catching ghost shrimp or other bait this time of year.

I have been coming down to gulf shores and fishing from the pier and where ever else I am able for about 10 years. I try to get some live shrimp or fiddlers this time of year. Last year at Christmas, It was not easy to buy or locate the bait.
This year I made a slurp gun for ghost shrimp and I have a cast net. I am from north missisippi and I am not schooled in the ways of the gulf as well as I want to be. I thank all of you who post and I can glean from your knowledge.

My question is: Can I catch bait this time of year? particularly ghost shrimp. Or is it a waste of time?
What are my options?

How is the bait situation right now? I am coming down on the morning of the 26th and stay for 3 nights on this trip.

I appreciate your time and efforts.

-Chilliplow

Best bet is to search post for Pier# he has a guide service and is a wealth of information he will probably chime in shortly great guy. There are a lot of post on ghost shrimp search it and see what comes up.