TOTAL Beginner Question

Hey,
I'm a total beginner to Sea fishing basically all I have is a Sea rod and reel. I want start shore fishing in the Sligo area but want to know what is the best line, hooks, bait etc? All help would be great on this as I'm totally new and want to take this up as a new hobbie.
Thanks
Joe

m8 to start with would suggest

15 or 18lb main line ( for reel)- wouldn't bother with shock-leader at this stage!

Get few packets of snap swivels size-2 and few mixed 2 and 4oz leads and few 0/1 hooks

hooks!- would buy a few mixed shore Rigs (2 hook flapper and running ledger) with 0/1 or less in hook size! - see how they're made- then buy few bits and make yer own

also get few packs of 'shore 01 or02 hooks) mackerel feathers tinsels (pollock will take these!..macks all almost gone til next year!)

Bait- can be dug caught or bought - ragworm, lugworm or mackerel - remember your not feeding the fish yer trying to catch them so strip bait to cover the hook.

Have a look on the web at shore rigs will give you good idea how they work...and don't give up if you don't catch anything for a bit...be aware of tides (high and low) and rock marks ask around know where your going 'don't fish in the dark 'yet!'... enjoy and stay safe

and practice your knots, this site really helped me,

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

enjoy the time out and tight lines!

Take a look through this http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/rods.htm and this http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bait ... %20lug.htm providing you haven't already done so, it's quite informative for a beginner. As for brands of line, hooks etc, everyone has there own favourites, I've learnt from trial and error what suits me best. I don't think there would be too many that would argue against daiwa tournament or ultima powersteel, both very good lines. Do not by any means use a 4oz lead without a shockleader, your looking for trouble if you do, general rule, 10lb of breaking strain per 1oz of lead. Ensure your rod has a casting rating capable of handling leads on the upper end of the scale like 4oz plus. I use ultima powerflex tapered shock leader, 15-60lb, again there are plenty more to choose from. Hookwise my personal taste is kamasan aberdeen b940's, again its a personal preference, they come in small quantities so you can try out a few different makes to see how you get on and what you like best. I would recommend a size 1/0, will pick up almost anything on this hook size. Bait can depend on what is readily available to yourself, lugworm is a pretty good all rounder I find and is easily obtained, but you may want to begin by buying bait from your local tackle shop if they provide such a service. Have a good trawl through this site, you'll find plenty of link to helpful sites with rigs etc, +1 on the animated knots by the way. If you come across any anglers out and about don't be afraid to ask any questions, most will only be too happy to help you out. Hope this is of some help, not easy answering everything in one go, any questions just keep on asking, someone will be able to give you an answer.

Your best bet is to try get out with a few guys from the area, or join a local club,
But definitely start using shock leader if not for your safety , think of those other beach users ,
Good luck with it