boddah

Hi guys I thought I was a member here from years ago but couldnt sign in haha. Maybe it was another forum. Anyway I'm here and ready for the open water season!!!

Looking for some options on new rod and lines. For years I just bought medium rod reel combos till the reels wore out. Now I'm getting better equipment and have gotten shorter rods and medium heavy action. I mainly fish bass and pike and find the rods better for boat fishing retrieving crank baits and some trolling. I've also tried my bait caster for a couple years now and can't get the hang of it for casting. I mainly use it for pitching senkos. I also spend money on new lures only to use my trusty regulars haha. I'm looking to get a new rod and reel this season and some new line.
1- should I get a lighter action rod for the kind of fishing I do or stick with a heavier action?
2- I use braid on the bait caster now. Should I get something else to help me get better casts?
3- is anyone using fluorocarbon spooled on reels or just mainly for leaders?