In surf fishing size does matter! The longer the rod the better off you are IMO. Remember your suppose to be casting where the wave first brakes over which sometimes be a little bit out there. Don't go any smaller then a 8' rod, I would go longer if was me and if your worried about transport just make sure you get a two piece rod. For a reel you have to pick what works best for you. What are you use to fishing with? most people are us to spinning reels but for surf fishing I don't like them because of the weight your throwing out there. A bait caster is easier to handle the weight of the bait and weight your using. Keep in mind for surf fishing nothing smaller then 4oz weight will work most the time. I have a spinning reel on a 8' medium heavy rod now and casting is rough compared to my bigger setups. For weights I recommend a sputnik weight there really cool and work real well they have arms on them that dig into the bottom but fold when you real them in and its a regular fishing bead that holds the legs in place. All the other weights at some point roll and get tossed around and your line will wash up 100 yards down the beach. Also pick up reel oil and line butter salt water gear is maintenance intensive you can't just get home and hang them up they get filled with sand and salt so clean and oil them like there a weapon. 25lb test should be the lightest line you fish with any thing less your asking for that big one to get away. If you're catching sharks a steel leader is needed but I don't use them because I don't want to deal with a shark so let him bite off I'm good with that. You also going to need a rod holder for the sand and you can make your own out of PVC just pound it in and set your rod in it. They sell them with folding spikes for like $10. You need a bait bucket or cooler something that food will never go in. Once shrimp warms up or soaks in the water it softens up and there heads will fall off then you can't fish with them anymore. Most outfitters bundle the rod and reel and for $80 you can get one. Getting started in fresh or salt water fishing can be expensive I say put your money into your reel and just deal with a cheaper rod until you know its something you're going to stick with. fishing line? there are tons of options out there mono braid and fluorocarbon are the most popular and all have there own knots that work with them. I only fish with fluorocarbon and I only use seaguar fluorocarbon we've tried a few brands and seaguar is the best one. The fluorocarbon is invisible in water and will sink and is low stretch. The downside is its expensive and can take a memory and needs to be treated with line butter. The hooks should be at least 4 or 5+ don't skimp on these nothing worse then a big fish getting of and you realize your hook got straightened out LOL For live bait shrimp and cut mullet are popular. If you don't want to deal with the live stuff gulp makes some good soft bait for surf fishing.

To summarize if it were me a I would get

1. Bait caster reel unless your a spinning reel guy
2 10' rod minimum ugly stick makes some decent ones.
3 about 4 sputnik weights till you have your knots down you might loose some.
4 a few hooks in 4 and 5 sizes
5 25lb+ fishing line
6 bait live or plastic which ever you want
7 PVC poles for holding your rods in the sand
8 Nail clippers on a leash best line cutting tool ever

Sputnik weight you might have to weight to get closer to the water to find them.



I'm sure I forgot something but that should get ya thinking