For attaching trace's, i use a 5 turn grinner knot best, never let me down yet, also don't forget to use an uptrace with certain rig's, as for rod's and reel's there is a lot out there, i would get a pike rod in 3lb tc, not a carp rod, as the pike rod is capable of throwing big bait's out a long way, as for a reel, most decent size reel's will do, but i would have a look at the okuma range, i've alway's used shimano's, but recently got an okuma inspira for lure fishing and have found it to be very good, i also have a okuma max 4, which has been excellent upto now, it sound's like you have a de