I will be going on vacation with my family and gf to Florida from June 23 - July. Whenever me and my dad are down there we love doing some fishing. Now I've never been a hardcore sport fisherman, just an average go out on the lake with my mediocre equipment once and a while kinda fisher. After watching the opening episode of river monsters (my favorite show apart from futurama and man vs. Wild) and my gf saying I needed a new hobby I began thinking of what I could actually catch in Florida with the right equipment. So I'm looking for advice on what a good rod and reel for some descent beach/pier fishing, and where some good spots on the atlantic and gulf coast sides in close proximity to Orlando. Also maybe some good freshwater spots open to the public in that area?

For the rod and reel, I don't want something that will cost me a fortune, but not something that will fall apart if I happen to hook something larger.

Also since I've never caught anything but a couple puffers and a jack (when I was in key west) what woukd be the best bait, line, and tackle for where ill be going?

Hope someone can help as id really like to get into some avid fishing.

Thanks,
Kevin