Fishing off of the beach is usually all about how far you can cast and knowing how to read the surf. My preference is to use a 10lb to 15lb braid line with a 3oz sinker to get good distance. What are your preferences?
I would still to go with light tackle. I try and use as light as possible. Its funny cause some people just dont do it cause they are afriad of loosing the big one. lol I personaly have caught some of my bigger fish on light tackle. Then again I mostly use swim baits or just plastics in general. Thats just my way I guess.
I use braids as well to get the line out there. I use 20lb in case that big striper swims by.