I'm a newbie! Can you answer these questions for trout fishing?

I would use a slip sinker. If you need to cast a long ways use like 6 lb line and a 1/2 ounce slip sinker. Below the sinker tie a ball bearing swivel. Below that tie a leader. I usually go about 30 inches. Then tie a #6 hook. Hook a night crawler or beaver tail worm through head and give it a shot of air with a worm blower(this will make it float off the bottom). If it is legal you can hook a minnow on instead but check the regulations because a lot of trout lakes don't allow use of minnows. Just cast it out nice and smooth and let it sink, then reel up the slack and lean it against a rod holder(I use a forked stick and push it into the ground). Trout are very easy to catch this way. I have fished trout all over the country and this method ALWAYS works. Good luck!