Did I get ripped off for my gear and any tips for a newbie to the sport.

Not sure of the prices in your area but seems reasonable. You forgot one piece of kit though...the HFing-GWS mating pheromone.

You got a great deal buddy

Hi
Really good deal, I would say. You have everything you need to get good fish, it's good stuff for a newbie. Now, you only need to see them.
3 little tricks and probably more if you ask for.

1- Always aim for the head, so you will always kill or miss but never wound. (Never think a shot is to easy, you'll miss it)Keep in mind the head, the head, the head....
2-Even if it is not deep, try to get to the bottom and don't move, you will never believe whats gonna come and look at you. Look behind, lots of them follows you.
3-This one is really hard but so helpful. Try to keep track of the condition when you see or spear a lot of fishes. (Tides,season and weather the day and the day before)If you are going to the same spot regularly and you gather those info, quickly you will never go out without bringing back good memories and good food.

Can you fish all year long?? Here it is to cold i got like 3 months when the water go's max to 18 celsius in fresh water and when you hit the 5 meters it is 6 to 4 Celsius. Salted water is even worst it's cold all the way through and all year long.

Wish you good hunt.

Simon

P.s: English is not my languages so be comprehensive about the orthography.