You rarely 'set the hook', it's usually on the upswing of the jig that you hook into the buggers. Gotta make sure your hooks are super sticky and keep the pressure on them.
Depending on what you want to spend, will determine what you should be looking at..
The Okuma line of reels are on the lower end of the price scale and are a great bang for the buck.
My plastic license was only one year, he could get the office to see if it had been renewed online. Is there actually a list? Cause if so, I might be famous.