Are you going to be fishing from shore or a boat? I get almost all of my bait from "My Wife's Rod/Reel Repair" just outside of sea isle and The Girls Place in Port Elizabeth.
As for corsons, don't waste your time in the back bay part of it. Some guys like fishing the beach out in front of Corsons, but I don't.
For this spring head out when you hear of the first striper being caught off the beach (prob around march/april). Pick a spot and throw out some fresh clam or clam bellies. Dead stick the rod(stay close to it), don't allow the fish to run before setting the hook. I use 7/0 octopus hooks for clam. You can also try some fresh bunker on another setup with a 9/0-10/0 hook. I personally use baitfeeders for bunker.
If you have any questions about bait/rigs/rod and reel setup, e-mail me at
[email protected]. I am always willing to help and even fish with you if you want.