Surf for beginners...

[RobinH]

I've picked up a couple of nice (long) rods with heavy reels to go surf fishing this summer. We've rented a house on the beach on St. George's Island, off the Florida panhandle out in the Gulf. Before we go down there I'm thinking about heading over towards Myrtle Beach to test out the gear, but am a complete and total surf fishing virgin. I mean, it is definitely different than fishing the way I'm used to, which is mainly crankbaits and lures off a decent mid-weight rod/reel combo, but I don't have a clue as to the what's and hows.

Even the most basic questions about rigging such as what kind of line should I spool on these reels? What kinds of rigs should I look for to tie to the end? Whats a good suggestion for tieing on, or should I go with a big swivel hook? I've read plenty through the forums on asking questions locally to find out what baits are working, but am also interested in - do you catch anything in the surf on lures?? I'm always into adding to my collection but have NOTHING salt water at all, except these two nice rod/reel combos.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I want to get as much gear as possible set up to test on the SC coast, prior to going to St. George's Island.