What basic ocean fishing equipment do I need?

For starters I would choose a high quality open faced spinning reel as the best option for a beginner looking for basic equipment. Saltwater is very corrosive to reels, you will want a reel that is put together well and able to withstand the rigors of salt water fishing. Choose a reel that holds at least two hundred yards of the line you will be using for your adventures. Your rod choice is also dictated by the species of fish you are angling for. Remember salt water fish fight much harder than their fresh water cousins. A light action Crappie rod simply will not cut it in the conditions presented by salt water fishing. I recommend a medium to heavy action graphite rod. A large supply of high quality hooks is also a must when fishing in saltwater. You will find that salt water is perhaps more damaging to your hooks than any other piece of equipment you own. They needs to be checked and sharpened regularly and changed when appropriate. For line I definitely recommend using braided or power lines with a fluorocarbon leader. The braided power lines will not be damaged as quickly by the corrosive mature of salt water. They can however be readily seen in the water. This is where the nearly invisible fluorocarbon leaders come into play. I like to pre-make a large amount of twenty four inch long leaders before each trip. As one becomes worn they are easy to replace and as a result you spend more time fishing and less time retying lines.