Saltwater Fishing From Shore/Pier

Question
Hello, I am in Venice Florida on vacation.  What kind of lures and/or live bait do you reccomend for catching any/all kind of fish during this winter season?  And please help me with rigging tips too if you could.  Thank you very much.  

Answer
Hi Zach;
 Lucky you, fishing in a warm place.  Though I have visited Florida and fished from local piers a few times over the years, I am in no position to tell you just what you should be using.  Go to a local bait and tackle shop, not a large discount chain store with a fishing dept.  Discuss what you would like to do and ask his advice. Be willing to spend a few dollars on whatever bait and terminal gear the owner suggests.  Chances are those few dollars will buy much more first hand local information than you can get anywhere else.  A little hint: tell him you are a vacationer, but also let him know you are an experienced fisherman and if he treats you right, you intend to be back a few more times over the next several days for more bait and tackle.  If he senses you are experienced and a potential return customer, you are less likely to be "dumped on" with stuff he wants to get rid of.  Though rare, this does sometimes happen, especially if the proprieter feels you are inexperienced and a one shot deal.  Most small local bait and tackle shops stay in business by providing good fishing advice to their regular customers, unlike a clerk in a large sporting goods store who basically refills the shelves.  
 I hope this is of some help in making your vacation enjoyable and you catch a lot of fish.
-Rich