Darren, I think that Nigel's post is very much to the point and I would endorse it totally.
With regard to which reel is the best, then this is a matter of personal preference. There are three main choices, fixed spool, closed face and centrepin.
Unless you have either large hands, or long fingers, I find that the distance on most models between the rod handle and the spool is a little too great for my hands. Also, the only way to control the line flow is to use a finger to trap the line. This to me, gives a very jerky movement and is not very natural as you trot down a swim.
A centrepin on the other hand is far more smooth and natural as you can control the speed by a little pressure on the circumferance of the 'pin.
As for closed face reels these are my second choice. A little tip here is to open the spool cover and turn the handle noting where the handle is when the spool is at the top of its spindle. Mark this point on the reel body and when you cast try to make sure that the handle is always there. This will allow the line to flow smoothly off of the spool and not to "bed" down at the bottom of the spool's travel.
As for rods, then try to use the longest one you have, or can get away with given the conditions you are fishing. On the Avon I typically use a rod of 15 feet and sometime step up to a rod of 20 feet.
For the best float control, and thereby best bait presentation try to fish off of the end of your rod, hence the need for longer rods. Vary your shotting pattern from time to time and the old matchmen's addage of "feed to your bites" is good advice.
Good luck with your experiments.