Used Saltwater Fishing Tackle

My grandfather was a sailor/sail boat craftsman/fisherman, I took up the hobby after he passed, but unfortunately I was never lucky enough to get any advice from him. I consider myself still starting out, pretty much everything I know is self taught from watching other people and learning. I've never seen a real credible looking fishing book, I figured I could appeal to the great minds of the net.

I've taken a love to pier fishing - I usually use a self made slide halibut rig, 20 lb test, conventional Newell P-332f reel on a light - medium rod. I've noticed more bites on Mackerel primarily. If there's any experienced pier fishermen or ocean fishermen, I would love to hear your advice / techniques / bait / set up / etc. I'm really trying to get better at this, but I don't have much to learn from.