Thanks for the input guys!

As far as rod length i've read anywhere from 12-15 feet and was leaning towards 12-13' to get us started. Don't think we'd need to go shorter unless there's a reason to?

I'm used to fishing bay & inlet.... bass, fluke, blues, etc. I'm pretty good with casting a spinning wheel. I messed around with a baitcaster when i was a teenager (won it during a game of Pogs... lol old school throwback there) but it wasn't ideal for the type of fishing i was doing.

Maybe i should get one of each-- a 12' with baitcaster and a 12' with spinner so the wife and I can see which each other prefer... then we can upgrade from there (im also debating how serious she'll get. I have a feeling ill be doing the fishing and she'll be playing with the kids)

Not new to fishing so live bait don't bother me. Biggest issue for OBX is transporting. Might put my buddy in charge of that (single dude driving up from FL)