It all depends to what you mean by downsizing? If you mean using quick strike rigs, dead bait,Xlarge shiners/suckers/smelt,wire leaders - no. All you need is 20-25lb leaders(check for fraying after each pickerel),#1/#2 hook(personal preference-gold or red),**#2 spinner(gold/red) with a couple of beads 8-10in above your hook,a med to large shiner(21/2 - 4/5in) and just enough split-shot on your leader to get your shiner down and still able to swim around.Find a edge of a weed bed or fish right in it.