I've never gotten the hang of baitcasters,
so I'm thinking a spinning reel. Since I'm in NW Jersey, I'll
probably want a combo reel that can handle fresh and sal****er.


-- Rob
as to gear, if you've fished for bass, you already have a "combo"
rig for fluke or flounder (2 things in Northern NJ) and weakfish,
at least from a boat.

if you are fishing from the surf, you will generally need a stiffer
rig to cast baits/lures farther than you would in most fw situations,
therefore mandating a longer rod (8ft minimum), that can handle
12lb test (usually more, to take the riggors of casting with enough
weight in order to hold bottom or throw lures big enough).

the typical rod is 9ft, spinning, big enough to handle 1/2oz - 3 oz.,
15-20 lb test.

there are dozens of reels available in every price range.

there are great rods also in every price range.

Mar 1 is the start of the season with winter flounder and striper
fishing opening up, BUT, most likely, the water temps are going
to keep the fishing mighty slow until the water temps are in the 40's
consistently.

The NJ DEP has online real-time water monitoring stations
available so that you can monitor the raritan bay temps, giving
you a pretty good idea about when things will get started.

do a search for "New Jersey"+"water"+"flow"+"data" and go
to the streamflow link, scroll down to "Raritan Bay".

-- Rob