I have fished plenty in the Gulf with bass tackle. Throwing gulp or real shrimp on jigheads. Even live pilchards/white bait, everyone calls them something different, free lined on circle hooks. I always use a fluro leader of at least 20LBs. you can also throw spoons on the beach if their are mackerel around, but you will want wire leader for that. Try to find a rock jetty or pass to fish with the outgoing tide. Fish can really stack up in these places. Don't forget to watch the spines on the saltwater cats, they will make you swell up for several hours.