Hey guys, sorry to ask such a broad question but I just found out I was going on a trip to Port Aransas and didn't have time to do any research so I'm hoping I can get some general advice real quick. I'm leaving tonight. Weather doesn't look great so I don't know if I'll be able to do any shore fishing while down there, but that's the plan.

What rigs do I use? I fish for cats and bass up here. Should I take my cat rods? My bass rods seem too flimsy for using in an ocean.
Where should I fish? I was thinking of the flats rather than the jetties. Which is easiest for a 1st timer?
What tackle should I use? Circle hooks? Size? Line?

My plan was to try tight-lining like I do for catfish. Is that good?

In all, I guess what I need to know is what is the easiest and most entertaining thing to fish for a first timer and what method/equipment do I use.

I know it's a big question and I appreciate any help you guys can give.

We just fish for reds/trout/flounder.
L or ML rods work best, you don't need or want heavy action rods, they break lines and pull hooks too easily.
20# braid or 12-15# mono works fine.
1/8 oz screwlock head with a bass assassin type tail or paddle tail will catch anything you're interested in. Grass flats with potholes is your best wading ground to get some action. It's not complicated, don't over think it.

That easy? I don't have any L or ML rods, mostly medium heavy but you catch all three of those with jig heads and paddle tails? I can give that a try, thank you.

Ended up fishing off the south jetty instead of the flats. It went decently well. Biggest catch was a 35inch redfish. We forgot our scale at home though so no weight. Caught a bunch of smaller things too. Went out on a boat on the 2nd and caught twenty tuna between the two of us. Was a good time.

You can use your MH's rods.. they just wont' cast the lighter jigheads as far. But they'll toss a super spook just fine. Bring some Zara spooks or spook jr's, and some spinner baits with no skirts. Put a paddle tail on the spinner and you're good to go for redfish wading the flats.. I'd stick with the topwater. Bone is great but any natural color will work just fine.. last I could tell, the fish didn't get the memo ;-)

Good job on the reds on the jetties... those are fun too.