i agree with everything the previous two said except i hate the trokar bait keepers. that sharp hook is obviously good but the bait keeper doesnt do a great job of keeping your plastic in place. i like the gambler punching hooks, welded eye, straight shank and a simple baitkeeper that keeps your plastic in place. also, believe it or not, the sensitivity of the rod you choose is somewhat important. even with the braid, all that muck can absorb some of the shock a strike provides. most of the time i use a powel 804c but from time to time i use a loomis mosseyback flippin rod. as for the reel, i def recomend a quality reel with quality gears, you wouldnt want to strip a reel out during a tournament on a pig and 65lb braid can make that happen.