I would recommend the 9" Slammer to start. Rod wise, check out the Okuma 7'11' Heavy action. I've been throwing my Slammers on that rod lately and it works very nicely. The Slammer obviously only covers the surface to a few feet below the surface. Many times that can be the best deal going and the most fun :) but it certainly makes sense to stock some bottom bouncing stuff as well. The old Optimum swimbaits work well at night and they are priced right. I've done ok on Big Hammers and Castaic Trout as well over the years.

A good way to pick your baits is based on water clarity. If the water is clear, you can get away with most baits that work well during the day time. If the water is off color you want to go with baits that move a lot of water. That means baits with larger padde tails, baits with bills that push water, and baits that wake on the surface. No matter what the water conditions are I usually start with a bait in one of those three categories to offer the fish something that they can hone in on easily. If those type of baits get bit, sweet. If not, then I move to the more finesse presentations.