I need help or info!!!

[Clammer]

People I don't know how to begin. i've really become interested in the thought of the challange of true surf fishing// I got the new Surfcaster catalog today . wow the prices./ I was planning to purchase gear at the Mass show and or mike's . but to be honest with you after 40 years of fishing I dont have a clue on what to get. You guys scare me with your knowledge of reels and rods . the way you throw model numbers of reels and blanks, and another web site lures, i.m lost. if it was from a boat or in the bay this wouldn't be being written. ps an open invention to anyone during the year that would care to do that kind of fishing, it would be a honor to have you on board. be it big or small fish from the boat either with plugs or bait, or roam the back waters from shore. the days of I got a secret for me is pretty much gone. I have a 20 ft quahog boat, a 14 ft f/w alum. on a trailer and a 13 ft fisherman canoe, so I the ability to fish any bay ,backwater or salt pond is not the problem. the problem for me is that I am clueless on what to purchase. I know to get outfitted for surf fishing is not going to be cheap I just figure if a couple of you buy or sell a house thru me i'll be all set////// seriously this is probably not the place for info . i'm hoping someone will be kind enough to e-mail me or better yet meet in person. conventional or spinning ?? both //// pretty expensive way to go and still wouldnt know size, name , weight ,etc.. PLEASE HELP /// this is the first real interest Ive had in some form of fishing in a long time. dont get me wrong I still fish, and get my share, but a burning desire has left me and you only live once and I'd like to feel that way again// THANKS//