The best way I can think to help you is to suggest subscribing to a local and a large fishing publications to help you learn about fishing. What species are you looking to fish for???? As far as you knots go, when you purchase most brands of quality line there is a pamphlet included that tells you the best knots to use for that type of line.

I do quite a bit of fishing and I will tell you what some of my fav setups are:

Bass with plastics: 7' Medium Heayvy Baitcasting rig with IM8 rod and around $100 casting reel spooled with 20 -30# superline.

Crankbaits: 6' moderate action IM6 casting rig with $100 baitcaster and 20# fireline.

Spinning all around- 6'6" medium rod with shimano reel and 8# trilene XL

Trout panfish- 7'6" Ultra light with shimano 1000 spooled with 6# stren clear/blue flourescent.

I have other rods that are specific to species such as steelhead, salmon, walleye, etc. and technique specific rods also, hopefully this helps a little!!