What you are using will work but you will not have the casting distance that
the larger poles have. Your rod is not designed for surf fishing but you
can use it. Try casting 3 and 4 inch lures such as Sal****er Assassins,
sparkle beetles and other similar type lures between the breaks in the sand
bars. Bait fish will congregate in between theses breaks and the predators
will prowl here for food.

You may want to wade out into the water to fish to get better distance. If
you decide to wade do not take steps but move by sliding your feet along the
bottom. This way you will not step on a stingray. Sliding your foot may
hot one but they will move and not sting. Wear long pants to help protect
your legs in case you do accidentally step on a sting ray and protection
from jelly fish. Wear beach shoes or tennis shoes for foot protection.

If you do catch a fish, never put the fish on a stringer attached to your
body unless it is a floating stringer that floats away from your body. Many
surf fisherman have been accidentally bitten by sharks going after the fish
on the stringer.

Wearing a PFD for safety is not a bad idea if you are worried about rip
tides, drop off are other unexpected lost of footing.

Sarge