I would say that's good advice from s63 although I have been sea fishing longer but have never been a great one for comparing makes of tackle. I tend to buy on instint, I generally know what I want and what for and wait and see if I spot something, often as not second hand.
He is right about cheap models though, the main gear teeth tend to wear down quicker on them, probably cheaper metal or alloy. I had two Ryobi reels in the cheaper range and they both did that eventually. And one reel that was actually on a cheap carp set up the handle just snapped off one day. So you want one with a bit of meat to it and good quality.
Mackeral and bass can come quite close in to any beach or jetty but distance can be important so a "casting reel" is worth noting, usually with a longer spool than a ordinary fixed spool and make sure the line is loaded right up to the maximum.
It is often worth looking at the wind direction of where you intend to fish, the wind behind you makes a big difference too in your face as far as distance is concerned.
I have three carp rods which I like using but some would prefer a proper spinning rod but I just seem to do OK with a carp rod and they will handle most of what I catch and like to keep things as light as poss. I will often use the same gear and switch to a float set up when I get a bit tired of spinning.
As to lures, weight is important, heavier ones will cast further or you can add weight but make sure it will cast well enough without tangling itself.
Generally a clear sea is better for spinning so look for when it has been calm for a few days and the sedimnet has dropped out of the sea. They are predators and will be using thier eyesight looking for prey rather than thier sense of smell when the sea is dirty.
Anyway good luck Pete, let us know how you get on, it is very enjoyable and a few mackeral will give you a good bite and fight and a you will know all about if you hook a decent bass.
PS, just one more little tip Pete, try and get down to the beach at low tide if you can, then you can suss out any little rock crops or gulleys in the sand. and line these up with a beach mark like a building or something so you remember where they are for any future fishing trips to the same spot. You dont want to be casting into the rocky bits but to the side of them and dont ignore the spot where the pebbles meet the sand even if it is close in, fish follow this sometimes as it is a food trap.