before you concentrate on gear,learn the safe use and navegation of your boat,that said I use 12lb trilene xt,loomis mbr941 rod,5500 reels,set drag tight enough to set the hook but loose enough to let line if the fish needs it,set the plugs out 6crosses on a short slot,8crosses in colored water, 10 in clear water, some guys may not agree but if the rowing against the current is tough,move on the fish don't hold there