salt water fishing from shore

Question
My family will be vacationing in January to St. Martin and want to try and fish from shore as the waters are kind of rough that time of year.  Can you give me advise on what kind of pole I should buy and line I should use.  Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
I am not familiar with the specific fishing possibilities from shore at St. Martin.  But in general, when I travel and am not certain of what sort of fishing is possible, I simply go with moderate general gear.  Nothing at either extreme, not ultra-light, not heavy duty,  

I like a basic two piece 7 foot medium action spinning rod with an apropriate reel filled with 12 pound test line and a spare spool of 17 or 20 pound test line.  This gives me the basics for most general fishing from shore.  I pack a few proven lures and put together a mini tackle box of assorted hooks, snaps, sinkers and other terminal tackle appropriate to the rod.  

I may not catch anything, but at least I can fish and hopefully have a chance.  I have found that such a basic medium outfit is easy to bring and effective in most circumstances.  I hope this is of some help in planning your trip.

-Rich