bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Personally I would spool with 30 lb. Braid. I like Sufix 832 neon lime that I order. It is so much easier to deal with, thinner than your mono and easy to see strikes you can not feel. Tie in a 10# 2 foot floro leader with uni to uni knot. Tie your hook directly to the leader. That will save you respooling from a lot of snags. Note: Different line and knot arguments will come with every mention of line and knots. What I have mentioned is what I go with. There are numerous reasons and compromises based on use. Example, my old eyes see neon and braid better, I don't like line twist or memory, I use some of my rigs in saltwater as well, I have tested 20#and 30# and find no difference in them so why not add the extra strength for frogging and bottom fishing. Go with what you have confidence in.
As for a rod, Fiberglass is OK. It was all that was available back in the day. That being said, there are great sales on newer materials as well as a reduced number of glass rods produced. If you are not a tournament pro, find a rod that is comfortable in your hand with reel mounted. If you are going to just one rod, I would go with a 7' or 7'6" medium with fast action. Be sure to test the rod and make sure the eyes follow the spline of the rod. Even the better rods are getting bad about where they put their eyes. Note: I never order rods because you can not feel how comfortable the handle is, where the eyes are and what the manufacture considers light action. 2500 reel is a good all around choice. Good luck.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Don't forget your trout rod. Tie a 3/16 oz. jig with 3" keitech swing impact on the end and and a 1/16 oz. jig in line about 18 inches up the line. Use a fry imitation on the small jig. Fish the rig slow on the bottom pausing and lifting. Many strikes will come on the pause or original fall. You will pick up some perch and crappie on the small jig, often giants, but if the food is there for the pan fish so are the bass. There are times the bass will prefer the fry jig.

Cybersnow Loc: McCall, Idaho

Bapabear…thanks for all the great advice, it looks like a trip to the little tackle-shop is in order and then maybe a full day round trip to cabelas. Right now dealing with 3 feet of snow and -5 degree weather.