Kooker

Thanks to everyone, cant wait to get started

I am new to lake fishing, and would like a kick start. Every year at this time I start to see boats fishing little traverse bay at the mouth of the bear river. We bought a pleasure boat this year and would like to give it a try. Salmon? Equipment wise, what size and type rod and reel? Can I fish them without down riggers? If so what kind of bait? Thanks in advance