re: Help with fishing pole purchase

I got a couple $20 quantum optix spinning reels that still run like champs with salt use. I'd go for that for now, since you're gonna be buying a lot of tackle and other equipment too. Upgrade/buy more later if you desire. Rods I'd look at all stars, cast aways, shimano, whatever you can find of a decent brand in the $50ish dollar range. Medium action, 7'.

Same tackle DLauw said, throw in gulp shrimp, khale hooks for live bait (3/0 is probably good) and I like clip on rattle corks, easy to adjust the depth or remove. I like matrix shad too.