My advice is the same as most of the guys. The Ugly sticks are fine for what you have in mind. Get use to using a conventional. Abu 7000s are great reels and will not hurt your pocketbook. Penn Slammer rods are fine to start with ($50).
Most of all, stay close to start with. In other words, don't head for the Vineyard the first week you're in the water.
Threaded Mode