I have a couple of Dobyns Extreme 784 rods that I use for Carolina rigging. Before that I used a Kistler Helium 7-6 H action, and before that I used a Falcon lizard dragger. If you don't have the space for a long rod a Dobyns 734, 744 or 745 work great also.
Reels I use for my Carolina rig are the Daiwa Tatula 150 HS and the Lews Super Duty wide spool. The Lews BB1 Pro with the large cranking knobs is another good choice.

I mostly use a 1/2-3/4 oz egg sinker but for shallow fishing through flooded grass I have been using a 3/8 tungsten weight and a short leader. The lighter smaller weight comes through the grass better.

I used to use braid as my main line but have gone to 20# invizx for my main line when I use the 1/2 to 3/4 oz weights. One reason for the switch is because when my weight gets stuck I can pull the line tight and then snap it back toward where I am hung up and with the stretch in the line it seems to snap off better and I can then shake it over what it was hung up on. With braid and zero stretch I used to have to troll to the other side of what I was hung up on (timber) to get it off. I could not get it to snap off with braid. On my light 3/8 oz Carolina rig I use 15# test P Line CXX because I want a strong line but don't feel the need to have a 20# main line.

I picked up the same rod when they had their 40% off sale. It's been a great rod for C-Rigs which is all I've used it for so far.

I am really starting to love a C-Rig. I'm not sure I've found something as effective at any depth. I love the fry on it right now, but senkos are always money.

By the way, the ALX Dragger is a great C-Rig rod. Give them a look.

I caught 14 last night in 3 hours all but 1 on a c-rig or drop shot. Worm must dangling out there works.

They make 3 different sizes of bobber stoppers.

I use like 10 bobber stops before and after the weight since the ones I have slip.

Wow, I just use a swivel and it works fine. 10 bobber stoppers... I will pass on that. I have never had an issue with using a swivel. Some people think it is better to have less knots but if you tie a good knot you shouldn't have any problems. I don't. Never have.

I bought bobber stops on Amazon. It was like 600 bobber stops for 8 bucks or so. I have plenty of them. Can adjust your leader length whenever you want and if you break off, almost all the time you keep your weight.

You have brakes on your Carolina rig?

You bet, ABS brakes at that.

Don't need no stinking brakes

Too many gimmicks normally mean trouble. Weight, swivel, hook......bead optional is all you need.
I fished the same Carolina rig last year for almost 2 months before I broke off on some rocks on the side of a road bed.

Keep it simple. No need to overthink it.