I use steel leaders exclusively any where Mr. Blue might be! Hoofers is right on, get yourself an inexpensive surf rod, do not skimp on the reel, but don't go over board either, a reel can go bad long before a rod will when you hook into a big one. 20 pound test will be fine for almost any surf fishing. Now if you are bottom fishing from a boat then get a stiff salt water rod and load that puppy up with some 30+ pound test line, there will be times you may actually have a pound of lead on it and that may be in water over 100 foot deep.

Oh yea and just to say it one more time, DO NOT STICK YOU FINGER IN A BLUES MOUTH!!!!! I know a guy who lost a finger to one.