Hello Max,
I used to fish just like Ken says. Then I got smarter. I fish from the shore now. I would use a surf outfit and practice casting. When you can hit around 100 yards you are ready. I fish at SPSP regularly(at least 2x weekly).
I went last night for a few hours. We caught bluefish up to 18 inches, jumbo spot, dink stripers and perch. I also hooked up with one of those pesky rays.
My son K-man (11yrs old) caught his first fish ever using a bucktail. It was an undersized flounder but it made him happy.
I was blessed to have caught my biggest fish ever. She was a 42 inch 32lb rockfish. K-man caught him a 15lb 32 incher. My friend come down to the small boat launch and fish that area and to the right. I'll be there tonight.
BTW.....During the summer months the hours right before sundown, coupled with a tide change, just about guarantee a fishing lolapalooza