Party Boat Advice

[Hookmanski]

Hey all,

I'm mostly a freshwater angler, but have done some saltwater fishing too, only ever from shore. I'm getting ready to try a party boat for the first time and I couldn't be more excited! That said I have a few questions before i schedule a trip.

My first question is what do I have the best chance of catching? I've never caught a striper in my life and would really like to do that, but I hear I may have a better chance of actually catching fish if I target sea bass/porgies. I'd be happy catching anything, so I'd really like to hear peoples opinions on it.

Next, what's your favorite party boat? I'm definitely going to sail with one of the site sponsors, but they all seem great and I'm having a tough time deciding!

Lastly, I have very little in the ways of saltwater gear and tackle. Most boats have rental rods so I'm most likely going to do that, but what about bait? I know some boats supply bait, usually clams, but if something else works better I'd make the stop and a B&T shop to help ensure I catch something. Hell, I'd be happy if the only thing I caught all day was a peanut bunker, but I want to catch as many different species as I can.

Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie!