Some would disagree, but unless the surf is really flat and you have an easterly behind you, the 6 foot outfit would be a waste of time - even the 8 foot rod would be difficult if there is any sort of swell, particularly a shore break, as you would struggle to keep your line up high enough to stop it being washed in by waves. The 8 foot outfit would be okay from some groyne and marina walls - but you would have trouble lifting up a decent sized fish at somewhere like Cott Groyne if the swell is up and you can't get down close enough to the water - or you don't have a decent sized gaff.
I don't know how cheap and nasty your beach combo is, but for around $100 you can pick up a combo at somewhere like the Tackleshack that would be a great starting out outfit.

As for a rig, you can't beat a surf paternoster for a good alround set-up that will catch you a variety of fish and which can be changed around to suit the conditions.
If there are good sized fish around you can use 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 gangs and bait it with a pilchard. If there only seems ot be herring around you can switch over to smaller sized gangs and use half a mulie or a blue bait.

The big thing with casting is getting your timing right. That takes practice. Watch people fishing around you and if you see someone that appears to be casting accurately and getting good distance, then take note of what they are doing and then practice that method.

But don't fall into the habit of thinking you will only catch fish if you can cast it a mile. Certainly being able to cast a good distance gives you more flexibility - particularly if the fish are in a gutter that is away from the shore - but remember that the fish come to the beach or the rock walls looking for foods and quite often they will be right at your feet.

If you want somewhere that is good place to start where you will not have issues with big swells, try Pinaroo Point in the evening. Put a mulie or a whole squid on the gangs on your bigger outfit and throw that out. You can then use your 8 foot outfit to throw out smaller baits with half a mulie or a blue bait.

Another good spot to try is near the lighthouse on the north wall at Hillarys. You can try the same method. But I would suggest that you either fish there from just before sunrise, or just before sunset as the blowies are a pain.
(Colin 1 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)

Do you have a 4x4 or a 2wd as i will be going monday afternoon evening if you are interested

Thanks for the good advice guys. I try and get out as much as possible but those of you with young family can understand that is not always easy.

I do have a awd Ford escape.

Monday sounds good where will you be going?

Still Learning

Where would be the best tackle shop to go to in the North?

Still Learning

Mention you are a Fishwrecked member and you will get a discount. You will also get some great advice from Doug, Matt (Malo) and Blake - who are all on this site.
(Colin 1 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)

some top info there from colin

he knows his stuff

yeah definitely go the shack

great shop

pinnaroo point would deff be a good place to start and theres consistent amounts of herring there on dusk

i was catching all mine on a running sinker rig aswell

and theres usually a few tailor around there aswell

formerly fishoreub

Thanks guys, I need all the help i can get.

Still Learning

If you are having trouble catching fish and the bloke next to you is,watch what he is doing and if still in doubt ask him.More times than not they will be able to give you good advice on what you need to do to.

Morning Guys

 I am thinking of going squiding 2night at Hillarys.

Was just wondering where would be the best place, inside the harbour where the boats are or the north wall off the platform or the rocks. Thanks.

Still Learning

Ther are some regular squidders that go there most nights and they move around the place constantly. They will start off trying between Spinnakers Restaurant and the boats, then try off the Disabled ramp, then the lighthouse, then cast under the jetty behind Spinnakers, and keep rotating.

If you go over to the area behind Aqwa, you can get a few squid on the little jetty that drops down from the main wharf.

(Colin 1 - Co-founding member of the prestigious Colin Club)