Catskill Mountain Man
Explore, and implore to explore
Wire bite tippet is the norm for blues, but sometimes you catch them without it. The rule of thumb is that if blues are known to be around and unless you're targeting Albies alone, use the wire bite tippet.
For NJ or NY saltwater, an 8 weight is bare minimum for adult fish and I suggest at least a 9 weight. That's for a one-handed rod. If you only buy a standard fly line (not shooting heads, etc.), then go with an intermediate sink line. You'll use that almost exclusively. As for long casts, blues and striped bass often feed right in the wash. A zero weight will cast far enough when that happens but won't allow you to land the fish. Two-handed rods are nice when you need to reach out far and they require less arm action, so they are a joy to fish all day.
If the blues or bass or Albies are biting, casting isn't what is going to give you the sore arm.....
Your easily one of the best on the site. I'm going to store this info and use it for later then you might see me with a picture of a nice fluke on the surf with a flyrod in teeth.
Seriously, thank you.