So I am just dipping back into the fishing addiction. I am looking to head down to the coast from Georgetown.
Can't do charters and such at those rates but want some options, surf, piers, jetty, so on.
Only have a baitcaster setup right now so I'm expecting to buy more based on some advice too.
So if anyone would care to share some wisdom on options, gear, or generally avoiding getting skunked I'd appreciate it lol.

Where are you planning on going?

Hit one of the little piers in Palacious right on the sea wall by the ramp. Drop little bits of shrimp on small hooks right off the pier, towards the seawall, to catch bait. Straight down, drop, don't cast. There are rocks there. They're short piers and you're only a few feet off the water. Put said bait on a bigger hook with some weight and sling it out there. No need to cast real far. First bait fish you catch, get it on a hook and get it out there. Get back to jigging for bait around the pier while keeping an eye on your other rod. This is a great endeavor with kids in tow. Kids are bait-making machines and they have a blast doing it. Best of luck to you, sir!

Edited to add: There's so much bric-a-brac around there I wouldn't even try a cast net for bait. You'd only succeed in ruining your net.

Skeeter I have no idea. I'm open to suggestions.
Thank SD, sounds like a fun trip with the grandkids for sure.

Do you bass fish now? What would you consider your freshwater skill level be? Honest answers get the best results.

If you're a avid lure throwing bass guy, sitting around waiting on something to eat bait might not get your attention.
On the other hand, if you're willing to get wet and wade, many of your bass lures work just fine on trout and reds.

Current water conditions dictate saltwater activity, tide movement being the strongest, water clarity, high or low all will tell you where to go.

I haven't done much bass fishing. Primary has been trout, and cats on lake and salmon in the rivers of northern California. I just want something new and know enough to know I dont know enough.

It all depends on what type of fishing your doing but as far as gear look at Penn Fierce or Penn Battle combos. Both are cheap, good and can be found in most big box stores. These come in several sizes. Size will depend on the type of fishing your going to do. I like the 2500 for throwing lures and the 4000 for soaking bait in the surf. Braid on both with mono or Floro leaders.

And they say I never listen lol.

For reels I recommend the Shimano Sienna 2500. It's only $30 and the one I have has taken numerous trips to the salt without ever even requiring servicing. I spray reel magic on it occasionally. And for spots I recommend Bob Hall or Horace Caldwell Pier. Rig up or rig down. Fish for big sharks at the end, redfish can be anywhere, and the trout are thick both places most nights. Find out what you want to catch and then select your gear accordingly. Any of the reputable bigger spinning reels will work fine for most sharks and redfish. The lighter reels work great for casting at trout. Live shrimp under a cork is hard to beat as well as any of the soft plastics you will find at local tackle stores. A 4/0 circle hook and live mullet/pinfish/croaker at the bottom can be helll on the reds.

Wow, thanks man. That is amazingly helpful and appreciated. I picked up the Penn Fierce 2 4000, and a new rod. I'm hoping it's well suited to the work. I'm debating setting up my old baitcaster as a second pole.
Thank you again.
ps. still better than Sue

One of my favorite reels for the $! We use this reel for free lining live shrimp from piers.