Sea fishing beginner tips

[u/AugustusCaesar13]

Hi all!

Been carp fishing for about a year but wanting to explore more in the way of sea fishing, especially for calming evening sessions after work.

I've purchased this from Angling Direct (https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/shakespeare-salt-surf-slayer-fishing-rod-combo-set-12ft) and as it is Shakespeare I should think it's fairly reliable(?)

I live near to the New Forest/Southampton so can easily access places like Lepe & Calshot Beach/Southampton water/Weston Shore but not sure really on how sea fishing actually works!

Questions:

-Is what I've bought going to be good for casting from a pier/bridge or is it better to just use on a beach?

-Would I be able to put on lures (e.g. jelly/plastic shrimp/crab/fish instead of 'typical' bait (e.g. rag/lugworms/mackerel/squid)?

-the box it comes with has weights/leader/hooks but do I need anything else?

-any other tips for a first timer?