Welcome aboard!
I would like to suggest using the following:
4-6 pound test monofilament line
A combo pack dispenser of split shot. Try to get the round ones without the 'Tabs' on them. They are more weedless. Don't use those Rubber Core sinkers, fish are shy of them.
Buy good hooks. Try either Gamakatsu, or some type of 'Lazer Sharp' size #6, or #8. These hooks will catch light biters way better than unsharpened regular hooks.
Use fresh live bait. A worm that has been soaking for 20 minutes or so, is probably drowned and without movement. If Panfishing only, it probably won't matter, but for bigger game fish, such as Bass, Walleye, it matters.