Surf fishing can be a blast and the setup is very basic, which allows many anglers to try surf fishing while on vacation.

Fishing Rod: A medium-heavy rod will do. A good 7 foot rod will work fine, but you can pick up longer rods that are made just for surf fishing. Rods from 8 to 12 feet long are common among surf anglers, but you don't have to use the longer rods to fish the surf. The fishing rods made for surf fishing are typically made to resist corroding from the salt water, which is something your fresh water rod and reel may not be suited for. If you are on a vacation and you brought your fresh water gear, just make sure to rinse your rod and reel in fresh water once you are done fishing each day. Excellent Surf Rods from G. Loomis.Excellent Surf Rods from St. Croix.

Fishing Reel: A good medium to large spinning reel will work well in the surf. Remember….rinse it out with fresh water once you are done each day. Okuma Avenger A Spinning Reels (AV55a and larger)Daiwa Exceler Spinning Reels (EXC3500orEXC4000)

Fishing Line: 14 to 20 pound test line will be fine for most fish in the surf. We would  recommend going with 20 pound test just in case you run into something big. Yo-Zuri Hybrid Fishing Lines.

Rigs and Setups: 2 hook bottom rigs and fireball rigs are common surf fishing rigs. You can buy live bait rigs already pre-rigged for you at most of your bait and tackle shops near the ocean. If you are setting up your own rig, one hook and a pyramid sinker about 12 inches below the hook (like a drop shot rig) will work fine for fishing the surf. Here is a nice selection of inexpensive Rigs

Baits to Use: Natural baits such as shrimp, bloodworms, squid, mullet and other types of bait fish will get plenty of bites along the surf. Make sure to stop in and talk to someone at a local bait and tackle shop. They should be able to keep you up to date with what's biting on what. The time of year will dictate what types of fish are close to shore and that will dictate what type of baits to use.