Glad to have you aboard gonefishin
I like to keep it simple,,,circle hooks, I would suggest a size (eg. 8/0, 10/0, 12/0) but the same size hook can vary from manufacurer,,,I would suggest using something close in size to a 10/0 mustad circle demon hook or slightly bigger for stripers, which is what most anglers are fishing for in the surf this time of year (November). Use your circle hook and snell it too 3"-10" (3"-5" for drum, caught in mid Sept into Oct, 5"-10"+ for stripers, caught in Oct until Dec) of 80lb flouro leader which is also attached to a heavy barrel swivel,,,you then tie your 40 or 50lb shock leader, which is about 20' long, too the barrel swivel and your main line,,,your fish finder will slide up and down your shock leader. I hope this makes sense,,,here are a couple pics of the rig:
10/0 mustad demon - I use for chunks and small heads:
12/0 mustad demon - just started using with big chunks and big heads, I really like this size hook for those cows:
Folks are also fishing for blues. If the big chompers are out there, I would recomend using a mullet rig or something with a short wire leader,,,if you have any questions, just go to a local b&t and they should be able to get you hooked up.