if i hooked up on one out there id probably fight it in as close as possible to the pier and cut the line getting as much back as possible
it can get pretty damn crowded out there especially if the weathers nice and its a weekend, expect it to be packed lol. but there should still be room to get a line wet, just be respectful, dont cast over anyone else, if you are around other guys and you are sight casting at a fish you see, if you see it first you get first cast, if it doesnt take or its a bad cast and you reel in, then someone else gets to cast at least thats how it was last time i went out there, but really just be respectful but at the same time hold your ground if youre fishing in your spot and someone comes up next to you tell em politely to move down a couple feet at least if theyre bumping shoulders, but this wont always be happening unless you try to squeeze out at the end when its packed
but usually theres plenty of area to squeeze in a decent spot
oh and freelining means not using weight
if you got some thin wire leader connected to a swivel then to your main line with no weight, thats also freelining
if you get some bait before you get there you should also pick up a couple sabiki rigs to catch more bait while youre there, ask about em at the bait shop if you dont know what they are, put an ounce sinker on the bottom of it and toss it into a school of baitfish and let it sink then bounce it gently along the bottom and the bait fish will grab onto and get hooked on the multiple little hooks on the rig, they can explain more at the shop when you buy a couple if you ask (sometimes spanish macs will attack sabikis too, or will go after the bait that gets hooked, so you may even catch a spanish on one... or have it completely destroyed by their teeth, which is why i said buy a couple)
if you are out there and hook onto a nice king or redfish (if youre lucky maybe a cobia) and all the sudden find yourself unable to keep it under control while also lowering the drop net to pull them up, usually someone around you will likely lend a helping hand, almost every fisherman i personally know and many i dont, and myself love seeing a nice fish caught almost as much as catching it ourselves
hope all the info helps, no matter what just have fun! youre out at the beach on the gulf coast of florida fishing the day away, no beter way to be spending it
