I've done just a little research and know that I could fish runs and river
mouths and maybe even reefs with my 8 weight...at present I have only a
sinking tip but have a spare spool for a full sinking...

I am wondering if I should go to a 9 or 10 or even more weight and/or
investigate ...ummm....what do you call them? "shooting heads?" Do those
allow greater distance or greater depth?

John,

As usual I come late to these discussions but I would highly recommend
getting Lou Tabory's Inshore Fly Fishing - 8 bucks w/shipping on ebay.
The best investment in salt water fly rodding you can make IMO.
It should cover all the water you will encounter from Maine to South
Carolina.
I'd advise using smaller rods than he uses but what do I know? I am
not fishing as he does for stripers the size of small Korean cars.

Kiyu