Hello!

I am trying to fish in a new lake that I really like, but I don't have a right gear. People mainly fish for Stripper Bass there and they do real good (Strippers were approximately 12-17 in long, not sure for the weights). Not me though, so I am ready to spend!

From my observations I do everything the same way they do it. Most just rig a drop-shot with a night crawler. The only difference between them and myself is that they cast twice further then I do. I end up riping my line because my weight is stuck and the shoreline has lots of rocks. In order to avoid rocks I have to cast further and that's where the fish is... At least that is from my observation.

From what I previously learned (I am still kind off new to fishing) - in order to make long casts I need several thing:
- Long rod (the longer the better)
- Try using a lighter line
- Weighty weight
- Spinning reel (as far as I know they cast further and I just like them more)

I've been browsing the web for a right set up and I came up with this:

I don't want a surf rod. So I just chose a regular rod, accept long in lenght:
$170 St. Croix Wild River™ Salmon/Steelhead Spinning (WS106MLMF2: 10'6" long, 2 piece, Medium Light power, 6-12 line, 1/8-1/2 lure. I think it was medium, or fast-medium action)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0019672118069a&navCount=0&podId=0019672&parentId=cat20374&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20168-cat20374&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20374&hasJS=true

Now for the reel I have a problem:
$45 Okuma Ignite Spinning Reel iT-55 (340/12 capacity, 4.5:1 gear ratio, 18-lbs max drag, 14.6 oz weight)
http://www.histackleboxshop.com/Okuma-Reel-Ignite-Reel-iT-55-p/okuma-it-55.htm
$45 Okuma Ignite Spinning Reel iT-65 (430/12 capacity, 4.8:1 gear ratio, 22-lbs max drag, 21.6 oz weight)
http://www.histackleboxshop.com/Okuma-Reel-Ignite-Reel-iT-65-p/okuma-it-65.htm
I was trying to get as as much capacity as I could find. The only problem is about the capacity. The iT-65 casts has a greater capacity, but I can't tell if it is going to be too big and weighty for the rod. As far as I know it should be balanced. I'd personally be happy with iT-55 if I won't be able to cast further that my rod will allow me too. I just never had experience with long casts and long rods. I am more of a river ultra-light rod and rooster tails fisherman)

I think 12 pounds would be just fine:
$9 Berkley Trilene Big Game Fishing Line (12 pounds)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0011464110633a&navCount=7&podId=0011464&parentId=cat600392&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20180-cat600392&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600392&hasJS=true

I was also thinking about these hooks. Never used this type, but I thought that since they don't need a three way connector it will be pretty good. I'll tie it directly to the line, with a weight on the bottom and cast it. I hope this will result in less twisting all over the place. Hope bass won't be frightened by the hook, since it is impossible to hook a worm with out a part of a hook sticking out):
$3 Blakemore StandOut Dropshot Bass Hook (size 4)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20176-cat20291&id=0030219

Here I would need some help as well:
$12 Lindy No-Snagg Sinkers (There are somewhat expensive for a singer, but I'll get a couple a try. I was gonna get 1oz, but my rod says it is 1/2 oz limit. Do you think it is a bad idea to get 1oz due to that fact?)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_321270&id=0019555118170a

So.... Just tell me three things!
1) Do you think the rod will suite my needs?
2) Which reel should I go with and will it suite me needs?
3) Do you think 12 pound line will suite my needs?
4) Do you think these hooks are going to perform well?
5) What weight should I go with for the sinkers?

Thanks for all of your guys help in advance!
Ervand