Help Catching Scup

Scup Help

Hello all, I've been freshwater fishing my whole life in Rhode Island but only recently made the switch after targeting trout to keep my catch for the first time. I've caught one scup on blind luck and a bobber and gulp sandworms. Since then I've been throwing high low and fish finder rigs with no luck at Rocky Point. I'm pretty sure I was using way too much bait and too large of hooks so I'm going to try again Tuesday with size 4's and much smaller pieces of squid. I've seen suggestions about using clam chum in a small sinking pot but wondering if that's overkill. Also I've just been using prespooled mono because I'm lazy and have had bad luck spooling my own lines in the past, would I see a significant difference using a light action rod and braided line? Been using a Zebco Saltcaster 303 and and Eagle Claw 5000 M/H Walmart buy because I'm cheap. Wondering if there's a porgy specific setup that will make it easier for a fool like me to see if I'm actually getting bites/my bait robbed. If someone could suggest a line and leader type and rating as well as a rod and real size that would be great! This would be specifically targeting them from shore, if anyone knows any tips for finding a good spot that would be helpful too. I've tried the piers and obvious spots but I'm the kind of kind that sees one other person who got there before for me and immediately feel like I'm intruding. I usually work my way to an isolated spot but feel like I usually I'm fishing in shallow water from a beach or rocks. I just really don't like fishing within 100ft of somebody, mainly because I know I'm gonna cross lines at some point and feel like a clown. I've researched all this myself but have honestly had the most success from advice on here so anything helps!