Catfishing Newbie Tackle Questions

[The Bill TM]

I have just started getting into freshwater fishing again and was looking for some advice on a setup. I will probably mostly be fishing from a shore on the Raritan River or Millstone River by me for Channel Cats. When casting I normally gravitate towards a spinning setup just because of my uneducated thumb.

I picked up two Aurora Pro Cat II rods, both are 6'6 eglass/graphite rods while one is Med and the other is med/heavy.

My questions are in regards to the rest of my gear, reel selection and rigging etc. I am currently using an okuma avenger reel with 30LB high vis yellow braid. I have a 2/0 circle hook with bait holders with a 1/2 oz egg sinker 2 feet above it and a small slipshot below it to hold it in place. For bait I am using chicken liver.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Normally when starting out a new type of fishing I will just sit back and watch someone more experienced than me (while trying my hardest to not get in their way) and try to learn. Unfortunately where/when I fish it seems to not be a popular spot.