mid sept to ice up is best imo. As for baits, old classics like a suick r easily available and have tricked 1000s of fish along with the many rubber baits now days that are easy to fish . Best luck n hope u get to check this one off Ur bucket list and trust me on this- have some bolt cutters in Ur boat. Sent from my SM-G900V using Lake Ontario United mobile app