Depending on the speed of drift and depth of water you may manage with a 15-20 pound class rod fishing a couple of muppets or a single shad.
If it's a fast drift on the deeper marks you may need the 30 pound outfit to cope with the extra lead.
Best take a couple of outfits anyway - sometimes it's not the conditions that dictate how you fish but the other anglers. Use a technique that does not fit in with the others and tangles will result.
Most anglers will use braid mainline - again there are often problems where both braid and mono are being used.
Always use a rotten bottom to attach the lead - and take plenty of leads!
Don't let your lead drag on the bottom. Use a weight heavy enough to feel the bottom and when it touches down reel it up a foot or two. You have to be constantly feeling for the bottom and adjusting your depth. Loose concentration and you lose a weight.
Fishing shads on the lighter gear is much more fun - and you tend to loose less tackle. You will get fish coming well off the bottom to take the bait as you reel up.
On a slow days fishing a bit of bait to sweeten the muppet or shad helps.
If this is your first go at drift fishing keep you eye on the other anglers - sure someone will look like they know what they are doing.
Advice - keep a sense of humour when there are tangles.
