No luck today....

I tried the pier for the first time this afternoon. We tried using a rig with 1oz pyramid weight and 2 hooks baited with frozen shrimp- just as directed by the young guy in the pier bait shop. I was on the pier from about 1:30-5 with my 4 and 6 year old boys. Had a great time, though they were a little disappointed about the lack of fish.

We were dropping them to the bottom, then lifting up slightly. Can anyone tell me if we're on the right track? I was told the bite shut down when the wind slowed so I understand slow fishing- but being from the frozen north, just not sure how to fish in saltwater.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Tomorrow try a fish finder rig in the shallows. Near, but not on top of, the older guys you'll see there.
Kinda watch what they're doing. If you've got those boys with you, don't hesitate to ask if they'll help you get set up right so those boys can catch a fsh.

There's nothing better than seeing younguns catching there first saltwater fish, IMHO.

Check the size of your hooks, too. A #4 Kahles will handle whiting, pompano, slot reds, sheepshead, etc. With too large a hook, the little fish will just nibble off the bait, but with a smaller hook, the fish can get the bait and hook into their mouths and help your hookup rate. I'm sorry I'm not going to be on the pier tomorrow, or I'd help you out---there's not much better than watching kids enjoy catching fish. As was said, ask some of the old-timers---they don't mind helping out, and I'll guarantee they know a heck of a lot more than some kid in the pier shop.

Well sometimes its just not the right place and the right time. Fresh shrimp, or live bait sometimes helps if the fish are being picky. That rig works ok but you may be better to let it sit and let the fish come to you. If also helps to find the washes where there is a little more current, and looks for cuts in the sandbars. That's where the fish move through. Were you fishing in the shallows? I would try some fresher shrimp, as sometimes the frozen stuff may be twice refrozen crap shrimp that isn't really good. If it smells fishy, or feels real rubbery its probably old. Try downsizing the rig too, a 1/2 oz egg sinker, small swivel, 12-16in 10-20# leader is a great all around rig and it may give a little more natural presentation. You can jig too but I find its best with that just to keep it on bottom, and keep a little tension on it so you can see if your getting any action. You can also drag around the pilings and cuts with it.

Thanks for the input everyone!