I have never done any saltwater fishing. Wanting to hit up the coast this year to do some fishing. What kind of set up would I need? I know absoultely nothing about reels,rods,or rigging for saltwater. Also wanting to get down there and atleast rent a kayak ,if not buy one,to do some fishing off of.

get you a 6'6 or 7 ft rod with a nice spinning reel or baitcasting reel (whatever which one you like). shimano makes really good reels that will run from $50-200 or abu garcia baitcasting reel 5500-6500 series from $50-80. i use 12lb test and i think its plenty for the coast. i dont know too much about renting a kayak but you can check out this kayak fishing forum, theres lots kayak for sell. http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/

If you want to have some FUN...grab a cheap 8-10 foot 2 piece spinning rod with a good BIG Zebco spinning reel ( not a push button)...some 12 inch steel cable drop rigs like you might use for catfish, some #12 STOUT circle hooks and some 2 thru 4 oz weights, as well as some 4-6 oz spider weights. Then go buy some live or fresh dead mullet and fish from a jetty or in the surf, on the bottom. Use just enough weight to keep the tide from walking it all over the place. You might catch a bull red or 2. They LOVE chunks of cut mullet the size of 1/2 a package of cigarettes...but will hit a 3 inch finger mullet too.

I dont usually eat them when they are over 27 inches...but you can. Just be sure and remove 90% of the red meat. I think the best eating size is about 22-24 inches....grilled filets...with the scales still on and scale side down on the grill. Add some melted butter, cilantro, lime juice and cajun seasoning. Put a 1/4 inch slice of tomato on top. When the tomato is soggy....the fish is about ready.

Second option:
I use a shimano bait caster ( Calcutta 200) on a 7 foot med-light action castaway rod with a very fast tip. 14-17 lb test mono and 1/4 oz jig heads for plastics, Gulp shrimp or dead bait shrimp. I just bounce it off the bottom or slightly above it. You can also put a cork over it and fish about 2-3 feet deep. That ought to get you started.

Just remember to WASH your rods and reels in fresh water as soon as you stop fishing ! I take mine in the hotel room shower with me and rinse the heck out of them. Once i get home, I rinse them again and re-lube them.

Thanks guys! I dont care to much for eating fish. Just love to catch em lol. Hitting up academy this week for some new gear.

Depending on the type of fishing you'll be doing will determine what you should get. Just be sure that you buy good quality gear that will hold up in harsh salt water.

If you like throwing artificials then match the rod to the chosen lure, just like with bass fishing. Crankbait, spinners, topwaters, worms, etc. I prefer baitcast reels like Shimano Curado or Citica for this.

If using popping corks then a good spinning reel with a 6'6"-7' stiff rod is a good choice. No limber rods for popping corks. You can use this same set up for free lining live bait, such as croakers, mullet or piggy perch.

Load the reels with line in the 15-20 lb range. Go with braid if you're comfortable with that. Mono is fine too.

I noticed that you posted a question about your boat for offshore. If you're going to head out then you'll need some heavier gear trolling and larger line capacity for deep drops.

You can PM me if you have any specific questions.