Gotta start out with the right equipment if you want to be successful. I'm not talking about a $1000 float reel and a $1000 custom float rod, but you are really handicapping yourself running the gear you are.
Why not go pick up a cheap Shimano Convergence 10'6 spinning rod? They are like $80.. This will help greatly with keeping your line off the water when you are trying to make a drift... Also pick up a few balsa floats (2g, 4g, 8g, 11g) some shot, and a few small hooks (8,10's)..
Read up on shot patterns.
http://www.fishonlineca.com/Float-Fishing/...g-Patterns.html
Get some roe, some bags, maybe some 3" Gulp pink steelhead worms, a few small jigs etc etc...
Biggest thing I'm still learning is reading the water.. It's great to have someone with you to point out what you should be fishing and what you shouldn't be wasting your time on...