Best rod I've found is a Shakespere "ugly stick" (that's the name of it!)-about a 6 foot rod is a good size with a reel loaded with 15 to 20lb. test.(a good reel is a shimano spinning reel--most large shimano's will hold 15lb. test.)
As for bait, bloodworms, squid, minnows and any kind of cut bait-(cut spot is real good if the spot is fresh and bloody)
When flounders start bighting good, try using a regular bottom rig with 2/0 short shank hooks and put a long strip of squid on each hook and a minnow hooked in the tail. (sometimes I'll put squid and 2 minnows on bottom hook-caught most of my largest flounders doing this trick! One I caught last year went almost 5lbs and I caught him on two HUGE minnows and a large piece of squid)
If the crabs are'nt bad, let the minnows swim around---if there's lots of crabs though, you might have to hook the minnow thru the lips or eyes and troll them.
Another good tip---if your going to fish on piers, invest in a pier drop net-about 36 inches in diameter. You'll need this for those 5 lb type flounders!
Good luck!
Bye---Flounder101 in Va. Beach