Beginner at surf fishing (socal OC)

TLDR at bottom

Hey all, I’m sure this has been asked plenty of times but still feeling overwhelmed with all the options from watching so many videos on YT

I just started surf fishing about 2 months ago in socal (OC area) and haven’t had much success (yes ik I’m still very new) BUT I do feel my setup isn’t fully aligned with what I’m trying to do, but I could be wrong lol. I’m currently using an R2F 8ft Med Heavy rod rated for 1-4oz with a mod fast action, paired with a Quantum Smoke Inshore 5000 on a carolina rig

target species are surfperch, croakers, corbina, and eventually halibut. I’ve been following Benjie Kim’s setup pretty closely for reference.

I had my eye on the Okuma Rockaway SP, specifically the 10ft M+ or 9ft M, but they’re always out of stock. Looking for something similar in that price range. I plan to stick with the Carolina rig for now and eventually get into jerkbaits like the LC Flash Minnow 110 once I get more comfortable. Really just want a versatile rod/set up I can grow with and still have fun with the perch. Rn my current rod is just too strong for them I feel.

Any rod recommendations for socal surf targeting those species would be appreciated. Also open to suggestions on what line setup to pair with whatever rod you recommend. Thanks

TLDR: 2 months into surf fishing in OC, targeting perch, croakers, corbina and halibut. Current setup feels mismatched. Looking for rod recommendations similar in price to the Okuma Rockaway SP since it’s always out of stock, and advice on line setup to pair with it.