Welcome aboard!
I would suggest similar to above recommendations. I happen to be
a guy who prefers shorter rods, smaller reels (1000 size), and I use
10-15# test braid and always a leader from 6, 8, 10 pounds and
occasionally 4 and 15# leader.
The leader is just how I roll. I fish a lot of soft plastics and sometimes
frequently have to change hooks, or such. With a leader I don't have
to cut into my braided mainline.
In terms of freshwater fishing, I think people overestimate the size
reel needed to pull in big bass. That said, newer spinning reels from
the likes of Daiwa, Shimano, etc., are smaller today than what they
were from years past. I've caught dozens of bass from 4-6+ pounds
on 1000 reels. FWIW. The bigger reels handle more line, tend to
stronger drag. So whatever feels comfortable to you, get that.
Never fished Lews (I'm pretty much a Shimano guy), but if the setup
feels good in your hand and doesn't break your budget, go for it!
Good luck!
