I'm not really up on all of the rods and reels. I can't afford to buy the "good" stuff. i.e. G-Loomis, Calcuttas, etc., etc. But I believe the stuff you're getting is good quality. I have a couple of Berkley Lightening Rods and a Shimano Convergance rod. All of which are outfitted with Okuma reels. I do have a Calcutta 50 that I picked up for $70(barely used, $170 new). There is a noticable difference. You should be able to put together some good combos for around $100. I actually took Angler of the Year in our small float tube club last year with some of the cheapest equipment you can get. I'm talking $25-$35 combos. So, unless you have a bunch of money, I'd say keep it simple. If I go at all this weekend, it will have to be Friday night. I'm not sure about the tackle shops because I live in Bakersfield. Check the phone book. When you get that boat, head south towards the dam and fish the first point(Lure Point). The people at the marina will tell you where it's at. There's also a couple of humps(little islands if the waters low enough) out in front of the middle of the dam. They may be marked with buoys. This should be another spot to find fish. The Margarita Mutilators should for sure get you some fish.