I bass fish a good bit in heavy weeds. Since you appear new to fishing, I would suggest a low cost rod/reel such as the $25 Zebco 33. It is easy to use for the beginner fisherman, and you won't waste a lot of money if you don't get into fishing a lot. I would not go over 12 or 15 pound line, as you will likely not need it for bass. As for lures, try a topwater weedless frog. I used one of these in very thick weeds just last week with good success. Let us know how it comes out for you....