Before you get into lures, there is the regulatory hurdle. Even in salt water you need a fishing license in most states, possibly all east coast states now. Getting one for New Jersey is doable on line, so that helps. This applies to coastal fishing within 3 miles of the coast. Further off shore in federal waters you may need an HMS (highly migratory species) permit for Tuna and possibly other fish.
For general purpose fishing a collection of bucktail jigs, diamond jigs, spoons, all can work. Spoons are very versatile for bottom fishing or casting. You can tip them with squid or Berkeley gulp. Poppers are wonderful when fish are on top, lots of fun. For casual trolling Mann's stretch 25 and 35 can be very good and are easy to fish. A spinning rig is not ideal for that, but it can work. I use a Penn 6500 for trolling once in a while when I don't drag out a Penn 113.
You can look on line for reefs to fish. Sometimes diving birds or bunker splashing are your cue.
At some point in the Hudson or Erie Canal fresh water regulations may apply. I'm not into that fishery so some one else will have to chime in.
Tight lines!
-martin610
