Good call on the compass, I usually carry one hunting but will make a mental note to get a water proof one just for fishing the beaches. Maybe with a luminous needle and dial in case the flashlight goes kaput.
I like both rocks and sand in my diet, challenge is getting the right mixture.
The best of all worlds is when you have both. Sandy beach with rocks sticking out. Like Philbin on MV or FPR in South County, RI or certain parts of the south side of Montauk, NY.
-B