Welcome
. I don't know how much or how little experience you have? This might be a bit long. I will condense it as best I can
. Like LunaSea3 said, there is a separate forum.
Stripers and Blues will be in the surf pretty much everywhere in NJ. So, you can look to fish in many other places also. IBSP is a good place to fish. If you will be walking on, any area is good to fish, but A10 has pretty convenient parking and access to the beach. Anywhere on the beach, is a good place to fish. You just need to read the sand and surf and pick good places to cast. Read the thread Reading the Sand
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=3964.0. It has all the info you could need to figure out what is under the water off the beach and how to read the sand and surf. It has great photos of beach structure, explained very well.
Also, take a look at a recent thread Want to Try Surf Fishing
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=8915.0. There was a lot of good responses in there.
As for tackle, you will need a 9-11 foot medium heavy power, fast action rod rated for anywhere from 12-30# line and capable of handling anywhere from 2-10oz. If you are going to be primarily bait fishing, I would stick with a 10 foot rod medium heavy power, fast action able to handle 20# line and capable of throwing at least 8oz of weight. You will need a reel to match that. There are many brands and many price ranges to choose from. As someone who has been shopping around for a new setup, IMO, the best product for the best price would be a Tica Dolphin Rod and the Daiwa Emcast or Emblem Pro Reel. The Tsunami Airwaves are excellent rods as well and reasonably priced. If this is something you are just trying out or will only be doing a few times a year, I think the best idea would be to get a little less expensive surf combo and you can go from there.
This time of year, you will also need outerwear to keep you warm. I think waders are a must(unless you are a "polar bear"). They come in several different types and brands and can be a bit pricey. There is a great thread on Waders
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=3584.msg31381#msg31381 that you can read. Scroll down a little and read the response posted by Bucktail. That about sums up the different types of waders available. Keep in mind, waders can be dangerous, so you have to be smart and aware of the beach and waves at all times. A good waterproof or water resistant jacket or coat, hat and gloves are also a must in November.
Other tackle that you would need would be leaders, either 50# mono or fluro or 60# wire. You can use a simple fish finder rig at 18-24" in length. That is probably the best setup this time of year, but some people use hi low rigs as well! You will need weights too. Pyramid sinkers will probably hold the best and you will need them in assorted sizes, or whatever size your rod can handle. If you buy the rigs, they will already be setup with hooks. I always keep some swivels and clips on hand as well. If you will be there after dark you will want a light of some type, a sand spike if you want to put the rod down and a knife and something to cut the bait on. A good pair of needlenose pliers or something to get hooks out to is a must.
Baits this time of year can be clams, bunker, mullet, sand eels and american eels, live spot. Lures work very well also in the fall through the winter.
Best advice though, is to check out the beach and your surroundings and be safe. It sounds like a lot of stuff you need, but besides bait, I carry everything I need in an old army surplus gas mask bag that is retrofitted to be a surf bag. Also, give everything a try and see what works for you. You will find things you like and really dislike. Experiment with different baits or lures. Some days one thing works and the next it is a bust. Most of all, have fun. I am sure I missed some things and several others will post as well. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I think everyone here, is more than happy to answer them and get you fishing!
Good luck!
***We need to make a Surf Fishing Basics or Surf Fishing Starter Thread that can be stickied
!
