There are only a few times that the water is to big for my liking.
Big water = big plugs.
Gibbs GS3's - remove the middle hook and put on two 4/0 VMC's.
Needlefish - the bigger the better. If you can find one made out of lead rather than wood that would be perfect. Look on the black market for some modified HABS Night and Gale editions.
Darters - 3oz and up. If the surf is coming right at you forget it, but you can swing them in the sets if you position yourself right.
Bucktails - if you dont have a bucktail in your bag you shouldn't be fishing the surf.
Diving swimmers - Only one comany makes them now (Gibbs) and they...well we wont go there. Find some old Lupo's, Pickney's, Captain Andy's or slice the head of your favorite danny. These are not 5 dollar palstic lures, so be prepare to cough up some dough. People are known to hoard them.
Eels, find some big eels and shove some lead down his throat. The hook through the bottom jaw and out one eye will keep the lead in and prevents hangups. Lead slugs form the back of old plugs work well.
When the surf is big, think of what the baitfish will be doing. They will be getting washed away when the wave receeds and pushed in when the wave breaks foward. Time your casts and selcet your placements and you can catch.