Aberdeen hooks are ideal for most baits when fishing over clean ground. The fine wire versions are particularly good for worm baits. Always choose quality hooks such as Mustad or Varivas from Veals.

Mustad Vikings are the hooks to use on rough ground. They are very strong, hold a big bait and are easy to sharpen. I tend to use these hooks from the pier in winter as well as they are less likely to straighten when lifting a good fish. Mustad also do the 79510 pattern for use on pennel rigs.

Plain leads are often used on rough ground as they are less likely to snag in the kelp, although there are a number of anglers who swear by grip leads as they are less likely to roll into crevasses and snag.

Swivel leads are great for close in fishing when you want the bait to move around. These leads are designed for carp anglers and are generally not available from sea angling stores. In a strong current it is worth trying one of the flattened swivel leads to reduce tangles and hold the bottom more. An ideal weight for thee leads is 2 to 3oz.

Breakaway leads are the standard beach lead, and are mainly 4 or 5oz. During rough weather a 6oz lead can often be required. There are a number of types available including ones from Breakaway which incorporate a bait release. My preference is the egg shaped breakaways which cast very well. Gemini leads are good but the grip can sometimes fail to release making heavy work of winding in, plus gravel often jams in the recess which holds the grip wires in place and can be a pain to get out. Not ideal with freezing fingers.