What a great read! Thanks! Here in Colorado we throw the rig quite a bit! I have filled a limit in 5 minutes on several occasions. Normally it takes about 10 Anyway... I found a really good inexpensive A rig rod. It is the Denali Bottom Feeder catfish rod. (Ebay you can get them for $60 shipped!!! ) It comes in several weights, Google Denali bottom feeder and look at the rating page to see what weight will fit your needs. I use a MH rated for 3-5 ounces. Also I throw my big HUDD swimbaits and Mag spoons on it. It is eglass so acts more like a cranking stick. I have yet to have a fish pull off of it because of the "give" of the rod. I have paired it with a Calcutta 300 for line capacity.
I would also recommend watching those videos and learn to do it. I find myself throwing big cranks or football jigs with the lob cast.