Sorry to suprise ya withe weights,but when the rive is high you need them,plus you can cast farther.

The 14 Ft rod was,well cheap,a 9-10 ft will work.A good cat fish rig would work also.

I did some checkin on cabela's and they have a Eagle Claw Rod,water eagle somthing or other for like 27.00 bucks and a Diawa reel for 50,little more than I would spend but you could look and see what you like and get a better idea.

Have fun we are all set for Memorial Weekend,it's a blast.