The gear you got is good......there are a few places you can fish around here there are piers in union beach,keyport,keansburg,atl.highlands and highlands they are in monmouth county.
You can also fish the beaches there but sandy hook down to asbury park is better for surf fishing.So i have heard, i dont surf fish any more so im sure some one here could tell you more on that.
there are also party/charter boats that you could try iffin you wanted to.
There are many bait and tackle stores all along highway 35 and highway 36......
well have a safe and pleasent trip,where ever you go!