I catch most of my gills on a 12' to 14' telescopic pole with 6# line. A cork set at about 3' and a #4 hook and a cricket. "NO SINKER" if there is little to no current. This allows the bait to sink slowly. If fishing on bottom I use the same setup except no cork and enough weight to allow the bait to sink.
Birddog,
I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray. When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep. That in His mercy I be judged, BIG ENOUGH TO KEEP.