cool man, good luck with your new pursuits :) If I could recommend one more piece of reading it would be this one:

http://www.calfishing.com/freshwater/writing_your_own_book.html

When you're starting out in something new, it's always good to poll the experts, read up on the subject, and gather information. But over time it's also important to build your own concept of what the "right" ways to do things are. My advice on swimbait rods will get you off on a good start but subtle differences in the way you fish or the places you fish may mean that my strategies are not the perfect ones. In other words, don't be afraid to take risks, try new things, and tweak proven theories. I look forward to seeing your first big striper or bass. I hear the stripers are going nicely at Castaic :)