Soon I am heading out and going for the Red Drum and Spanish Mackerel and I would like some suggestions on artificial lures that would work well for the Red Drum. I was thinking, is that I am just going to throw out one line close to bottom that has two hooks and a weight, one hook being 6 inches up, and the other another 3-4 Inches, and then have them baited with one hook being a live or cut shrimp, and the other hook either a crab or small croaker. But for the artificial bait, I was thinking that I would just throw out and set up the bottom pole, and then pretty much just use this pole with the artificial bait to cast out and try to get lucky and pass the time. Also, if you have any tips for any of the three fish Im mainly going for (Red Drum, Mackerel, and Flounder) please feel free to include them and any bait suggestions .Also,  Red Drum, I can probably fish piers and jetties for a few days. I am going to be stuck at the beach for a few other days, and was wondering if you would suggest fishing from the surf or the pier fishing for the Drum? Or which would provide more success? Also, for the Cut bait pole, about how far do I need to throw it out into the surf fish?

Thanks, and sorry if this is scattered, but Ive got to head off

Jake