Sounds like me back then, except I used a rowboat and fished for trout in Montana. I still use the rowboat when in Montana, and there are no electronics. Other guys have ALL of the latest stuff, including downriggers and cameras focused on the baits. The technical equipment does everything but pry open the fish's jaws and insert the hook. I still catch a limit and release a lot of trout.
Crappie, on the other hand, are a LOT easier to get when you have good electronics. My son has good electronics, and they have really helped his catch rate.