pier fishing

[ducks & geese]

Today me & the wife ventured down to Oceana pier, to try our luck, the cost $20.00 for 2 it was a nice day. there were not alot of fish caught. I only caught 3 the wife 6. one blufish for me on a lure/jig about 12 inches. there was bait fish all over the place, including the birds terns, gulls & of course Pelicans. I think they caught more fish than the fishermen. Is there any secret to keeping shrimp on the hook? it seems like we spent more time feeding the fish than catching.. The shrimp were the frozen kind, will fresh shrimp stay on longer? Also is there a better bait to use? my fishing catch has been small lately. thanks. I really didn't see any kings or spanish caught. & 1 pompano. Thanks