American made rods are more consistent in casting qualities , I would attempt to cast several if possible then you can make a suitable choice .
If you cannot cast , then take lessons , once you have the basic idea your choice becomes much easier and you’ll get what suits you best , not what someone tells you to buy.

FAT BOTTOM GIRL !

Before I would ever buy a outfit from Walmart I would look for a decent used outfit with a quality reel which is key in these outfits !
Plenty around !

If your legs are getting cold layer up with long johns , if your feet are cold then add felt insoles and wear good quality wool socks ! There are foot warmers available that activate when unpacked sans insoles !
Cheap boots for cold water use should always be oversized so you can add insulated clothing !
If you continue to fish in cold waters neoprenes are the answer !

Any bootfoot used in cold water must be well insulated not cheap uninsulated !
I personally have used 4 layer breathables however buy oversized shoes to allow to put an extra pair of insoles this will mitigate cold . seeping in !
I found that good quality stocking foots with added boot insulation perfectly fine in. Old waters ! However the one caveat being if your walking a lot or standing !
Standing for long periods in cold water bootfoots my choice hands down !

7’ on up UL power , mf taper , use 4/5 .# mono limp type like Sunline or Ex T
You will cast easily with light lures !

Maui Jim if you want a good pair ! U send prescription they will match ! $$$$ not cheap , best lenses I’ve seen !

The mouth is pure white , not black at all !

It’s not a salmon ! It was identified as Bfown trout by fisheries agent !

Very simple using lures primarily that cover the water thoroughly where they live .
95% of big trout where I fish hard pressed waters are taken in heavy riffs & pocket water where they feel comfortable and most fish over them !
This alone allows me to catch larger fish even though others fish those water often ,
Proper. Obeying of this water is key as is higher water times , this really gives me an edge !

My primary use was offshore for color coded line separation sans lure identification !
Others use it for surfcasting etc !
I don’t like it for shallow water presentations even on float set ups unless u can utilize a long leader !
That line can be very visible in clear shallow waters.
I don’t like braid for freshwater use in most cases however deep jigging is one I do can give u heads up on drop hit.

Taken my charter boat 23.75,# ! Hit stick bait in 10’ of water on Lk O !! Years back !
The way she attacked the plug thought it was a huge spring king !

Couple more photos !

About 6 seasons ago I set a goal for myself to catch 50 trout over 5#’s from public waters in NJ and eastern PA where I live !
Too date I’ve taken 46 in 6 seasons , so hopefully I’ll get that magic 50 this coming season ! This # 47 has been delayed by family commitments that cost me valuable stream time !
Anyhow I’ve only killed 6 overall that were badly hooked and could not release !
Here’s couple photos of those

My home state PA !

They do not respond to lures as most big bows do , they must be teased into strikes at times !
They fight very well once hooked up ! We are lucky here in PA to have a decent supply of them !