Lots of good advice. You can get by without a top-notch plugging rod, although it will cost you a little of the ability to really see what's happening down there (you'll learn to read your tips over time!).

I prefer the Maxima Fibreglow over the Trilene .. but go with a high vis to run the seams and such correctly.

Also, set your rodholders either real ones or whoever's in your boat to hold the rods as straight forward and with as little bend as possible ... that allows the plug to work better and the fish has a chance to turn before hitting the meat of the rod!

Good luck!