Taking the kids to the beach this weekend for some fun on the beach(not a fishing trip, but I might be able to sneak a couple rods in ) . I have gone fishing in the salt several times but I have never fished in the surf so I was wondering about what I should be targeting from the beaches and what type of bait rigs I should use. I would love to catch a bunch of small sharks to entertain the kids and maybe some reds our specks for the frying pan but I am willing to fish for just about anything. I will probably have my kayak with me so if necessary I can yak out the baits. I apologize if this question has been asked, and thanks in advance

you going to padre island? Or going to be in corpus?

Sorry should have specified . We will be camping at " on the beach rv park" which is on padre island spot on the map
Sounds like I will be doing more night fishing than anything so I guess that means I should be fishing for sharks?

"On The Beach RV" is in Port Aransas and it's on Mustang Island.

For sharks you'll need heavy mono or steel leader, large circle hooks, surf (spider) weights and any large, dead bait you can find. Mullet, croaker, whiting, ladyfish, jack crevalle will work well.

Place bait in the 3rd gut, beyond the 3rd sand bar.

Go to Port "A" Outfitters down by the marina and they'll hook you with all the gear you'll need and probably bait too.

Too bad, according to TPWD, that its illeagal to use game fish as bait, like jack crevalle, to lure in other game fish.
Just stick to cut mullet and croaker those two never let me down.

Jack Crevalle isn't a game fish. Amberjacks are.

yeah sorry i get confused with those two.