Hello DynoDan.
First, I know that others will direct you to the following links and I know that some people are just looking for straight up answers, but please-please read these. They are what got me started and I always go back and read them for continual reference.
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/sho...or-Halibut-101
http://fishingnetwork.net/forum4/sho...101-The-Basics
Now, here are some of my personal tips:
1. Start small. Use basic gear and target perch. People hate it when I tell them this but trust me, it builds confidence and it helps you understand what direction you want to go with surf fishing in the future. I started targetting perch. Some people only target perch. Some want to go after the beans, halibut, etc. Trust me, you will figure out what direction once you start catching.
2. Try, try and try some more. You will get skunked. You will catch dinks. You will catch big ones. Just keep at it and get experience. There are two ways of learning IMO: 1) becoming knowledgeable through research and 2) learning through application. On one hand, you can read everything there is to know and you get out there with the best gear money can buy and all the knowledge in the world -- then SKUNK! Or, you read a little, get familiar, and then try it. You will learn where the holes are by practicing more so than trying to figure out the mechanics. I prefer a combination of methods and learn best that way.
3. Experiment. There are times that I listen to the S.W.A.T. guys like they are preaching the Bible. There are times when I just go against the grain. There is no "one" best method. Before some of the pioneers in hardbait lure fishing in the surf, no one would have imagined using an LC let alone an LC in 110 size. Try whatever you think might work and you will be surprised.
4. Fish for fun. Expecting to be a record holder or trying to bring home that trophy fish for dinner may lead you to give up. Have fun and the rewards will come.
Specifically, I would recommend a 7 foot or longer rod and a spinning reel at first. I would also try and start out with Crack and grubs. If that gets too expensive, sand crabs are plentiful right now. Go out when you can but I prefer grey light and sometimes evening. Eventually, you will want to learn about tide swings, swells, timing of the sets, structure, etc...I said eventually. Perch are easy to find and they will guide your learning experience.
Now go get em!
Ken