Hi Yankee,
I would start fishing around 7:00 in the morning till 9:00 or 1:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon. Gillikins area is always a good place to stare if you are driving on but if you are a walk on you can pick any of the parking areas but if you are not sure which one to start with #7 is an easy walk on and there is a nice hole just to the south of there always watch the birds.
As far as bait clams are a staple out there. I would recommend getting yourself a number of fishfinder rigs with any where from 2oz to 6 oz pyramid sinkers and 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.
For Lures you can't go wrong with AVA's in 17, 27, or 47. I also like the 007's which are the 1oz ones either yellow green or chartreuse tube color.
Plug wise I would go with a pencil popper style in either red and white or red and yellow. or poppers in the same colors.
I hope this helps
Happy catching
Paul