I will say take time to consider what you need, not want. In short the below items will make up the bulk of equipment required:
Rod - 7-9 ft casting approx 10-35 g.
Reel - Balanced on rod, 2500-3500 size.
Lures - Soft / hard lures, a few of each will do provided none are too similar to each other.
Lines - Braided line approx 20lb b.s.
End tackle: Jig heads/hooks (consider weedless) and perhaps lure clips.
You probably have items such as unhooking tools and waders, wading staff etc. A little more below:
http://southeastanglingservices.com/201 ... nt-basics/Regarding locations what are you looking for? Estuary's, tide rips, rocky headlands, bays? Have a look at such areas on tools such as google earth then get out there at low water bring a camera and take photos. Consider the ideal wind direction for that area.
Much of the success in bass fishing is the work you do in advance of the actual fishing. Use weather sites daily all the time thinking of how current or forecast weather patterns are or will affect the fishing. Some anglers keep a fishing log which can be a help. Hope that much helps a little for now.