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Hooks: If you are serious about fishing then Gamajatsu is the only way to go and they aren't much more expensive... probably 1 dollar more.
Rods: use whatever rod you like
Reels: Use whatever reel you like but a baitcaster is much better for fighting the bigger bass... want proof look how many pro's fish baitcasters

As far as not horsing the bass in that is debatable. The more you play a fish out the more chances it has to throw the hook. When I hook into a bigger bass I get him in as soon as possible. Its the little ones I play out and hope they throw the hook so I don't have to mess with them. Once again going back to what pro's do is that unless they are using light line they get those bass in as fast as possible and I guarantee you they have 100 times more knowledge than any of us!