Get yourself a graphite rod and 6' to 6'6" long, a good quality bait caster reel filled with 15lb to 20lb braid. You will get the hang of it and when you do you will wonder why you haven't been using it earlier. If your not a fan of bait caster reels, you will have to get yourself a good spinning reel. As far as lures go there are too many to mention, but a good start would be some spinnerbaits and hard bodied lures in different sizes and different diving depths.
I hope that will help you a bit mate.