Introducing Lefty - novice angler

[lefty]

Howdy all -- this looks like a great site.

I'm very much a novice at this fishing thing. Drowned a few worms as a kid but that was about it. Some guys from Church set up a weekend fishing the surf at Cape Hatteras each year, and this year it's finally starting to grow on me. I landed a Red Drum right at 18", if my finger spread is close enough to accurate. (Threw him back anyway -- don't have anything to do with a keeper, even if he was within the slot.)

First thing I'm trying to figure out is how to keep this hobby alive. Can't afford to spend a weekend every month at Hatteras -- it's over a 4 hour drive from Cary. Can't afford to buy a boat to hunt for bass. I've enjoyed my saltwater experience, but I don't figure I've given freshwater a fair shake -- but I'm not sure where to start.

On top of that, the cooler weather is coming up pretty quick. Did I pick the wrong time of year to spark some interest?

All I've got gear-wise is a fairly light (by Hatteras standards) spinning combo (rated to throw 3 oz). I'm hoping to be able to incrementally build around that as a foundation -- I doubt I can afford a new rod for each new outing...

So I guess the first question is... is this a decent subject for this forum?

Thanx