You should be good on the rod/line. I'd recommend getting a good quality reel for this heavy duty yet finesse (accurate casting) style of fishing.
I have been using Owner Flipping Hooks with the center pin and made from Z-metal or something that is meant for heavy braid and rods. It holds the bait really nicely so I never have to worry about the baits position. Normally on straight shank hooks I tie a snell but with these owner hooks you can't really do that b/c of the eye position...but I have had an increase in hook up ratio with these hooks none the less. I use a San Diego Jam, never failed me on braid or floro.
I prefer smaller craws for heavy cover, like a 3" Gamble BB Cricket or in cane with lighter weeds I may upsize to a bigger craw, 6" Lizard, or tube (Chigger craw, Any 6" lizard, Strike King Flipping Tube or Reaction Boom Tube).
Pick dark colors b/c it is dark under those mats (black/blue etc).
I use Tungsten weights...for punching usually 3/4 to 1oz for my part of the woods. But I go as light as I can get away with, but heavy enough I don't have to dink around with shaking the lure thru.
you will make a lot of pitches/flips and not catch a bass on every one...so just keep focused and flip away!