It's a bottom rig. End in vise gets weight and above the cork goes your hook. The weight takes your rig to the bottom while the float keeps your bait off the bottom floor.

Yes they work but are very expensive. Especially for the return you catch. No special advantages here.

Definitely use a carbon graphite rod at least 10', 11 ' or 12' med/heavy.
13+15' rods take some
mastering.
You can cast all day.
Feather light with great sensitivity and all the strength. Glass rods are heavy and considered dead technology.

Glad to hear it. I just bought 2 bait runner series spinner ceymar cbf-65 (6.5) + a small cbc- 3000 (3). These are good for salt and fresh water. Zero back stop travel distance as well. Silk smooth winding. Also bought their faster her for crank baits.
If you want a lighter rod go carbon. Stay away from fiber glass. FIBLANK makes great rods at a great price. It looks and performs like a high dollar rod. If you have the room to cast go at least 10ft-13ft rod. You would not be disappointed.
I personally use an 12ft. Most all the time to cover most bigger fish with confidence.
I use an Alvey rod and reel for really long cast out to 140 yards. Ceymar 6500 for long cast and a 5000 size for quick casting close.
When I find where the fish are I am covered and adjust accordingly.
Good luck and tight lines.

Okuma is a gear making company.
Shimano, Shywinn and others. You get top performance that is in the affordable price range and half the weight of other top reels. They seem like a piece of art to a picky machinist. They offer great warranty. I have only known of one reel going back for repair, and it was operator induced problem. They didn't just fix and repair but gave him a brand new reel!!
I have many reals and still go back and use Okuma.