French Broad River trip planned

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I have made plans to go fishing on the French broad near the Biltmore house in mid September. I booked a cabin that is just south of where I26 and the Blue Ridge prky intersect. I have never fished on a river and was wondering if anyone had any advice on what to use. From the pictures I have seen the water where I will be at looks kind of slow and perhaps a little deep the owner of the cabin said the most people fish for catfish and smallies on his stretch of river. I am going to be fishing from the bank and have considered buying some waders but don’t think I will be able to use them. Also I have never tried using a fly rod but am considering buying a cheap combo like the Pflueger kit that basspro has its like $40 or so it comes with some tackle. If anyone has any tips on what kind of fly equipment to get would be great but keep in mind that its likely that I wont do a lot of fly fishing so I don’t think I need anything real advanced. Again any tips on how to fish this river are greatly appreciated. Thanks!