As we have selected and maintained our line, so will go our fishing successes or failures. A mistake most newcomers make is not using a heavy enough line. So, forget the artificial lure fishing factors of limpness and castability. The new braids out there today are ideal. Don't use a leader and do tie a heavy knot, such as the Palomar.
Braids have a very useful property for some applications - they float.
But, as it lies on top of the water, the wind will effect it easily and cause it to move downwind quickly. Hook styles and size are dictated by the size of the shiner and type cover being fished. Since we normally fish shiners in and around very heavy vegetation, a weedless hook style is usually selected. And, finally, the hook must be sharp and as strong as possible. Equipment rigging is a matter of choice among shiner angling disciples.